Employee's EDLI Claim Rejected Due to Short Tenure: How Can We Navigate This?

One of our employees has died in a road accident. He joined our company 5 months ago. We have deposited PF, including EDLI contribution, for 5 months. We have submitted claim Form 5IF with EPFO Gurgaon. EPFO Gurgaon has informally rejected the claim and returned the documents, indicating verbally that the contribution is less than 12 months, so the claim cannot be entertained.

May you kindly give considered advice on the matter.

Dear friend,

In the EDLI scheme, there is no clause that requires a minimum of 12 months' service to receive EDLI benefits. Section 22 states, "during the preceding twelve months or during the period of his membership, whichever is less." This clearly indicates that EDLI is accessible to individuals with less than 12 months of service.

I suggest writing to the Information Officer at EPFO Gurgaon under the RTI Act to inquire about the minimum service requirement for claiming EDLI, referencing the details mentioned above.

Abbas.P.S

It is very unfortunate, escalate the same to the concerned PF Commissioner. This issue seems quite clean and will surely get resolved.

Corrected Version:

It is very unfortunate. Please escalate this matter to the concerned PF Commissioner. This issue seems straightforward and should be resolved promptly.