Trouble never comes without warning, and losing the main breadwinner of the family is not only an emotional blow but also devastates the family financially. In such difficult times, EPFO schemes act like a security blanket. If any member of your family used to work in a private job and his PF was deducted, then this article will be very helpful. Learn the steps you need to take to get financial help.
Step 1: Death Certificate
Death certificate is the most important document to start any legal or financial process. Without this, you will not be able to avail the benefits of any scheme. You can apply for this online by visiting the website of the Municipal Corporation or local body.
Free insurance up to Rs 7 lakh (EDLI scheme)
Not many people know that if an employee dies during his service period, his family is entitled to an insurance of up to Rs 7 lakh under the EDLI (Employees Deposit Linked Insurance) scheme. For this the employee does not have to pay any separate premium.
PF and pension money
All the money (including interest) deposited in the PF account of the deceased is given to his nominee or legal heir. If the member has completed 10 years of service, his/her spouse receives pension for life. Apart from this, two children get the benefit of pension till the age of 25 years.
Bank and loan matters
Remember one thing here that never withdraw money from the ATM card of the deceased. This may be considered illegal. Instead, go to the bank and transfer the money to the account through a registered nominee by showing the death certificate. Check whether there was any insurance on the loan of the deceased or not. If yes, then the loan balance will have to be paid not to the family but to the insurance company.
How to claim?
Nowadays, EPFO has made the process quite easy. Nominee can apply online or offline by filling the composite claim form (death case). Along with this, you will have to submit the death certificate, Aadhar card and nominee’s bank account details (canceled cheque). Nothing can ease the pain of losing a loved one, but this little paperwork done on time can provide financial strength to your family’s future. Have courage and take the right steps to protect your rights.
EPFO Death Claim: Complete process to apply online
If the deceased’s UAN was linked to Aadhaar and his nomination was digitally updated, then the nominee can file an online claim from the comfort of home.
Step 1: Visit EPFO portal
First of all, visit the official Unified Member Portal of EPFO. Here, you will see the option to file death claim by the beneficiary.
Step 2: Fill in the required information
Here you have to provide some details of the nominee/beneficiary:
UAN number of the deceased
Name of Nominee
Beneficiary’s date of birth
Other information and captcha code as per Aadhar card
Step 3: Aadhaar Verification
After entering the details, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to the nominee’s Aadhaar. After entering it, the system will verify that you are the correct nominee.
Step 4: Choose a form
After logging in, you will need to fill several forms (all available on the same portal):
Form 20: To withdraw PF funds
Form 10D: To activate monthly pension (EPS)
Form 5IF: For making insurance claim up to Rs 7 lakh (EDLI)
Step 5: Upload Documents
You need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:
death certificate
Canceled cheque: Which clearly mentions the name of the nominee and the bank account number
Photo: Passport-size photograph of the nominee
Step 6: E-Sign and Submit
Finally, digitally sign the form using Aadhaar-based e-sign and submit. Upon submission, you will receive an acknowledgment number which you can use to track the status.