New Delhi: Employees covered by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) can use Form 10C to claim eligible pension benefits or obtain a Scheme Certificate under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). The form is particularly relevant for members leaving employment, changing jobs or reaching retirement-related milestones without completing the required pensionable service.

The EPFO’s e-SEWA portal allows eligible members to submit Form 10C claims online without visiting an EPFO office. The form serves a different purpose from Form 10D, which is generally used to claim a monthly pension or pension benefits in cases such as permanent disablement.

What is EPFO Form 10C?

Form 10C is the prescribed application used by eligible EPFO members to claim certain pension withdrawal benefits or apply for a Scheme Certificate.

Under the EPFO system, a portion of the employer’s contribution towards provident fund is allocated to the EPS. The Scheme Certificate preserves a member’s pensionable service record and allows the service to be carried forward when the person changes employment.

The certificate can also help members retain their pension entitlement until they become eligible for pension benefits at the applicable age.

Members with at least 10 years of eligible pensionable service generally become entitled to pension benefits under the EPS. Form 10C can be relevant depending on their age, length of service and employment circumstances.

Who can apply for Form 10C?

Eligibility depends on the member’s service period, age and circumstances of leaving employment.

According to EPFO-related information cited by NDTV Profit, key categories include:

  • Members with less than 10 years of service: Employees who leave employment after more than six months but fewer than 10 years of continuous service may use Form 10C to claim the eligible pension withdrawal benefit.
  • Members seeking a Scheme Certificate: Those with at least 10 years of pensionable service and below 50 years of age can apply for a Scheme Certificate. Members between 50 and 58 who do not opt for a reduced pension may also seek the certificate.
  • Members reaching 58 without 10 years of service: Those who reach 58 without completing 10 years of eligible service may be able to withdraw the pension benefit as a lump sum, subject to applicable rules.
  • Nominees and legal heirs: Eligible family members or legal heirs may submit a claim when a member dies after turning 58 without completing 10 years of pensionable service.
  • Certain unemployment or other contingencies: Form 10C can also apply in specific situations involving unemployment of more than two months or medical emergencies, subject to EPFO rules.

The exact eligibility should be checked against the member’s individual EPFO records and the applicable EPS provisions before submitting a claim.

Form 10C and Scheme Certificate

A Scheme Certificate is particularly important for members who want to preserve their pensionable service instead of immediately withdrawing the eligible pension benefit.

When an employee moves to another job covered by EPFO, the pensionable service record can be carried forward. This can help the member accumulate the required service period for future pension eligibility.

The Scheme Certificate therefore serves as a record of pensionable service and can be useful when a member has changed employers during their working career.

Documents required for Form 10C

Applicants need to ensure that their personal and employment information is correctly recorded before filing the claim.

The information generally includes:

  • Universal Account Number (UAN)
  • Aadhaar number
  • PAN
  • Date of birth
  • Employment details
  • Date and reason for leaving employment
  • Bank account details
  • Address

Additional documents may be required depending on the type of claim.

For example, a cancelled cheque or bank passbook copy showing the active account may be required for bank verification. Members applying for a Scheme Certificate may need children’s birth certificates in relevant cases.

Where a claim is being made by a legal heir, documents such as the member’s death certificate and legal succession certificate may be required. A Rs 1 revenue stamp is required for eligible physical applications submitted offline.

How to file Form 10C online

Eligible members can submit Form 10C through the EPFO member portal.

The online process involves the following steps:

Step 1: Log in to EPFO portal

Sign in to the EPFO member portal using the UAN, password and captcha.

Step 2: Select the claim option

Go to Online Services and select Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).

Step 3: Verify bank account

The bank account linked to the EPFO account will be displayed. Check the details and enter the final four digits of the account number before selecting the verification option.

Step 4: Provide undertaking

Confirm the Certificate of Undertaking by selecting “Yes” and proceed with the online claim.

Step 5: Select Form 10C

For a pension withdrawal claim, select “Withdraw Pension Only (Form-10C)”. Where applicable, members can select the Scheme Certificate option.

Step 6: Complete Aadhaar authentication

Enter the required address details, generate an OTP using the Aadhaar-linked mobile number and enter the OTP to complete the submission.

After EPFO processes and approves the claim, the eligible payment is credited directly to the verified bank account.

Form 10C is different from Form 10D

Members should not confuse Form 10C with Form 10D because the two forms serve different purposes.

Form 10C is used for eligible pension withdrawal benefits and Scheme Certificates in specified circumstances.

Form 10D, on the other hand, is generally used for claiming monthly pension benefits, including pension in cases covered by the applicable EPS provisions.

Choosing the correct form is therefore important when submitting an online EPFO claim.

Why service period matters

The number of years of pensionable service is an important factor in determining which EPS benefit a member may claim.

Members with fewer than 10 years of eligible service may be able to claim the applicable withdrawal benefit through Form 10C, while members who have completed 10 years may have pension-related options depending on their age and circumstances.

Those changing jobs may also consider preserving their pensionable service through a Scheme Certificate rather than treating each period of employment separately.

The benefit available ultimately depends on the member’s service history and the applicable EPFO rules.

Check details before submitting claim

Members should verify their UAN, Aadhaar, bank account, employment dates and other personal details before submitting Form 10C.

Incorrect or incomplete information can affect claim processing. Bank details are particularly important because approved payments are credited to the verified account.

For online claims, Aadhaar authentication and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar are also part of the submission process described by EPFO.

For members who are unsure whether they qualify for withdrawal benefits or a Scheme Certificate, checking their individual EPFO records and applicable EPS provisions before filing the claim can help avoid errors.