EPFO Simplifies EPF Death Claim Process

In a move aimed at providing timely financial assistance to the families of deceased EPF members, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a simplified process for claiming EPF benefits. This new rule, detailed in a circular released on May 17, 2024, addresses the difficulties faced by field offices in updating or rectifying Aadhaar details posthumously.

Under the revised guidelines, claims can now be processed without the requirement of Aadhaar seeding, making it easier for the families of deceased members to access their rightful EPF benefits. However, this relaxation is subject to the approval of the Officer in Charge (OIC) through an e-office file, which must document the verification procedures undertaken.

The OIC’s approval process involves meticulous verification of the deceased member’s details and the legitimacy of the claimants. Additionally, the OIC may direct field offices to implement further due diligence measures to prevent fraudulent withdrawals, ensuring the integrity of the claims process.

The relaxation applies specifically to cases where a member’s details are accurate in the Universal Account Number (UAN) database but inaccurate or incomplete in the Unique Identification (UID) database. For instances where Aadhaar data is correct but discrepancies exist in the UAN, field offices must adhere to the guidelines outlined in previous circulars.

Field offices have encountered several challenges in the past, including inaccurate or incomplete member details in Aadhaar records, lack of Aadhaar information for cases prior to its implementation, deactivated Aadhaar accounts, and technical problems in validating Aadhaar through the UIDAI database. The new provision aims to address these issues by allowing physical claims to be processed without Aadhaar seeding, subject to OIC approval and thorough verification.

To process claims without Aadhaar seeding, field offices must obtain approval from the OIC through an e-office file, conduct detailed verification to confirm the deceased member’s membership and the authenticity of the claimant, and implement due diligence actions as directed by the OIC to prevent fraudulent withdrawals.

This compassionate approach by the EPFO demonstrates its commitment to providing timely financial support to the families of deceased EPF members, while also addressing the procedural bottlenecks that have hindered the claims process in the past. By simplifying the requirements and introducing additional safeguards, the EPFO aims to ensure that the families of deceased members can access their rightful benefits with ease and efficiency.