EPFO Simplifies Death Claim Process
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a new rule to simplify the process of filing EPF death claims. According to the new rule, physical claims can now be processed without seeding Aadhaar. However, this concession is subject to obtaining approval from the Officer in Charge (OIC) via an e-office file.
Procedure for Filing Physical Claims without Aadhaar Seeding
To file a physical claim without seeding Aadhaar, the following procedure must be followed:
1. Obtain approval from the OIC via an e-office file.
2. The e-office file must document the verification procedures undertaken to authenticate the deceased’s membership and the legitimacy of the claimants.
3. Additional due diligence measures, as directed by the OIC, must be implemented to mitigate the risk of fraudulent withdrawals.
Applicability of the New Rule
This new rule applies to situations where member details are accurate in the UAN but inaccurate in the UID database. In cases where Aadhaar data is correct but inaccurate or incomplete in the UAN, field offices must follow the guidelines outlined in Paragraphs 6.9 and 6.10 of JD SOP version-2 dated 26.03.2024.
Background
The EPFO has implemented this change in response to difficulties faced by field offices in seeding and authenticating Aadhaar in cases involving deceased individuals. These difficulties have led to delays in processing claims and paying affected claimants.
This new concession is expected to streamline the death claim process and ensure timely payment of benefits to eligible claimants.
Additional Information
For more information on the new EPF death claim process, please visit the official EPFO website or contact your local EPFO office.
