When an EPF member dies, the family may be entitled to receive several benefits from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), including the deceased member’s EPF balance, EPS pension and EDLI insurance benefit.

But many families do not know where to start.

Questions such as:

How can a nominee claim the deceased person’s PF?
Is Form 20 still required?
How can the family claim EPS pension through Form 10D?
Can an EPF death claim be filed online?
What documents are required?
What happens if there is no e-nomination?
Is the employer’s signature required?
What is the difference between Form 20, Form 10D and Form 5(IF)?

are very common.

The good news is that EPFO now provides a dedicated online facility for death claims by nominees/beneficiaries, while offline claims continue to be available. The current EPFO member portal displays separate options for “Death Claim filing by Nominee (Claims)” and “Death Claim filing by Nominee (Pension)”.

This guide explains the complete EPF death claim process, Form 20, Form 10D, EDLI Form 5(IF), documents, online vs offline filing and common problems.

What Is an EPF Death Claim?

An EPF death claim is a claim made by the eligible nominee, beneficiary, surviving family member or legal heir after the death of an EPF member.

Depending on the member’s circumstances, the family may be eligible for:

EPF final settlement
EPS monthly pension
EDLI insurance benefit
EPS withdrawal benefit in applicable cases

EPFO’s claim guidance specifically provides different claim routes depending on whether the member died while in service, whether the member was below or above age 58, and whether the member had completed 10 years of eligible pension service.

What Benefits Can a Nominee Claim After EPF Member’s Death?

The family should not assume that there is only one PF payment.

There can be three separate benefits.

Benefit	What it provides	Traditional form
EPF	PF accumulation of deceased member	Form 20
EPS	Monthly pension/family pension where eligible	Form 10D
EDLI	Insurance benefit where applicable	Form 5(IF)
EPS withdrawal benefit	Applicable where monthly pension is not payable	Composite Claim Form

EPFO has also prescribed a Composite Claim Form in Death Cases that combines the earlier Form 20, Form 10D and Form 5(IF) processes into one death-claim form.

Form 20: EPF Final Settlement After Death

Form 20 is traditionally used for claiming the deceased member’s EPF accumulation.

The nominee/beneficiary/legal heir can use it for final settlement of the provident fund amount.

EPFO’s current claim-form guidance continues to identify Form 20 for final settlement of PF in death cases.

What does Form 20 cover?

It relates to the deceased member’s:

Employee EPF contribution
Employer EPF contribution
Accumulated interest
Other applicable EPF accumulations

The amount is generally paid to the eligible claimant according to EPF rules and nomination/family/legal-heir provisions.

Form 10D: EPS Pension After Death

Form 10D is used for claiming monthly pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), including applicable family pension/death benefits.

EPFO specifically identifies Form 10D for pension claims and its Pension Manual lists Form 10D as a pension claim form for death benefits under EPS 1995.

The amount and eligibility depend on factors such as:

Member’s pensionable service
Member’s age
Whether the member died while in service
Family details
Applicable EPS provisions

Important

EPS pension is different from the deceased member’s EPF balance.

Therefore, a family may need to claim:

EPF amount + EPS pension + EDLI insurance

rather than treating everything as one PF balance.

Form 5(IF): EDLI Insurance Claim

The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI) provides an insurance benefit in qualifying death-in-service cases.

Traditionally, Form 5(IF) was used for claiming the EDLI benefit.

EPFO’s Composite Claim Form in Death Cases combines the earlier:

Form 20
Form 10D
Form 5(IF)

into a single death-claim form.

The current EPFO claim guidance also lists Form 5IF for applicable death-in-service EDLI claims.

Can a Nominee File an EPF Death Claim Online?

Yes.

This is one of the most important recent developments.

The current EPFO Member Portal displays dedicated facilities for:

“Death Claim filing by Nominee (Claims)”

and

“Death Claim filing by Nominee (Pension)”

for filing claims following a member’s death.

This means eligible nominees/beneficiaries can use the online system instead of relying exclusively on the traditional physical claim process.

However, online filing depends on the deceased member’s records and nomination details being suitable for online processing.

Who Can File an Online EPF Death Claim?

The online facility is particularly useful where the deceased member had properly completed the required nomination/e-nomination and the claimant’s details can be authenticated.

EPFO’s FAQ makes an important distinction:

If the member has died and a valid nomination exists, a fresh nominee cannot be added after death.

EPFO also states that nomination cannot be changed after the member’s death. For pension purposes, eligible family details may be dealt with by the concerned PF office according to the applicable procedure.

Therefore, families should not assume that a person can simply add themselves as a nominee after the member has died.

Documents Required for EPF Death Claim

The exact documents can vary depending on the circumstances and whether the claim is filed online or offline.

Common documents include:

1. Death Certificate

A death certificate of the EPF member is an important document for the claim.

2. Nominee/Claimant Aadhaar

The claimant may need Aadhaar for identity and online authentication.

3. Bank Account Details

Bank account proof may be required.

Depending on the process, this can include:

Cancelled cheque
Bank passbook
Bank account details

EPFO’s death-claim form specifically asks for bank-account verification through a cancelled cheque or attested first page of the passbook.

4. Children’s Date-of-Birth Proof

If children are claiming pension benefits, their date-of-birth proof may be required.

5. Scheme Certificate

A Scheme Certificate should be provided where applicable.

6. Joint Photograph

For physical death claims, the Composite Claim Form lists a joint photograph of the claimants among the enclosures.

7. Other Supporting Documents

Additional documents may be requested where:

Nomination is missing
There is a mismatch
The claimant is a legal heir
The claimant is a minor
Family details require verification
The employer/establishment is closed
There is a dispute among claimants

EPF Death Claim Online: Step-by-Step Process

The current EPFO Member Portal provides a dedicated death-claim facility for nominees.

A typical online process is:

Step 1: Open the EPFO Member Portal

Go to the official EPFO Member Interface.

Look for:

Death Claim filing by Nominee (Claims)

Death Claim filing by Nominee (Pension).

The current portal displays both options.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Death-Claim Option

Choose the relevant option depending on whether you are claiming:

EPF/other applicable death benefits
EPS pension/family pension

Step 3: Enter the Deceased Member’s Details

You may need to provide details such as:

UAN
Member information
Nominee/beneficiary details
Aadhaar-related information

Step 4: Authenticate the Nominee

The online process uses Aadhaar-based authentication/OTP mechanisms where applicable.

The claimant should ensure that the Aadhaar and mobile details required for authentication are available and correct.

Step 5: Select the Applicable Benefits

Depending on the available facility and eligibility, the claimant can proceed with the applicable claim.

Step 6: Enter Bank Details

Provide the claimant’s eligible bank-account information as required by the portal.

Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents

If the system asks for supporting documents, upload clear and readable copies in the prescribed format.

Step 8: Submit the Claim

Review:

Name
UAN
Aadhaar
Bank account
IFSC
Nominee details
Family details

before submitting.

Step 9: Save the Acknowledgement

Always save:

Claim/reference number
Acknowledgement
Screenshots
Uploaded documents

These can be useful if the claim is delayed or rejected.

Can EPS Pension Be Claimed Online After Death?

Yes, EPFO’s current Member Portal specifically provides:

“Death Claim filing by Nominee (Pension)”

for pension claims by the family or nominee following the member’s death.

However, eligibility for pension depends on the member’s circumstances under EPS.

For example, EPFO’s claim guidance distinguishes cases based on:

Death before age 58
Death after age 58
Whether 10 years of eligible service were completed
Whether the member died while in service

Therefore, do not assume that every death claim automatically results in the same pension amount or benefit.

EPF Death Claim Offline: Step-by-Step Process

Online filing is convenient, but offline claims remain available.

EPFO’s FAQ states that all types of claims can be submitted offline.

Step 1: Obtain the Death Certificate

Keep several copies of the deceased member’s death certificate.

Step 2: Collect UAN/PF Details

Keep available:

UAN
PF Member ID
Aadhaar details
Employer details
Previous PF details, if relevant

Step 3: Identify the Claimants

Determine whether the claimant is:

Nominee
Spouse
Child
Other eligible family member
Legal heir

Step 4: Complete the Appropriate Claim Form

Depending on the circumstances, use:

Form 20 for EPF final settlement
Form 10D for applicable pension
Form 5(IF) for EDLI
Composite Claim Form in Death Cases

EPFO’s current claim guidance explicitly identifies these routes for death cases.

Step 5: Attach Supporting Documents

Attach the required documents.

Step 6: Obtain Attestation Where Required

For physical claims, employer authentication may be required depending on the form and circumstances.

The Aadhaar-based Composite Claim Form has different requirements from the Non-Aadhaar version. EPFO states that the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar) can be submitted online or offline and does not require employer attestation when its stated conditions are met.

Step 7: Submit the Claim

Submit the completed claim to the concerned EPFO office according to the applicable procedure.

Step 8: Keep the Acknowledgement

Keep proof of submission.

Online vs Offline EPF Death Claim

Feature	Online	Offline
Convenience	High	Lower
EPFO office visit	Usually avoidable	May be required
Authentication	Digital/Aadhaar-based where applicable	Physical/document-based
Employer involvement	May not be required in eligible online process	May be required depending on form
Nomination	Important	Nomination/family/legal-heir verification possible
Documents	Digital uploads where required	Physical copies
Best for	Straightforward verified claims	Complex/mismatch/exception cases

Form 20 vs Form 10D vs Form 5(IF)

This is one of the most important sections for nominees.

Form	Purpose	Benefit
Form 20	PF final settlement after death	EPF balance
Form 10D	Pension claim	EPS monthly pension/family pension
Form 5(IF)	EDLI claim	Insurance benefit
Composite Death Claim Form	Combined death claim	EPF + EPS + EDLI, where applicable

EPFO introduced the Composite Claim Form in Death Cases to replace the separate Forms 20, 10D and 5(IF) for death-claim processing.

What If the Deceased Member Did Not File an E-Nomination?

This can make the claim more complicated.

EPFO’s FAQ states that if there is a valid nomination, a fresh nomination cannot be added after death. It also states that only the member had the right to make the nomination and it cannot be changed after death.

Where nomination is absent, EPFO’s claim-processing guidance provides for determining the eligible claimant under the applicable family/legal-heir provisions. In certain cases, a succession certificate may be required, particularly where there is doubt or dispute.

Therefore:

No e-nomination does not necessarily mean the family can never claim the PF.

But the process can require additional documentation and verification.

What If the Nominee’s Name Is Different From EPFO Records?

A mismatch can cause problems with an online claim.

Examples include:

Aadhaar name differs from EPFO name
Nominee date of birth is incorrect
Nominee’s bank name differs
Member’s family details are incorrect
UAN details contain errors

EPFO’s FAQ specifically notes that online settlement can be affected by name mismatch in a death case and indicates that a physical claim with appropriate authentication and supporting documents may be necessary in such situations.

Best approach

Do not repeatedly submit an online claim if the portal is rejecting the authentication.

Instead:

Identify the exact mismatch.
Collect documentary proof.
Contact the concerned EPFO office.
Submit the physical claim if required.

What If the Employer Has Closed?

A closed establishment does not automatically mean the PF claim is impossible.

EPFO’s guidance provides alternative authentication procedures in situations where the employer is unavailable or the establishment is closed. Depending on the circumstances, bank-authorized officials or other authorized officials may be involved in authentication.

The claimant should contact the concerned EPFO office for the applicable procedure.

What If the Claimant Is a Minor?

If a minor is entitled to a benefit, the claim may need to be submitted through the appropriate guardian.

EPFO’s claim-processing guidance specifically requires verification where the claimant is a guardian acting on behalf of a minor and refers to the need for a guardianship certificate in applicable cases.

Therefore, parents/guardians should keep appropriate proof ready.

How Long Does EPFO Take to Settle a Death Claim?

EPFO’s FAQ states that a claim is required to be settled within 20 days under the EPF Scheme.

However, actual processing can take longer where:

Documents are incomplete
Nomination is disputed
Aadhaar/name details mismatch
Bank details are incorrect
Family details need verification
Legal-heir documentation is required
Employer records are incomplete
The establishment is closed

Therefore, the 20-day requirement should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every complicated death claim will be credited within exactly 20 days.

How Is EPF Death Claim Money Paid?

EPFO states that payments are made electronically through NEFT or Core Banking Solutions (CBS).

Therefore, the claimant should provide accurate bank details.

Before submitting the claim, carefully check:

Account holder name
Account number
IFSC
Bank branch
Claimant details

An incorrect bank account can result in payment failure or delay.

EPF Death Claim: Who Gets the Money?

The answer depends on the benefit and the applicable nomination/family rules.

For EPF and EDLI, a valid nomination can play an important role.

For EPS, pension benefits are governed by the applicable family eligibility provisions under EPS.

Therefore, the person who receives the EPF lump sum is not necessarily the only person who can receive the pension benefit.

For example, a spouse and eligible children may have pension rights under the applicable EPS provisions even though the EPF accumulation is settled according to the applicable nomination/legal-heir rules.

Does the Nominee Get the Entire PF Balance?

Where the nominee is valid and eligible, the EPF accumulation can be paid according to the applicable EPF rules.

However, do not confuse:

EPF balance

with

EPS pension

and

EDLI insurance.

These are separate benefits.

A family may therefore receive:

EPF lump sum + EDLI benefit + monthly EPS family pension

where all applicable conditions are satisfied.

EPF Death Claim When Member Dies While in Service

This is an important situation.

EPFO’s claim guidance states that where a member dies while in service before age 58, the nominee/beneficiary/legal heir can apply for:

Final settlement of PF through Form 20
Monthly pension through Form 10D
EDLI insurance through Form 5(IF)

This is why families should check all three benefits instead of submitting only a PF withdrawal claim.

Member Dies After 58: What Happens?

EPFO’s claim guidance also distinguishes death after age 58.

Where the member had completed 10 years of eligible service, the applicable claim route can include:

Form 20 for PF
Form 10D for pension
Form 5(IF) where applicable

Where the member had not completed the required eligible service, the pension benefit route can instead involve the applicable withdrawal benefit provisions.

The exact benefit should therefore be determined from the member’s EPS service record.

Common Reasons for EPF Death Claim Rejection

1. Name mismatch

The claimant’s name may not match Aadhaar/EPFO records.

2. Incorrect Aadhaar details

Authentication may fail because of incorrect demographic information.

3. Incorrect bank details

Wrong account number or IFSC can cause payment problems.

4. Missing death certificate

The death certificate is a key supporting document.

5. Nomination problem

The claimant may not match the valid nomination/family eligibility.

6. Missing children’s documents

Pension claims for children may require proof of date of birth.

7. Minor claimant without required guardian documents

Additional documentation may be required.

8. Family dispute

A dispute can require additional legal documentation or verification.

9. Incorrect member records

Errors in the deceased member’s name, date of birth, relationship or service details can delay settlement.

10. Incomplete claim

Missing signatures, documents or bank information can cause the claim to be returned.

How to Avoid EPF Death Claim Delays

Families can reduce problems by checking these items before submitting the claim:

Checklist

☑ Death certificate available

☑ UAN/PF Member ID available

☑ Nomination status checked

☑ Claimant Aadhaar available

☑ Aadhaar-linked mobile available for online authentication where required

☑ Bank account details checked

☑ Cancelled cheque/passbook available

☑ Children’s birth certificates available where required

☑ Scheme Certificate available if applicable

☑ Name and DOB checked

☑ All claimants identified

☑ Employer details available

☑ Copies of all submitted documents retained

Online or Offline: Which EPF Death Claim Method Is Better?

Choose Online When:

Nomination is properly recorded
Claimant details match records
Aadhaar authentication works
Bank details are correct
The claim is straightforward
The portal allows the applicable claim

Choose Offline When:

There is no valid nomination
There is a name mismatch
There is a family/legal-heir issue
The claimant is a minor
The employer/establishment is closed
Online authentication fails
Additional documents are required
The case is complicated

The online system is convenient, but offline filing remains important for exceptional and complex cases.

Important Difference: Nominee vs Legal Heir

A nominee and a legal heir are not always the same person.

A nominee is the person designated under the applicable EPF nomination.

A legal heir is a person entitled under the applicable succession/family law framework.

For EPF claims, nomination can determine who receives the benefit according to the EPF Scheme. Where nomination is absent or there is doubt/dispute, EPFO may require additional verification and legal documentation.

Therefore, families should not assume that the absence of their name from the nomination automatically ends their ability to make a claim.

Important: Don’t Forget EDLI Insurance

One of the biggest mistakes families make is claiming only the PF balance.

If the member died while in service and the applicable EDLI conditions are satisfied, the family should also check the EDLI insurance benefit.

EPFO’s death-claim framework specifically includes EDLI through Form 5(IF), and the Composite Death Claim Form includes PF, pension and insurance options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a nominee claim PF after the member’s death?

Yes. An eligible nominee/beneficiary can claim the deceased member’s applicable EPF benefits according to EPFO rules.

Is Form 20 required for EPF death claim?

Form 20 is the traditional form for final settlement of the deceased member’s EPF balance. EPFO also provides a Composite Claim Form in Death Cases that combines the earlier Form 20, Form 10D and Form 5(IF) processes.

What is Form 10D used for after death?

Form 10D is used for applicable EPS pension/death-benefit claims, including family pension.

What is Form 5(IF)?

Form 5(IF) is used for claiming the applicable EDLI insurance benefit following the death of an eligible member.

Can EPF death claims be filed online?

Yes. The current EPFO Member Portal provides dedicated facilities for death claims by nominee, including a separate pension option.

Can an EPF death claim still be filed offline?

Yes. EPFO’s FAQ states that all types of claims can be submitted offline.

What documents are required for EPF death claim?

Common documents include the death certificate, claimant identification/Aadhaar, bank-account proof and, where applicable, children’s birth-date proof, Scheme Certificate and other supporting documents.

What if there is no e-nomination?

The claim may still be possible, but the process can require family/legal-heir verification and additional documents. EPFO states that a fresh nomination cannot be added after the member’s death.

Can a nominee claim EPS pension through Form 10D?

Where the applicable EPS conditions are satisfied, the eligible family/nominee can claim pension through the applicable Form 10D process.

How long does EPFO take to settle a claim?

EPFO’s FAQ states that a claim is required to be settled within 20 days under the EPF Scheme, although complex cases may require additional verification.

What if the nominee’s name does not match Aadhaar?

Online authentication may fail. In such cases, supporting documents and an offline claim may be necessary depending on the issue.

Final Takeaway

When an EPF member dies, the family should check all three possible benefits:

1. EPF

Claim the deceased member’s PF accumulation.

2. EPS

Check eligibility for monthly family/death pension.

3. EDLI

Check whether the family is eligible for the applicable insurance benefit.

The traditional forms are:

Form 20 → EPF final settlement

Form 10D → EPS pension/death benefit

Form 5(IF) → EDLI insurance

EPFO has also introduced the Composite Claim Form in Death Cases, which combines these death-claim processes.

Most importantly, EPFO’s current portal now provides dedicated online death-claim facilities for nominees, while offline filing remains available for claims that cannot be completed online or require additional verification.

Families should carefully check nomination, Aadhaar, bank details, death certificate and pension eligibility before submitting the claim.