EPF Form 10C: Meaning, Benefits & Eligibility

Know all about Form 10C in EPFO
EPF Form 10C
4 mins
7 May 2024

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement benefits scheme that is available to all salaried employees in India, managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). One of the forms that is used in the EPF scheme is Form 10C. In this article, we will discuss what is Form 10C its benefits, eligibility criteria, how to download it, how to fill it, and the documents required.

What is Form 10C?

Form 10C is a must submit form to EPFO (Employment Provident Fund Organisation) by the employees when withdrawing pension. EPS (Employees’ Pension Scheme) is a retirement benefit scheme in which you invest a portion of your monthly salary, and the employer also contributes an equivalent amount to the employee’s EPS accounts. The contributions made by your employer towards your PF account are segmented into EPF funds and EPS funds. The part of the contribution from your employer that goes into the EPS scheme can be withdrawn by using Form 10C.

Eligibility to apply for Form 10C
The eligibility criteria for the three types of members are illustrated in the table below.

Sr No.

Eligibility criteria I

Eligibility criteria II

Eligibility criteria III

1

If you have left your job before completing 10 years of service

If you have completed 10 years of service when leaving your job but are under 50 at the time of applying

Family /nominee/legal heir of a member who passed away after turning 58 before completing 10 years of service.

2

If you turned 58 before completing 10 years of service

If you are between the age of 50 to 58 years and do not want a reduced pension

-


Benefits of Form 10C

Scheme certificate: If you have worked for over 9.5 years and are under 50 years old, you can obtain a scheme certificate. This certificate preserves your past service record when you switch jobs, even between different organisations.

Withdrawal benefit: If you have worked for less than 9.5 years and are under 50, you can apply for a Withdrawal Benefit. This allows you to access your pension funds since you do not yet qualify for a pension.

Note: Withdrawal Benefit is not applicable if you have been a member for less than 180 days (excluding any non-contributing period).

How to download Form 10C?

Form 10C can be downloaded from the official website of the EPFO. Here are the steps to download Form 10C:

  1. Go to the official website of the EPFO.
  2. Click on the ‘Downloads’ tab.
  3. Click on the "Claim Forms" option.
  4. Click on the ‘Form 10C’ option.
  5. The form will be downloaded in PDF format.

How to fill Form 10C online

To fill Form 10C online, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the EPF member portal using your UAN and password.
  2. Navigate to the "Online Services" menu and select "Claim (form – 31, 19, and 10C)."
  3. Provide the last 4 digits of your bank account number and click "Verify."
  4. Sign the "Certificate of Undertaking" and affirm your agreement by clicking "Yes" to the terms and conditions.
  5. Choose "Only Pension Withdrawal (Form 10C)" in the "I want to apply for" section.
  6. Complete your address details and click the "Get Aadhaar OTP" button.
  7. Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number, then click "Validate OTP and Submit Claim Form."
  8. Your pension claim form will be submitted, and after EPFO verification, the funds will be disbursed to your bank account.

Documents required

The following documents are required to be submitted along with Form 10C:

  • A copy of blank or cancelled cheque
  • Birth certificate of children (for scheme certificate applications)
  • Member's death certificate (in case the member passes away)
  • Succession certificate for legal heirs
  • Rs. 1 stamp (if applying for withdrawal benefit through a bank)

Attestation procedures

PF Form 10C attestation depends on the situation and can be done by either the employer or both (employer and employee). The requirements vary based on different cases.

Case

Attestation requirement

If an individual applies using a form obtained from a center

Needs to be attested by the employer of the previous establishment

If the individual downloads EPF Form 10C online

Needs to be attested by both the employers and employees

If the previous establishment is a closed organisation

Attestation can be done by officials such as a Magistrate, Postmaster, Chairman or Secretary of District Local Board, Gazetted Officer, Bank manager related to the individual’s savings account, or President of Village Union or Panchayat.


Contents in EPF Form 10C

The EPF Form 10C typically includes the following fields:

  • Claimant's name
  • Date of birth
  • Father's name
  • Husband's name (in case of married women)
  • Address and the company's name where the member worked before retirement
  • Region code, establishment code of last company, and individual PF account number
  • Joining date in the previous establishment
  • Reason and date of leaving service
  • Claimant's complete address
  • Preference for a scheme certificate instead of withdrawal benefits
  • Family details, including spouse (if any) and children (if any) and nominee
  • In the case of a deceased member, the date of death, the applicant's name, and their relationship with the late member
  • Mode of remittance: (1). Postal Money Order or (2). Cheque or electronic payment

Conclusion

Form 10C is a key to unlocking pension benefits in the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) framework. This article aims to educate on the process of availing pension and covers eligibility criteria, the online filing process, and pension withdrawals. With this knowledge, you can confidently approach the Form 10C withdrawal process.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I visit the PF office if I apply to withdraw the amount online?

No, you do not need to visit the PF office if you have applied to withdraw the amount online. You can initiate the claim using Form 10C online by visiting the EPF member e-SEWA portal.

Is it compulsory to fill out Form 10C each time I change jobs?

No, it is not compulsory to fill out Form 10C each time you change jobs. However, if you want to transfer the same EPS account to your new employer, you can use Form 10C to do so.

What is an EPS scheme certificate?

An EPS scheme certificate is a document that shows the amount of pension that a member is entitled to. The scheme certificate can be used to transfer the service period of the member to another establishment.

How long does Form 10C take to process?

The processing time for Form 10C varies depending on the circumstances. However, it usually takes around 5-30 days to process the form.

Is form 10C filled for pension withdrawal?

Yes, Form 10C is typically filled for pension withdrawal from the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account.

Why is form 10C rejected?

Form 10C may be rejected due to incomplete or inaccurate information, mismatched details with records, or failure to meet eligibility criteria. It's crucial to ensure all required fields are correctly filled and supporting documents are provided accurately.

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Disclaimer

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The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

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