Form 10C - For EPS Withdrawal or Scheme Certificate

This form becomes relevant when individuals meet certain eligibility criteria, such as leaving employment before completing a specified number of years of service, reaching retirement age, or facing permanent disablement. It allows eligible individuals to claim their pension benefits in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the EPFO.

Form 10C serves as a formal request and declaration by the individual to withdraw their pension amount or opt for other available options, such as obtaining a Scheme Certificate or applying for disablement pension, depending on their circumstances.

How to Fill Form 10C online?

Filling Form 10C online is a convenient process facilitated by the EPFO's member portal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill Form 10C online:

Step 1: Visit the official EPFO website and navigate to the member portal section.

Step 2: Log in using your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password. If you haven't registered yet, you'll need to do so to access your account.

Step 3: Once logged in, go to the ‘Online Services’ section provided on the portal.

Step 4: Look for the option titled ‘Claim Form (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)’. Click on it to proceed.

Step 5: The portal will display your personal details such as name, father's name, date of birth, contact details, and bank account information. Verify these details to ensure accuracy.

Step 6: Enter the last four digits of your bank account number to verify and ensure that the withdrawal amount can be deposited into the correct account.

Step 7: You will be prompted to agree to the terms and conditions of the ‘Certificate of Undertaking’. Read through these terms and proceed by selecting ‘Yes’ or agreeing to continue.

Step 8: Choose the claim type as ‘Only Pension Withdrawal (Form 10C)’ from the options provided.

Step 9: Fill in your complete address and any other required details as prompted by the online form.

Step 10: Select the option to generate an Aadhaar OTP (One-Time Password). This OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar.

Step 11: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and submit the claim form.

Step 12: After successful submission, you will receive a confirmation message or acknowledgment on the portal. Additionally, you may receive an SMS on your registered mobile number confirming the submission.

Step 13: Once the form is submitted, the EPFO will process your request, and if everything is in order, the pension amount will be transferred to your registered bank account. It is essential to ensure that all details provided in the online form are accurate and up to date to avoid any delays or complications in processing your pension withdrawal request.

How to Download Form 10C?

User can Download it from Official Website at Form 10c for Claiming Withdrawal Benefit/Scheme Certificate. 

To download Form 10C, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the EPFO Website:
  • Open your web browser and go to the official website of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) at https://www.epfindia.gov.in/.
• Step 2: Navigate to the Downloads Section:
  • Look for a section titled ‘Downloads’ on the EPFO website's homepage. You can typically find this section in the main menu or navigation bar.
• Step 3: Find Form 10C:
  • Within the Downloads or Forms section, locate Form 10C. You can do this by scrolling through the list of forms alphabetically or using the search function provided on the website.
• Step 4: Download the Form:
  • Once you've found Form 10C, click on the link or icon associated with it to initiate the download. The form is usually available in PDF format for easy access and printing.
• Step 5: Save or Print the Form:
  • After downloading the form, you can choose to save it to your computer or device for future reference. Alternatively, you can directly print the form using your printer. 
• Step 6: Fill Out the Form:
  • With the downloaded form in hand, fill in all the required fields with accurate information. Make sure to provide all the necessary details as per your EPF account and employment history.
• Step 7: Submit the Form:
  • Depending on your requirements, you can submit the filled-out form as instructed by the EPFO. This may involve submitting the form online through the EPFO member portal or physically submitting it to your employer or the EPFO office.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply Form 10C

The eligibility criteria to apply for Form 10C vary depending on the circumstances of the individual's employment and age.

Depending on which category an individual falls under, they can determine their eligibility to apply for Form 10C and avail themselves of the benefits provided by the EPFO regarding pension withdrawal or scheme certificate issuance. The different Edibility criteria to apply for a Form 10C are as follows: 

Eligibility Criteria I:

• Individuals who have left their job before completing 10 years of service.
• Members who have attained 58 years of age before completing 10 years of service.

Eligibility Criteria II:

• Members who have completed 10 years of service at the time of leaving their job but have not yet turned 50 years old.

• Members who are between 50 to 58 years of age and do not agree to accept a reduced pension.

Eligibility Criteria III:

• Family members, nominees, or legal heirs of a deceased member who died after attaining 58 years of age but did not complete 10 years of service.

Benefits of Form 10C

Form 10C serves as a versatile tool for claiming various benefits from the Employee Pension Fund (EPF). It allows individuals to claim any of the following:

• Employer Share Refund: This option enables individuals to claim a refund of the employer's contribution to their pension fund. It may apply in cases where the individual is not eligible for pension benefits or chooses to withdraw the accumulated amount.
• Scheme Certificate for Member Retention: The scheme certificate is suitable for members with a total service period exceeding 9.5 years who have not yet reached the age of 50 at the time of application. This certificate allows members to retain their earlier service period when rejoining the workforce, whether in the same or a different organization. While availing themselves of a scheme certificate, members can also withdraw their PF accumulations.
• Withdrawal Benefit: This benefit is available to applicants who have served for less than 9.5 years and are below 50 years of age at the time of application. It enables individuals to receive a refund of their pension fund contributions since they are not yet eligible for a pension. However, withdrawal benefit is not applicable if the membership duration is less than 180 days, excluding non-contributing periods.

The benefits of Form 10C revolve around its role in facilitating the withdrawal of pension funds from the Employee Pension Fund (EPF) managed by the Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).

Here is a detailed explanation of the benefits associated with Form 10C:

• Pension Withdrawal: One of the primary benefits of Form 10C is its role in facilitating pension withdrawal for eligible individuals. It allows members to access the pension portion of their EPF account, providing financial support during retirement or in times of need.
• Financial Security: Form 10C provides a crucial avenue for individuals to secure their financial future by accessing their accumulated pension funds. This financial security can be particularly important during retirement, ensuring a regular income stream to support living expenses.
• Flexibility in Withdrawal Options: Form 10C offers flexibility in withdrawal options, allowing individuals to choose between various benefit types based on their eligibility criteria and financial needs. Whether opting for a scheme certificate, withdrawal benefit, or employer share refund, individuals can select the option that best suits their circumstances.
• Scheme Certificate for Member Retention: For members with significant service tenure who are not yet eligible for pension benefits, Form 10C allows them to obtain a scheme certificate. This certificate preserves their earlier service period, enabling them to retain their pension entitlements when transitioning to a new job or organization.
• Withdrawal Benefit for Short Service Periods: Individuals who have served for a shorter duration and are not eligible for pension benefits can avail themselves of the withdrawal benefit through Form 10C. This option provides them with a refund of their pension fund contributions, offering financial relief during job transitions or unforeseen circumstances.
• Ease of Application: Form 10C simplifies the process of pension withdrawal by providing a standardized application format. This makes it easier for individuals to initiate their pension withdrawal request and ensures consistency and accuracy in the application process.

What is an EPS Scheme Certificate?

An EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) Scheme Certificate is a document issued by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to members who wish to transfer their EPS amount to a new account when they change jobs. This certificate serves as a crucial tool for preserving and transferring pension entitlements from one employer to another.

Here are the key aspects of an EPS Scheme Certificate:

• Transfer of Pension Amount: The EPS Scheme Certificate facilitates the transfer of the pension amount accumulated by the member during their employment tenure. It allows members to carry forward their pension entitlements when they switch jobs, ensuring continuity in pension benefits.
• Optional Transfer Period: Members can transfer their EPS amount until their service period exceeds 180 days but is less than 10 years. During this period, transferring the pension amount using the EPS Scheme Certificate is optional.
• Mandatory Transfer After 10 Years: Once the service period of the member exceeds 10 years, transferring the pension amount from one account to another becomes mandatory. This transfer must be facilitated using the EPS Scheme Certificate, ensuring compliance with EPFO regulations.

• Contains Member's Details: The EPS Scheme Certificate contains comprehensive details about the members, including their service history, family details, nominees, and other relevant information. It serves as an authentic record of the member's employment history and pension entitlements.
• Preservation of Employment Record: By preserving the member's employment record and pension entitlements, the EPS Scheme Certificate ensures transparency and accuracy in pension administration. It is a vital document for the members and the EPFO in managing pension benefits effectively.

Contents of Form 10C

This is a 4 page document in which you are required to fill up the first 2 pages in general cases and also the 3^rd page for if you have taken any advances against the account. The final page is for administrative purposes and there’s no need to fill it up.

The first page asks you for details like:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Father’s name and/or husband’s name
• Employer address
• PF account number
• Joining date with employer
• Reason for leaving and date of leaving
• Full address

The 2^nd page of the form will ask for details including:

• Particulars of family/nominees
• Mode of remittance
• Date and signature, and some more details pertaining to age and account details for remittances

For the 3^rd page which deals with advances, you will be asked for the following details, among others:

• Sum received
• Details of wages and period of non-contributory service of member
• Date and signature

The final section is meant for administration purposes only. This will be filled by the relevant authorities.

Instructions for Filling Form 10C

• Write names in capital letters
• Date of birth should be exact
• No cutting or overwriting should be there, and if there are corrections, the same must be attested
• The PF account number consists of region code (2 alphabets), office code (3 alphabets), code number (maximum 7 digit), extension (sub code) and the account number (less than or equal to 7 digits)
• In the form, Sl No 9 should be filled if applying for scheme certificate, while Sl No 11 can be left blank
• Sl No 11 should be filled if applying for withdrawal certificate, while Sl No 9 can be left blank
• In addition to bank account details, you should also attach a copy of cancelled/blank cheque to ensure that the account number and IFSC code are visible clearly
• In case of death of member, Sl No 9 should be filled with details of family/nominees/legal heir and Sl No 10 and 11 should be filled by the respective legal heir/nominee/family member
• Sl No 12 should be filled if member is drawing pension or family pension under the EPS scheme 1995

Submission Process of Form 10C

To ensure a smooth application process for Form 10C, applicants must adhere to specific guidelines regarding submission and document requirements. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the submission process and the documents required:

• Through Last Employer: The application for Form 10C is typically directed through the applicant's last employer. The employer assists in verifying the applicant's details and forwarding the application to the appropriate authority.
• Online Submission: In online submission or download of forms, all pages should be signed by the employee and the employer. This signature ensures authenticity and completeness of the application.
• Attestation by Authorized Official: If the organization has ceased to exist, the form should be attested by an authorized official. Authorized officials include magistrates, gazetted officers, village union presidents, post or sub-postmasters, village panchayat presidents, members or secretaries or chairpersons of municipal or district local boards, MLAs, MPs, members of the central board of trustees, regional committee of EPF, managers of banks where savings accounts exist, or heads of educational institutions.

Required Documents for Form 10C

• Blank/Cancelled Cheque: A copy of a blank or cancelled cheque is essential for facilitating electronic fund transfers and verifying the applicant's bank account details.
• Date of Birth Certificates: When applying for a scheme certificate, date of birth certificates of children may need to be provided as additional documentation to establish family details and eligibility.
• Death Certificate: If the EPF member is deceased, a copy of the death certificate must be submitted to establish the applicant's status as a nominee or legal heir.
• Succession Certificate: Legal heirs of deceased EPF members may be required to submit a succession certificate issued by a competent authority to establish their right to claim pension benefits.
• Rs.1 Stamp: If applying for withdrawal benefits through a bank, a revenue stamp of Rs.1 may need to be affixed to the application as per the specified requirements.