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Form 10C
What Is Form 10C?
Form 10C is a legal form used by workers in India to claim benefits under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) of 1995, which forms a subset of the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme. This form gives the worker the authority either to withdraw their pension benefit or to request the issuance of a Scheme Certificate after leaving a job.
It is most commonly used by individuals who have less than 10 years of continuous service and are not eligible for full pension benefits under EPS. For a detailed step-by-step guide, read our full article on Form 10C.
What Is the Purpose of Form 10C?
Form 10C allows employees to:
- Withdraw EPS contributions if their service is less than 10 years
- Apply for a Scheme Certificate if they have completed more than 9.5 years but are not yet eligible to receive a pension (before the age of 58)
- Maintain pension continuity in case of future employment by presenting the Scheme Certificate
This ensures that employees do not lose out on pension benefits if they change jobs or leave the workforce temporarily.
Who Should Fill Form 10C?
You should submit Form 10C if:
- You have left your job and completed more than 6 months but less than 10 years of service
- You are not eligible for a monthly pension (which requires a minimum of 10 years of service)
- You are opting for a Scheme Certificate to carry forward your pensionable service to your next employer
- You are a nominee or legal heir claiming EPS benefits of a deceased member
If you have completed 10 or more years of eligible service, you cannot withdraw EPS funds through Form 10C but can apply for a monthly pension via Form 10D instead.
What Information Is Included in Form 10C?
- Personal information (name, date of birth, marital status)
- EPF account number and UAN
- Date of joining and leaving the job
- Reason for leaving service
- Previous employment details
- Bank account details for fund transfer
- Declaration and signature of the member
What Documents Are Required for Form 10C?
- UAN (Universal Account Number)
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
- PAN card (if applicable for tax purposes)
- Date of exit updated by the employer in the EPF system
- Scheme Certificate (only for rejoining employees or nominees)
How Can You Submit Form 10C Online?
Online method:
- Log in to the EPFO member portal using your UAN and password
- Ensure Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are verified
- Go to 'Online Services' > 'Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)'
- Choose Form 10C
- Verify details and submit the claim online
Offline method: Download Form 10C from the official EPFO website, fill it in manually, and submit at the regional EPFO office along with required documents.
How Long Does It Take to Process Form 10C?
Once submitted, EPFO reviews and verifies the employee's records before processing the claim. Most Form 10C claims are settled within 15 to 30 days. Applicants can track their claim status online using their UAN through the EPFO member portal.
What Other Topics Are Related to Form 10C?
- Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS): Retirement benefit plan administered by EPFO for eligible employees.
- Employees' Provident Fund (EPF): A long-term retirement saving plan for salaried employees.
- Form 10D: Applicable for monthly pension claims from EPS.
- Universal Account Number (UAN): Unique identification number allotted to EPF members.
- Scheme Certificate: Document serving as proof of pensionable service.
How Does TankhaPay Support EPF and Employee Compliance Management?
TankhaPay helps organisations streamline payroll, compliance, and employee record management through a digital platform. Maintaining accurate employee records and statutory compliance requirements is essential for smooth workforce administration. Digital payroll systems assist organisations in keeping well-organised files for employees, managing compliance procedures effectively, and ensuring information about the workforce is accurate to meet regulatory needs.
FAQs
What is Form 10C used for?
Form 10C is used to claim benefits under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), including pension withdrawal benefits or a Scheme Certificate.
Can I withdraw EPS using Form 10C?
Yes. Employees with fewer than 10 years of eligible service can apply for pension withdrawal benefits through Form 10C.
What is a Scheme Certificate?
A scheme certificate preserves an employee's pensionable service and can be used to claim pension benefits in the future.
Who can apply for Form 10C?
Employees who have left employment and completed at least six months of service but less than ten years of pensionable service can generally apply.
What is the difference between Form 10C and Form 10D?
Form 10C is used for pension withdrawal benefits and obtaining the Scheme Certificate, while Form 10D is for claiming a monthly pension.
Can Form 10C be submitted online?
Yes. Eligible employees may submit Form 10C online by visiting the EPFO Member Portal using their UAN number.
