Struggling with Delayed EDLI Payment: How Can the Employee's Wife Get Help?

The employee passed away in April 2021, but his wife has not yet received the EDLI payment. She contacted company officials, who stated that all formalities were completed, and the EDLI claim was promptly submitted to the PF office. However, due to the frequent changes in PF officials, the claim has not been settled by the PF office. The company officials maintain that all required papers were submitted to the PF officials as requested.

The employee's wife filed a grievance at the PF office, where officials claimed that the company had not submitted the necessary papers required for the EDLI payment.

There is a provision for a 12 percent interest to be given to the employee if the EDLI payment is not settled within 15 days after the employee's passing. However, to date, she has not received the EDLI payment. She seeks assistance on what steps she can take and requests a format for a notice to be sent to the company officials and PF officials regarding the EDLI payment and the accrued interest.

Hi, this looks like an unusual delay. If the nominee has a copy of all documents submitted, including the EDLI form, it is advisable to contact the respective PF office PRO to check the status. Additionally, verify with the employer for proof of EDLI form submission. Alternatively, the nominee can make an appeal before the PF Adalat.

Hello Mr. Pradeep Patil,

EPFO e-nomination and document submission issues

EPFO directed everyone to file e-nomination through the Unified Member Portal, which all of us, including HR professionals, took casually. The process is intended to simplify the life of the family members of employees after their demise. I hope the e-nomination was completed by the member. Now, since you mentioned that the documents have not been received by the EPFO, there might be two genuine cases: either the documents were incomplete, or the EPFO has actually lost them. Documents are often misplaced by the EPFO. You may have guided the family to obtain a receipt for the documents submitted to the EPFO. If not, please arrange to submit the complete set of documents at the earliest, as EPFO states they have not received them. If yes, please show EPFO the receipt and request them to provide the EDLI benefits promptly. In the future, please keep a record of every visit, and if your grievances are not addressed, please file a complaint with your SS (EPFO) or Account Officer (EPFO).

Mandatory documents for claiming EDLI benefits

Please note that the following documents are mandatory to be submitted for claiming the EDLI benefits. If the employee passes away while being a member of EDLI, the scheme benefits will be payable to the nominee or legal heirs of the employee. To claim the benefit under the scheme, the following steps should be followed:

- The claimant should fill up and submit Form 5 IF.
- The form should be signed and certified by the employer, confirming that the employee was an active member of the EPF scheme. If there is no employer available, the form must be attested by authorized individuals, such as:
- The local MLA or MP
- Bank manager where the employee's bank account is held
- Magistrate
- A gazetted officer
- A post-master or sub-postmaster
- Member of EPF, CBT, or any regional committee

Form 20 to withdraw the employee's EPF, Form 10C/D for claiming benefits from all employee benefit schemes, and other necessary documents should be submitted to the regional EPF Commissioner's Office. The submitted documents will be verified by the EPF Commissioner, and the claim will be processed within 30 days. If the claim is delayed, interest will be payable at a rate of 12% per annum for each day of delay until the claim is settled.

Additional documents required for making a claim

To make a claim, in addition to the specified forms, the nominee or legal heir of the employee should submit the following documents:

- Death certificate of the employee
- Succession certificate (if the legal heir is making the claim)
- Guardianship certificate (if the claim is on behalf of a minor by a non-natural guardian)
- Copy of the cancelled bank cheque where the claim should be credited

Thanks & Regards,

Harpreet Singh Mohal