Understanding and Completing EPF Form 10D to Claim EPS Pension

Understanding and Completing EPF Form 10D to Claim EPS Pension

The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) safeguards a significant portion of your retirement savings through the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS). This scheme offers a monthly pension upon retirement, permanent disability, or the member's death. To claim your rightful EPS pension, you'll need to navigate Form 10D.

Who Can File Form 10D?

Here's a breakdown of eligible claimants:

• The Member: Employees who have contributed to the EPS can file for a pension upon reaching retirement age (usually 58 years). There's also the option for a reduced pension starting at age 50, but this comes with a reduction in the monthly benefit amount.
• Widow(er): In the unfortunate event of the member's passing, their spouse (widow or widower) can claim a widow pension.
• Dependent Children (Orphans): If the member passes away leaving dependent children under the age of 25, these children (orphans) are entitled to claim pension benefits.
• Guardian of Minor Children: When a member dies leaving minor children, their designated guardian can file Form 10D to claim a pension on the children's behalf.
• Nominee: If the member has nominated someone to receive their EPS benefits in the absence of family members, that designated nominee can claim the pension through Form 10D.
• Dependent Parents: Should a member pass away without a surviving spouse, children, or nominee, their dependent parents may be eligible for a pension through this form.

How to Complete Form 10D

As mentioned earlier, Form 10D is currently unavailable for online submission. Here's a detailed breakdown of the information you'll need to provide when filling out the form manually:

1. Claimant Information:
• Who is filing the claim (member, widow(er), etc.)
• Type of pension being claimed (superannuation, reduced, disability, etc.)
2. Member Details:
• Member's name, gender, and marital status
• Date of birth or age
• Father's/husband's name
• EPF account details (regional office, office code, member account number)
3. Employment Details:
• Name and address of the last employer
• Date of leaving service
• Reason for leaving service (permanent disability, retirement, etc.)
4. Communication Address:
• Current address for receiving communication regarding the claim
5. Pension Option (if applicable):
• Option to receive a lump sum payment (commutation) for a portion of the pension
• Option to withdraw the entire pension corpus as a lump sum (return of capital)
• Designation of a nominee to receive the pension in case of the member's death
6. Family Details (if applicable):
• Details of spouse and children
7. Bank Account Information:
• Bank name, branch, and account details
8. Scheme Certificate Details (if applicable):
• Scheme certificate control number and issuing authority
9. Signature and Employer Verification:
• The member's signature and the signature of a authorized official from the last employer are required.

Employer Responsibilities

In addition to the member completing Form 10D, there's a section to be filled out by the employer. This section includes details about the member's employment, such as service certificate and wage particulars

Required Documents

Along with the completed Form 10D, you'll need to submit several documents to support your claim. These may include:

·       Two copies of the member's signature or thumb impression

·       Three passport-sized photographs of the claimant

·       Medical examination results (if claiming a disability pension)

·       Death certificate (if applicable)

·       Proof of bank account ownership

Processing Time

The EPFO typically processes claims submitted with Form 10D within 30 days.

Conclusion

Understanding how to complete Form 10D is crucial for claiming your EPS pension benefits. By following the steps outlined above and gathering the necessary documents, you can ensure a smooth application process.