Navigating ESI/PF Settlements: How to Handle Benefits and Legal Heir Documentation After a Staff Member's Passing

Dear Respected Team,

I am requesting some information on ESI/PF. One of our staff members has passed away after being ill. We need to settle his applicable dues. Kindly provide detailed guidance on who will be his legal heir and which documents we need to collect from the heir to prevent any future claims by others.

Additionally, I would like to know what benefits are offered through ESI/PF.

Thank you.

Hi,

Eligibility for Provident Fund, Monthly Pension, and EDLI

The legal heir or nominee of the employee will be eligible for Provident Fund, monthly pension, and EDLI. A nominee or legal heir of an active member of EPFO receives a lump sum payment of up to Rs. 7 lakh in case of the member's death during the service period. The PF amount depends on the total contribution period and available balance in the PF account if the member hasn't made any partial withdrawals. The pension amount depends on the service period.

ESI Benefits

Dependants' benefit (family pension) is payable to dependants of a deceased insured person where death occurs due to employment injury or an occupational disease. A widow can receive this benefit on a monthly basis for life or until her remarriage. A son or daughter can receive this benefit until eighteen years of age. Additionally, a funeral benefit of up to Rs. 15,000 will be reimbursed to the eldest surviving member of the deceased or the person who incurred the expenditure to perform the last rites of the insured person.

Required Documents

Regarding documents, check for the physical PF nomination made by the employee. Collect the death certificate, legal heir certification, and marriage registration certificate from the spouse of the employee for processing PF/pension benefits.