EPF Form 10C - Benefits, Eligibility & Documents of Form 10C

Under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) framework, the form known as Form 10C plays a crucial role for contributors to the pension component of the EPF. It allows eligible employees to either withdraw their pension-fund portion or obtain a “scheme certificate” for future benefits.

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What is Form 10C?

Form 10C is an application form under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS) - part of the larger EPF structure. The EPS receives a portion of the employer’s contribution (8.33% of salary up to a ceiling) which is meant for pension after retirement. If you leave employment before completing the required service for full pension, or if you switch jobs, Form 10C enables you to:

• Withdraw the pension scheme portion (if you are not eligible for pension yet) or
• Obtain a scheme certificate that recognises your previous service and enables you to carry it forward when you join another eligible employer.

In short: it ensures your pension-account contributions are not lost when you change jobs, leave early, or fall short of service requirements.

Eligibility – Who can apply using Form 10C?

You can apply for Form 10C if you fall into one of the following categories (as per EPS/EPF rules):

1. Members who have not completed 10 years of “eligible service”

   • If you left service before completing 10 years under EPS, you are eligible for withdrawal benefit.
   • If you attain age 58 before completing 10 years of service, you can also apply.

2. Members who have completed 10 years of service but are under certain age thresholds

   • If you have completed 10 years of service but not yet attained 50 years of age at the date of filing: you are eligible for scheme certificate only (not immediate pension).
   • If you are between age 50 and 58, have completed 10 years and choose not to take a reduced pension, you may apply via Form 10C for scheme certificate.

3. Family/nominee of a deceased member

   • If the member died after attaining age 58 but before completing 10 years of eligible service, then the family/nominee/legal heir can apply for withdrawal benefit using Form 10C.

Important to note:

• If you have completed 10 years or more service and have attained the pensionable age, you would use Form 10D instead for pension benefits.
• The “eligible service” count includes service under previous employers (pre-1995) if recognized.

What are the Benefits of Form 10C?

By submitting Form 10C, you avail one or more of the following benefits depending on your category:

• Withdrawal Benefit: If you fall under the “less than 10 years service” category, you may withdraw the pension-fund portion (EPS) instead of waiting for pension eligibility.
• Scheme Certificate: If you don’t want withdrawal (maybe because you will join another EPF-covered job), you can get a certificate which preserves your service record under EPS and helps you carry it forward later.
  • This certificate protects your future pension rights when you join a new organisation.
• Recognition of service: Helps ensure that your past contribution/service period is recognized, so you don’t lose your pension rights due to job change.
• Family benefit: If eligible member dies prematurely, the nominee/ legal heir can apply for applicable withdrawal benefit using Form 10C.

In simpler words Form 10C gives you an exit route or continuation route from EPS when you change jobs or your service is short of pension eligibility. It keeps your pension rights intact or gives you immediate benefit instead of losing out.

Documents Required with Form 10C

When filing Form 10C (either offline or online), you must attach relevant supporting documents.

Commonly required documents are:

• A cancelled blank cheque (to verify bank account + IFSC)
• Member’s Aadhaar and UAN (linked)
• Birth certificate of the member (for scheme certificate claims)
• In case of member’s death: death certificate of the member
• In case of legal heir claim: succession certificate/ legal heir certificate
• Revenue stamp of ₹ 1 affixed on the form (for manual submission)
• Bank account details (account number, IFSC, account holder name)
• PAN card may be required if service less than certain years (for online claims).

Make sure information in the form and attached documents match your service records (date of joining, date of leaving, PF number, etc.) accurately. Mistakes or mismatches can cause delays.

How to Submit Form 10C (Online & Offline)

Online submission

• Ensure your UAN is active, mobile number is registered and Aadhaar/Bank/IFSC details are seeded.
• Visit EPFO member portal → “Online Services” → “Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)”.
• Select the type of claim “Only Pension Withdrawal (Form 10C)” or “Scheme Certificate (Form 10C)”.
• Verify details auto-filled (UAN, name, bank account last 4 digits)
• Submit OTP from registered mobile and submit form
• Track status in UAN portal.

Offline submission

• Download Form 10C from EPFO website.
• Fill the form in block letters, attach documents, signatures of employee and employer (or authorized signatory).
• Submit to your last employer (or EPFO regional office if employer no longer active)
• Keep acknowledgement.

Key Points & Things to Remember

• If you choose withdrawal benefit, once you withdraw the pension portion you will not be eligible for monthly pension unless you again fulfil 10 years of eligible service.
• If you opt for scheme certificate, your previous service is credited when you join next employer covered under EPF/EPS; this helps you move closer to pension eligibility.
• Form 10C should preferably be filed within 36 months of leaving service; beyond that the service may turn “inoperative” and interest/benefits may be reduced.
• Ensure all KYC details (Aadhaar, bank, PAN) seeded properly; mismatch leads to rejection.
• Online claims are faster; offline may take longer based on employer/EPFO verification.
• The claim pertains only to the pension component (EPS), your EPF (employee + employer contribution) will continue separately under Form 19 or other claim forms.

Summary

Form 10C is a vital form for EPF/EPS members who have not yet reached full pension eligibility or are changing jobs. It offers you either a withdrawal of your pension-fund portion, or a scheme certificate that preserves your service record for future pension. Whether you leave employment early, or simply want to transfer your pension rights to the next job, Form 10C ensures you do not lose out. Be sure to check eligibility carefully, attach required documents, and choose whether you want withdrawal or certificate. Timely submission and correct details will make the process smoother and safeguard your pension rights.