Seeking Assistance with EDLI Insurance Claim After Husband's Suicide: Non-responsive Employer and Financial Hardships

Hello, my husband tragically took his own life on March 8, 2023. At the time of his death, he had completed one year of service. I received the provident fund amount 1.5 years ago and have since applied for EDLI insurance at Quess Corporation Limited in Badarpur. However, they have not been responding to my calls or messages. They mentioned that they have sent the documents to their Bangalore office, but I have not received any further updates. I am a mother of two children and am currently facing significant financial difficulties and debts. I am struggling to get help with the EDLI claim. Can you please guide me on what to do next?

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:

1. Reach out to the HR department: Try to get in touch with the HR department of Quess Corporation Limited again. Send them a formal letter detailing your situation and the urgency of the matter. Keep a copy of this letter for your records.

2. Contact the regional EPFO office: If the company continues to be unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the regional EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) office. You can find the contact details on the https://www.epfindia.gov.in website.

3. Seek legal assistance: If the issue persists, consider seeking legal help. A lawyer can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights under the Employee's Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme.

4. Reach out to NGOs or social workers: There are many NGOs and social workers who assist individuals in similar situations. They can guide you through the process and may be able to provide some immediate financial assistance or resources.

5. Consult a financial advisor: To manage your debts and financial issues, consider consulting a financial advisor. They can provide you with a plan to manage your current financial situation and help you plan for the future.

Remember, it's important to keep all documents and correspondence related to your husband's employment and your attempts to claim the EDLI insurance. These will be crucial in any legal proceedings or in your conversations with the EPFO.

You may write directly to the EPF. EDLI does not bar suicide cases. The law only says that the death should be while in service, and not while on duty, and it implies that by whatever means, let it be accident, suicide or illness, the EDLI is payable if the death has happened before the employee had left the service of the employer.

One possibility that may happen in death cases is that the employer might have put the death of death in the PF documents as date of exit. For example, the date of death if 8th March 2023, and if the employer had put the same date as date of exit, the EPFO will consider that the death has happened after the employee was exited from service for any reason. In such scenario, it would be construed that the death is not during service. I have had similar experiences. Therefore, please check with the EPFO what was the date of exit given in the PF records and if possible correct it. Employer should cooperate to do it.

As advised by Madhu EDLI covers any death including suicide. You approach the appropriate team in Bangalore office or else you can approach the EPF department

If need any support from Quess Bangalore you can reach me so that I will take it with my contacts