Navigating PF and Pension Claims for a Deceased Son: How Can His Mother Proceed?

Dear Friends & Esteemed Learned Colleagues,

One of my close friends who was working with an MNC in NCR for about 20 months expired 2 months back due to illness. His brother is a nominee in his PF A/C. Earlier, the deceased had worked in Bangalore for about 3 years, and he could not transfer his PF funds from Bangalore to his new PF account opened in Delhi.

On inquiry, we found that his brother is a nominee in PF accounts at Bangalore too. As per PF laws, a brother cannot be made a nominee in PF accounts.

The problem arises with PF withdrawal, EDLI, and pension payment. Since he is not eligible and the mother of the deceased being the only Class I legal heir has the sole right to the same.

Questions Regarding PF and Pension Claims

The questions are:

1. How can the mother of the deceased claim PF/EDLI/pension of her son?
2. Should she withdraw PF & EDLI from Delhi, withdraw PF from Bangalore, and request the transfer of EPS amount from Bangalore to Delhi?
3. Should she claim and withdraw pension from both places separately, i.e., Bangalore (worked 3 years) and Delhi (worked 20 months)?
4. If by transferring EPS amount to Delhi, will she get a higher pension than she would get separately?
5. If she expires, will the EPS be transferred in the name of her husband?
6. What pension would she be entitled to based on the last drawn salary of her son?

Please guide on the legal way to proceed.

Thanks in advance for bearing with us.

Regards,
Amit Kumar

As death occurred while in service and was registered with the Delhi office, the EDLI can only be claimed from there. The PF amount can be withdrawn from both offices.

Member Pension Requirements

For member pension, a minimum service of 9 years and six months is required. In the event of death, the family will receive a pension regardless of the minimum service. However, in this context, family refers specifically to the widow/widower and children only. In other cases, it may be considered as member pension. (The scheme does not specify this aspect. Please verify with the RPFC). Instead of a pension, a one-time withdrawal benefit can be claimed from both Bangalore and Delhi.

Regards,
Abbas.P.S