Is My Friend Really Ineligible for Widow's Pension After Her Husband's Long Private Sector Career?

The husband of my friend worked in the private sector for more than 10 years and died due to cancer in February 2017, after two years of leaving the job. She applied for widow's pension at the EPF office in Dwarka, New Delhi. However, her claim has been rejected, citing "Final claim already settled in December 2016." Is she really not eligible for the widow's pension?

Dear Vijay,

You have to find out whether the deceased employee had withdrawn his PF and EPS accumulations consequent to leaving service before death. If the employee had withdrawn both EPF and EPS before death, the spouse is not eligible for widow pension consequent to death.

Consequently, visit the PF office and find out the facts with specific reference to the PF office remarks "Final claim already settled in December 2016."