Top News

EPF Claim Process: There was significant confusion among people regarding EPF; however, the organization has recently clarified how a family can file a claim for EPF funds following the death of an employee.

The EPFO—or Employees’ Provident Fund Organization—has recently provided an answer to a question that has been on the minds of many. Many people wondered: what happens to an employee’s EPF money after their demise? How does it reach the family? How is a claim filed? If these questions have also been lingering in your mind, there is no longer any need to worry. The organization itself has now provided a precise answer to this matter.

Information Provided by EPFO

Recently, a post was shared via the EPFO’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle explaining how a family can claim an employee’s PF funds in the event of their death. In this post, the organization stated: “Let’s understand Inoperative EPF Accounts: If an EPF member passes away while still in service, their EPF account becomes ‘inoperative’ three years after the date of death. Family members or legal heirs are advised to file their EPF claims in a timely manner to avoid the loss of accrued interest.”

This implies that following the death or retirement of an employee, interest will continue to accrue in their EPF account for a period of three years. However, after this period, the account will become dormant (inoperative). This could result in a significant financial loss for the employee or their family members. Therefore, to avoid making this costly mistake, it is advisable to file the EPF claim with immediate effect.

Which Form Is Required to File a Claim?

If a member of your household or family was an EPF subscriber, and you wish to file a claim following their demise, let us explain which specific form you will need and how you can proceed with filing the claim.

In the Event of Death While in Service

If an EPF member passes away while still in service, their nominee, beneficiary, or legal heir may file an EPF claim using Form 20. Additionally, they may apply for a monthly pension using Form 10D and for the EDLI insurance benefit using Form 5IF. These rules apply whether the death occurs before or after the age of 58. It is important to note that this applies provided the member has completed the requisite years of service.

If 10 Years of Service Have Not Been Completed…

If an EPF member passes away while in service but has not completed 10 years of eligible service, it is mandatory to submit Form 20 and Form F. However, to withdraw the pension component, a claim must be filed using the Composite Claim Form (either Aadhaar-based or Non-Aadhaar-based).

If Not in Service

If an EPF member passes away—whether before or after the age of 58—but was not currently in service at the time of death, their nominee, beneficiary, or legal heir may file a PF claim using Form 20 and apply for a pension using Form 10D.