The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a cornerstone of financial security for salaried individuals in India, ensuring a steady source of funds after retirement based on contributions made during employment. While employees are generally familiar with their EPF accounts, the process of withdrawing or transferring funds, especially when changing jobs, can be unclear. This is where EPF Form 10C comes in.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about EPF Form 10C – what it is, when to use it, and how to complete it. Additionally, we’ll discuss the required documents and answer common questions related to the form.
What is EPF Form 10C?
EPF Form 10C is an essential document for employees who wish to claim their pension balance from the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) portion of the EPF after leaving their job. The EPF consists of two parts: the Provident Fund (PF) and the Pension Fund (EPS). While Form 10C deals specifically with the pension portion, it’s needed when an individual exits a company or is not eligible for pension benefits due to insufficient service years.
Purpose of EPF Form 10C
The primary function of EPF Form 10C is to enable individuals to claim their pension benefits from the Employees’ Pension Scheme after leaving their job. If an employee has completed more than 10 years of service but is not yet of retirement age, they can apply for an advance pension through this form. Form 10C is also used to withdraw pension funds if the employee has not reached 10 years of service but has contributed to the pension scheme.
How to Fill EPF Form 10C Online
Employees who switch jobs after completing at least 6 months of continuous service but before completing 10 years may opt to withdraw their pension instead of transferring it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing EPF Form 10C online for pension withdrawal:
- Login to EPF Member Portal: Use your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password to log in.
- Select the Claim Option: Go to “Online Services” and click on “Claim (Form 31, 19, and 10C)”.
- Enter Bank Details: Input the last 4 digits of your bank account number and click “Verify”.
- Sign the Undertaking: Agree to the terms by clicking “Yes” after reading the Certificate of Undertaking.
- Select Withdrawal Type: Choose “Only Pension Withdrawal (Form 10C)”.
- Enter Your Address: Provide your complete postal address. Tick the disclaimer checkbox and click on “Get Aadhaar OTP”.
- OTP Verification: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click “Validate OTP and Submit Claim Form”.
- Submit Your Claim: Once submitted, EPFO will verify the details and transfer the pension amount to your bank account.
How to Download EPF Form 10C for Offline Submission
If you prefer offline submission, you can download the form from the EPFO website. The form needs to be submitted through your employer to the PF office. Ensure the form is filled out correctly to avoid delays.
Attestation for Offline Submission
For offline submissions, the form requires attestation by an authorised official:
- Employer: Must attest the form in manual submissions.
- Alternative Officials: If the employer is unavailable, officials like a Magistrate, Gazetted Officer, Postmaster, or others listed by the EPFO can attest the form.
Key Features of EPF Form 10C
- Pension Withdrawal or Transfer: Allows pension funds to be withdrawn or transferred when leaving a job.
- Eligibility: Employees must have at least six months of service and have contributed to the EPS.
- Non-Transferable Service: Employees with fewer than 10 years of service can withdraw their pension balance instead of transferring it.
How to Complete EPF Form 10C
Filling out EPF Form 10C is simple. Here’s a guide:
- Gather the Required Documents: Ensure you have the following:
- UAN: Linked to Aadhaar for KYC purposes.
- EPF Account Number: Associated with your EPF account.
- Bank Details: Bank account number and IFSC for direct deposit.
- Aadhaar Card: Required for KYC.
- Service Certificate: From your employer stating your employment duration.
- Fill in Basic Information: Enter personal details such as:
- Name
- UAN
- EPF account number
- Employment dates
- Bank details
- Declare Accuracy: Confirm that the information is correct and you are eligible for pension withdrawal or transfer.
- Sign and Submit: Once completed, sign the form and submit it online or at the nearest EPFO office.
When Should You Use EPF Form 10C?
Use EPF Form 10C in these scenarios:
- Leaving Before Completing 10 Years: If you’ve worked for less than 10 years and contributed to EPS, you can withdraw the pension funds using Form 10C.
- Transferring Pension Funds: When switching jobs, Form 10C is needed to transfer pension funds to the new employer’s EPF account.
- Applying for Pension Post 10 Years: If you’ve completed 10 years of service but are not retiring yet, use Form 10C to claim your pension benefits.
- Withdrawing Pension: For employees with less than 10 years of service who choose to withdraw pension funds instead of transferring them.
Track Your EPF Balance with TrackMyPF
To easily check your PF balance, use the TrackMyPF app by Finnable, available on Google Play or the Apple Store. Stay informed always, and on the go.
Conclusion;
EPF Form 10C is vital for employees leaving their job or transferring pension funds under the Employees’ Pension Scheme. This form facilitates the seamless process of claiming pension benefits or transferring accumulated funds to a new employer’s account. By following the outlined steps and ensuring accurate documentation, you can access your pension benefits smoothly, whether by transfer or withdrawal. Always double-check the information provided to avoid delays and consult your employer or the EPF office if you encounter any issues during the process.
FAQs About EPF Form 10C:
Processing Time for EPF Form 10C.
It typically takes 15-20 days for the claim to be processed.
Can I Fill EPF Form 10C Online?
Yes, it can be completed and submitted via the EPFO portal.
What if I Don’t Have a UAN?
You’ll need to generate a UAN through the EPFO portal and have it linked to your Aadhaar.
Can I Submit Form 10C Without Employer’s Approval?
You can submit the form online without employer intervention, but employer verification may be required.
What If My Claim Is Rejected?
If rejected, correct any errors and resubmit the form. Contact EPFO for assistance if necessary.
