Seeking Help: How Can I Claim EDLI Benefits for My Late Father Despite Service Gap Due to Cancer?

Dear Sirs/Madams,

This is regarding clarification on how to claim EDLI benefits in the case of death. My father was working in a small security firm since 2014. In June 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer. Our whole family was shocked upon hearing this news and immediately sought advice from an oncologist. Following the oncologist's recommendation, my father underwent chemotherapy and was unable to resume his duties from July 2016 to February 2017.

Unfortunately, due to his illness, we lost him on 15th April 2017. He was an ex-serviceman and was only 53 years old. I have filled out all the required forms for his EPF withdrawal, such as Form-20, Form-10D, and Form-5IF. However, when I attempted to submit these forms, I discovered that the security agency where he was previously employed had changed, and a new agency had taken over. I managed to obtain some contact details for the previous company and informed them of my father's situation. They informed me that my father is not eligible for EPS and EDLI benefits as he was not in service for the last 10 months.

I reiterated to them that my father was unable to work during his treatment, but they only mentioned that they would discuss the matter with their seniors and get back to me. Unfortunately, I have not received any further communication from them.

I kindly request your guidance to assist my family in obtaining the insurance amount and EPS. I possess all his medical reports, which clearly show he was undergoing chemotherapy from July 2016 onwards. Your help for me and my family would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support.

Regards, Santosh Kumar

Dear Santosh, as mentioned by you, "the security agency which was there earlier in which he worked has changed and a new security agency has come," it doesn't make any difference. The EDLI scheme is entitled on the very first day of joining the establishment. It is generally claimed through Form-5 IF. It is calculated on the basic, meaning 30 times the basic amount is paid to the nominee.

For example, if a member has a basic salary of 5000/-, the nominee would receive (30 * 5000) 150000/- as an EDLI amount under this insurance scheme. Additionally, you mentioned that they have informed you that "According to them, your father is not eligible for EPS and EDLI as he was not in service for the last 10 months." Kindly ask them for the EPF details, or you can also access them from the member portal of www.epfindia.com. I sense something suspicious when they claim your father is not eligible for EPS and EDLI. Make sure to verify whether they have made contributions to EPF or not. You may need to submit a copy of the Muster attendance Record of the company where he was working at the time of his passing, along with a medical certificate from a doctor to prove that even though the member was not attending duty, he was still on the company's roster.

Feel free to call me if you encounter any issues - [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons].

Regards, Ravi

Family Pension & EDLI Benefits

Family Pension & EDLI benefits are available only if the PF member is in continuous employment at the time of death. You mentioned that your father was receiving treatment between July 2016 and February 2017. What about March and April 2017? Did his employer grant him authorized leave, and have you submitted medical reports and a sickness certificate to the company? What was his nature of employment, contractual or regular? If it was contractual and the security agency's contract expired, say in March 2017, he may not be eligible for any benefits. Furthermore, if the contractor reported in the monthly PF return that the member had already left services, he would also not receive any benefits.

ESIC Coverage

Please verify if your father was covered under ESIC. If so, that could help demonstrate that he was under medical treatment and thus in continuous employment.

Regards,
SURESH