EPF Form 10C - Meaning, Benefits, Eligibility

What is EPF Form 10C?

As mentioned in the introduction, EPF form 10C is an important form that needs to be filled out at the time of EPF withdrawal. It is a mandatory document for EPF withdrawal before completing 10 years of continuous service.

It is usually filled after leaving a job, provided that you have completed at least 180 days of continuous service.

What are the Contents of EPF Form 10C?

At the time of applying for EPF withdrawal, you need to fill in the following information:
 

• Name of Member
• Name of Claimant (Name of person making the claim in case of the demise of PF account holder)
• Date of Birth
• Father’s Name
• Husband’s Name (if applicable)
• Name and address of the organisation in which the member was last employed.
• Regional Code, Establishment Code, and Account Number
• Date of Joining the Organisation
• Date of Leaving and Reason for Leaving
• Complete Address
• Signature of Member and Employer
   

Along with these details, there are some other fields that you need to fill, including the particulars of the family (nominee, spouse, and children), date of death of member (if applicable), and mode of remittance, among a few others.

Eligibility Criteria for Filling EPF Form 10

There are different eligibility criteria for EPF withdrawal under three different categories. These are as follows:
 

• Eligibility Criteria I
  

  • You have left employment before completing 10 years of service.

  • You have reached 58 years of age before completing 10 years of continuous service.
     

• Eligibility Criteria II
  

  • You have completed 10 years of continuous service but haven’t reached 58 years of age.

  • Your age is between 50 to 58 years, but you do not agree to a reduced pension.
     

• Eligibility Criteria III
  

  • The legal nominees of the member who has died before completing 10 years of service and completing 58 years of age.

What are the Benefits of EPF Form 10C?

Based on the eligibility criteria you fall within, you can avail of the following benefits:
 

• If you belong to the eligibility criteria I and III, you can apply for the EPF withdrawal benefits.
• If you belong to the eligibility criteria II, you can only apply for a Scheme Certificate, which we will discuss in the later section. However, if you are willing to accept a reduced pension, then you can apply for a pension using Form 10D.
• If you are leaving the job due to permanent disability, you are eligible for a disablement pension, which must be applied for using Form 10D.

What is an EPF Scheme Certificate and its Benefits?

An EPF Scheme Certificate is a certificate issued to members who want to transfer their EPF funds to a new account at the time of changing jobs. It is issued by the EPFO and contains all the important information about the member, such as employment history, family members, legal nominees, and so on. It acts as an authentic proof of the member’s service.

The following are the main benefits of an EPF Scheme Certificate:
 

• The service period with the previous organisation will be taken into account when switching to a new organisation.
• If the member dies before taking the employment, his family members or nominees will receive the pension. In case he survives, he can withdraw a lump sum amount after reaching retirement.

How to Fill EPF Form 10C Online?

Filling and submitting the EPF form 10C online is very easy. All you need to do is follow the below steps:
 

• Visit the e-Sewa portal for EPF members.
• Sign in to your account using your UAN and password in the designated fields. You will also need to fill in a captcha code.
• Navigate to the “Online Service” option in the top menu bar and select “Claim Form (Form-31,19,10C & 10D)”.
• Next, you will be displayed “Member Details” with all your information filled in automatically. This includes your name, father’s name, Aadhaar number, PAN number, Branch details, and so on.
• Verify the details by entering the last four digits of your bank account number.
• Click “Yes” on the “Certificate of Undertaking” to give your consent.
• Click “Proceed for Online Claim”. In the claims section, your PAN, mobile number, UAN, and a few other details will be displayed.
• Select any one option between “Withdraw PF Only” or “Withdraw Pension Only”.
• Fill in the relevant details.
• Once done, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click on “Submit”.
  
  

Upon successful submission of form 10C, you will see a notification saying “Form 10C under process”. Further, you will also receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number. Further, you will receive the requested amount in your respective bank account in 10-15 working days.

Attestations Required to File Claim Using Form 10C

As per the procedure, the EPF withdrawal form needs to be submitted through the organisation where the PF account holder was last employed. In case you are applying online, then all documents must be attested by you as well as your employer.

Further, in a scenario where the last organisation has closed, or the employer is not available, the documents must be attested by any one of the following officials:
 

• Gazetted Officer
• President of Village Union
• Magistrate
• President of Village Panchayat (if Union Board is not available)
• Member of Municipality
• District Local Board
• Chairman
• Secretary
• Member of Parliament
• Member of Legislative Assembly
• Head of Recognised Educational Institution
• Manager of the Bank in which the linked bank account is maintained
• Member of Regional Committee of EPF

Documents Required for Attestations

Below are the documents that need to be attached with the attested documents:
 

• Copy of cancelled cheque with bank details visible
• In the case of the Scheme Certificate, a copy of the DOB of the member’s children
• Death Certificate of Member (if applicable)
• Revenue stamp of ₹1.
• If an EPF withdrawal application is made by the legal heir of a member, a valid succession certificate should be provided.

Final Thoughts

EPF is one of the most popular savings schemes in India, and EPF form 10C is a mandatory document that needs to be completed and submitted by the member or their nominee if they want to withdraw the amount from their EPF account. It is available on the official website of EPFO, where you can download or submit it.

Regardless of whether you fill this form online or offline, it needs to be attested by you and your employer. Further, in case your last employer is not available, or the organisation has closed permanently, you can get your form attested by the officials mentioned in the blog.

That’s everything about EPF form 10C, its meaning, and its benefits. We hope it helps!