Navigating Widow's Pension Dilemma: How to Handle Benefits for Two Wives After Employee's Death

One of our employees died during the course of duty. He had two wives, and now the issue arises regarding who will receive the widow's pension. Please advise on this matter.

Dear Thejas,

Please suggest who has been declared by him as the nominee at the joining time. Instead, if you obtain a legal heir certificate from the wife, it shall be their responsibility only and not the company's burden.

Thanks for your reply, sir. He declared the nominee as his second wife, but the first wife made the death certificate in her name. The second wife doesn't have any proof of marriage. Kindly look into the comment below; one of the seniors commented like this. I need your comments on whether it is correct.

Note

In cases where there are two or more widows, the family pension shall be payable to the eldest surviving widow. On her death, it shall be payable to the next surviving widow, if any. The term "eldest" would mean seniority with reference to the date of marriage.

That is what I am stating, Thejas. You should ask the 2nd wife or even the 1st wife to get the legal heir certificate, then proceed to submit it in the PF office. It is their issue only and not the company's.