What is EPF Form 10C?

EPF Form 10C is used by members of the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 to claim benefits like withdrawal benefits or a Scheme Certificate. The form is intended for members who haven’t completed 10 years of service, as well as other eligible individuals under specific conditions.

Who Can Apply Using EPF Form 10C :

The form can be used by:

1. EPS Members with Less Than 10 Years of Service: If you’ve left your job before completing 10 years, you can apply for the withdrawal benefit, which allows you to withdraw your EPS contributions.

2. EPS Members Aged 58 and Above with Less Than 10 Years of Service: If you’ve reached 58 but haven’t completed 10 years of service, you are eligible for the withdrawal benefit instead of a pension.

3. EPS Members with Over 10 Years of Service and Below 50 Years of Age: Members in this category can apply for a Scheme Certificate, which preserves their EPS benefits for the future.

4. EPS Members Aged 50-58 with Over 10 Years of Service (Not Opting for Reduced Pension): You can apply for a Scheme Certificate, or if you want a reduced pension, you may apply through Form 10D.

5. Family/Nominee/Legal Heirs of a Deceased Member: In case the member has passed away at 58 years or older without completing 10 years of service, the nominee or legal heir can claim the withdrawal benefit.

visit the official epfo website for more details.

Benefits Available Under Form 10C

1. Withdrawal Benefit: Members with less than 10 years of service can withdraw the accumulated pension contributions if they decide not to transfer the service to another employer.

2. Scheme Certificate: Members with over 10 years of service can opt for a Scheme Certificate instead of withdrawing the pension contributions. The Scheme Certificate acts as proof of their service and helps maintain eligibility for pension benefits in the future.

Read This Also: what is 10C Scheme Certificate

Benefits of Choosing a Scheme Certificate:

    Allows members to carry forward their service duration if they join a new employer in the future.

    If the member dies before reaching 58, their family becomes eligible for a family pension.

    The Scheme Certificate allows the withdrawal of PF accumulations while preserving the EPS benefits.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Filling EPF Form 10C

Here’s a breakdown of each section of Form 10C and what you need to complete it accurately.

1. Member’s Name: Write your name in capital letters as recorded in your service records.

2. Date of Birth: Enter your date of birth accurately as recorded in your official documents.

3. EPF Account Number: Include the full EPF account details, which consist of:

    Region Code (two letters),

    Office Code (three letters),

    Establishment Code (up to 7 digits), and

    Your EPF Account Number (up to 7 digits).

    For accurate region and office codes, visit the EPFO’s Establishment Search tool.

4. Service Details:

    If you have less than 10 years of service, choose either Withdrawal Benefit or Scheme Certificate. Members with more than 10 years of service are only eligible for a Scheme Certificate.

    If you choose the Scheme Certificate, skip filling in the withdrawal benefit section.

5. Bank Details: Enter your bank account details, including the IFSC code and attach a cancelled cheque for accurate processing. If the payment is below Rs. 2,000, you can opt for a money order by providing your postal address.

6. Family/Nominee/Legal Heir (if applicable): If claiming on behalf of a deceased member, provide details of the family member, nominee, or legal heir, and attach the necessary documents.

Read This Also: calculating epf pension using Table D

Documents Required with Form 10C

To ensure smooth processing, attach the following documents:

1. Canceled Cheque: Ensure the IFSC and account numbers are visible.

2. Birth Certificate of Children: Required if applying for a Scheme Certificate.

3. Death Certificate: If the member has passed away.

4. Succession Certificate: Needed if a legal heir is applying in case of the member’s death.

5. Re 1 Revenue Stamp: Required if opting for payment via bank.

Instructions for Different Scenarios

Less Than 10 Years of Service: Choose either withdrawal or Scheme Certificate. Complete relevant sections and submit the required documents.

Deceased Member: Family or nominee fills out Sections 9, 10, and 11, and attaches the death and succession certificates.

Attestation: Submit the form through your last employer. In the case of a closed establishment, authorized officials like a Magistrate, Gazetted Officer, or Bank Manager can attest to the form.

How to Submit Form 10C

You can submit Form 10C through your last employer or online through the EPFO member portal. For online submissions, ensure all details are correctly filled and scanned copies of required documents are attached.

FAQs on EPF Form 10C

1. What is a Scheme Certificate?

   A Scheme Certificate is a document that preserves your EPS service benefits, allowing you to claim pension in the future.

2. Can I apply for both a withdrawal and a Scheme Certificate?

   No, you can only choose one benefit based on your service duration and eligibility.

3. Is there any age restriction for the withdrawal benefit?

   Members of any age with less than 10 years of service can apply for the withdrawal benefit.

4. What if my last employer is not available to attest the form?

   In such cases, other authorized officials like a Magistrate, Bank Manager, or Gazetted Officer can attest your form.

EPF Form 10C provides an excellent way for members to claim their EPS benefits before reaching retirement age, ensuring financial flexibility. Make sure to fill out all sections accurately and attach the necessary documents to avoid delays in processing.