All members of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) with accounts for more than 10 years are automatically subscribed to the retirement body's Employee Pension Scheme (EPS). According to reports from Mint, the savings for this come from the employer's 12% contribution, of which 8.33% is directed towards EPS. At retirement age of 58 years, members can withdraw their provident fund amount in full and maintain annuity in the pension scheme by availing the Scheme Certificate. Form 10C acts as the official application to withdraw the EPS funds or to secure a Scheme Certificate, focusing on lump-sum pension withdrawals and service tracking rather than regular monthly pensions.
As reported by Mint, EPF members who wish to withdraw pension or obtain a scheme certificate both need to fill and submit Form 10C. The form is used by members seeking partial withdrawal in case of unemployment for more than two months, or medical and other emergencies, while retaining membership with the retirement fund body. Additionally, the form is required by family or nominee of a deceased member who passed after 58 years of age but did not complete 10 years of service. Clear Tax notes that members must apply for pension using Form 10D when accepting reduced pension or withdrawing prematurely due to permanent disablement.
According to Mint, eligibility hinges on total service duration, current age, and employment status across distinct categories. Short-Service Employees (Under 10 Years): Workers leaving employment with more than six months but under 10 years of service can claim a pension withdrawal benefit. Scheme Certificate Applicants: Members accumulating over 10 years of service who are under age 50 can apply for a certificate. Those aged 50 to 58 who decline early reduced pensions can also obtain one to lock in service credits. Members Turning 58 Without 10 Years: Individuals reaching the age of 58 without reaching the 10-year service threshold are entitled to a lump-sum withdrawal. Nominees and Legal Heirs: Family members or legal heirs can submit claims if a member passes away after age 58 without completing 10 years of pensionable service.
According to Mint, members must fill in their name, UAN, Aadhaar number, PAN number, father/husband's name, date of birth, date of joining, date of leaving, reason for leaving, bank account details, and postal address. Additional documents required include a copy of blank/cancelled cheque, date of birth certificate for children if applying for Scheme Certificate, death certificate in case of member death, succession certificate for legal heir applications, and a revenue stamp of ₹1 attached with the form. The form is available for online application at epfindia.gov.in.
As detailed in the report, members can initiate pension claims online through EPFO's official e-SEWA portal using their Universal Account Number (UAN). The process involves logging into the EPFO member portal using UAN credentials, navigating to 'Online Services' and clicking on 'Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)', validating bank credentials by entering the final four digits of your linked bank account, accepting the 'Certificate of Undertaking', selecting 'Withdraw Pension Only (Form-10C)' for direct fund withdrawal, entering current address and requesting OTP, and completing identity authentication. Once Form 10C is loaded, members must fill required details, generate and complete OTP, and click submit to receive SMS confirmation upon successful submission.
