Key Takeaways
- Form 10C is used to claim EPS benefits, not your full EPF balance
- It applies when you’ve served less than 10 years (withdrawal) or more than 10 years (scheme certificate)
- You can file it online through the EPFO member portal without visiting a PF office
- KYC must be updated and verified before you apply
If you’ve recently left a job or are planning to, you’ve probably heard about withdrawing your Provident Fund (PF). But here’s something many employees miss: your EPF account actually has two parts, the Provident Fund (PF) and the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS). To access this EPS balance, you need Form 10C in EPFO, a specific claim form for pension-related benefits.
This guide covers everything you need to know from what Form 10C is, who can use it, when to file it, how to do it online, to what to watch out for so your claim doesn’t get rejected.
What Is Form 10C?
Form 10C is an official EPFO form used to claim benefits under the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS). This is the pension component of your EPF account.
Here’s the part that most people miss:
When both you and your employer contribute to EPF, not all of it goes into your Provident Fund. Out of your employer’s 12% contribution, 8.33% is redirected to EPS (the Employee Pension Scheme). Your own 12% contribution goes entirely to EPF.
In simple terms, Form 10C in EPFO means the claim route for the EPS portion, which is built from your employer’s contributions over your years of service.
Depending on how long you’ve worked, Form 10C lets you either:
- Withdraw the EPS amount as a lump sum (if you’ve served less than 10 years), or
- Get a Scheme Certificate that preserves your pension for later (if you’ve served 10 or more years but haven’t reached retirement age)
Who Can Apply for Form 10C?
You can apply for Form 10C if you meet any of the following eligibility conditions. Check if these apply to you:
| Situation | What You Can Claim |
|---|---|
| Left your job with less than 10 years of total service | Withdrawal benefit as a lump sum |
| Completed 10 or more years of service but are below 58 years | Scheme Certificate |
| Switching jobs and want to carry forward your EPS service | EPS benefits through a Scheme Certificate |
| Unemployed for at least two months after leaving a job | Withdrawal benefit |
| Nominee or eligible family member of a deceased EPF member | EPS benefit on behalf of the member |
Other Eligibility conditions:
- You must be below 58 years of age at the time of applying
- You should not be employed at any EPF-covered establishment when submitting the claim
- You should not have already claimed a reduced early pension
Note: Update – Short Service Under 6 Months: Previously, if your total service was under 6 months, you were not entitled to any EPS withdrawal. That money was forfeited. Following an amendment to Table D of the Employees’ Pension Scheme in June 2024, every completed month of contributory service is now considered. So, you can now receive a proportionate refund even if your service was under 6 months, provided you contributed to EPS for at least 1 month. If you were in this situation and didn’t file earlier, it’s worth checking your eligibility now.
When Should EPF Members Submit Form 10C?
The correct time to file for a Form 10C depends on timing and your situation. Consider filing for the following situations:
If you’re leaving a job (less than 10 years of service): File after your employer has updated your Date of Exit in the EPFO system. Without this update, your Form 10C claim will be blocked.
If you’re switching jobs: You don’t have to withdraw. You can use Form 10C to get a Scheme Certificate that transfers your pension service record to your new employer. This is generally the better long-term choice if you plan to build toward 10 years of cumulative EPS service.
If you’re taking a career break or going abroad: File Form 10C after leaving employment. If you’re moving abroad permanently, withdrawal may be the right choice. If you’re likely to return to a salaried job in India, a Scheme Certificate helps you retain your service history.
Should you withdraw or get a Scheme Certificate?
This is a decision that will depend on your decision to continue with employment or not.
If you’re under 50, have fewer than 10 years of service, and are unlikely to return to a formal salaried job, withdrawing your EPS balance makes sense. The money is yours and you can use it.
If you’re likely to work again in an EPF-covered job, opt for the Scheme Certificate. Every year of EPS service counts toward your eventual pension. Withdrawing resets that history.
After 10 years of cumulative EPS service, you’re entitled to a monthly pension starting at age 58. That’s worth preserving if you can.
Benefits of Filing Form 10C
Filing Form 10C is more than a compliance step; it protects money that’s already yours and keeps your pension record intact for the future.
1. Access Your EPS Balance
If you’ve left a job without completing 10 years of service, Form 10C lets you withdraw the EPS amount built during your tenure. The payout is calculated based on Table D of the EPS scheme, using a wage cap of ₹15,000 per month.
How much can you expect?
Your last drawn salary doesn’t directly determine the EPS withdrawal. The calculation is capped at ₹15,000/month regardless of your actual salary.
For example, if you earned ₹42,000/month and worked for 8 years, your EPS withdrawal would be based on ₹15,000 × the factor for 8 years (8.22) = approximately ₹1,23,300.
The actual factor varies by years of service as per the official Table D, which EPFO uses to calculate the benefit.
Note: A lump sum EPS withdrawal is taxable if received before completing 5 years of continuous service.
2. Scheme Certificate for Long-Term Pension
If you’ve crossed 10 years of service (or are close to it), you can request a Scheme Certificate. This document records your EPS service history and is submitted to your next employer so contributions continue seamlessly. This is what ensures your eventual monthly pension is not lost every time you change jobs.
3. Protects Your Nominees
If an EPF member passes away before completing 10 years of service, their nominee or family members can submit Form 10C to claim the applicable EPS benefits. The pension contributions don’t lapse.
4. No Physical Visit Required
The entire process is now online via the EPFO Unified Member Portal or the UMANG app, making it accessible regardless of where you are.
Documents Required for Form 10C
Getting the documents right is crucial to claim your money. A simple mismatch between documents and EPFO records can delay or reject your claim. Make sure your document details match the EPFO record.
| Document/Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|
| UAN (Universal Account Number) | Used for login and member identification |
| Aadhaar card linked to UAN | Required for KYC verification and OTP authentication |
| PAN card | Used for tax compliance |
| Active bank account with IFSC | Required for crediting the EPS withdrawal amount |
| Cancelled cheque | Used to verify bank account details |
| Service certificate from employer | Serves as proof of employment duration, where applicable |
| Date of Exit updated by employer | Required for the claim to be processed |
Note: Important before you apply: Make sure your KYC is verified on the EPFO portal. If your Aadhaar name doesn’t match EPFO records, even a spelling variation, your claim can be rejected. Check your UAN profile first.
How to Fill Form 10C Online
The 10C form on the EPFO portal can be filed online once your KYC is verified, and the process can usually be completed in less than 10 minutes. Here’s how to fill it:
Step 1: Go to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal epfindia.gov.in and log in with your UAN and password.
Step 2: Under “Online Services,” select “Claim (Form 31, 19, 10C and 10D).”
Step 3: Enter the last 4 digits of your bank account to verify your details.
Step 4: Click “Proceed for Online Claim.”
Step 5: From the dropdown under “I want to apply for,” select “Only Pension Withdrawal (Form 10C).”
Step 6: Enter your current address, read the disclaimer, and click “Get Aadhaar OTP.”
Step 7: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and submit.
Checking your Date of Exit: If your employer has not updated your Date of Exit, your claim will be blocked. Since 2026, you can mark your own exit in the “Manage” tab on the member portal using Aadhaar-based OTP. Use this if it’s been over 2 months since your last contribution and your employer hasn’t updated the date.
Processing time: Online claims with verified KYC typically take 3 to 10 working days. To check your EPF Form 10C online claim status, log in to the member portal and open the claim status section. Offline claims can take up to 20 to 30 days.
Without employer approval: If your KYC (Aadhaar and bank details) is fully verified and approved on the UAN portal, you can submit Form 10C without employer attestation for the online process.
How to Download Form 10C
If you need the offline version for claim submission or for record-keeping, you can download Form 10C directly from the EPFO website.
To download:
- Visit epfindia.gov.in
- Go to “Downloads” → “Forms”
- Look for “Form 10C” under EPS claim forms
- Download and print the PDF
For most online claims, you don’t need to download or print the form. The EPFO portal handles the entire process digitally.
Difference Between Form 10C and Form 19
Many people often get confused between Form 10C and Form 19. Filing Form 10C for PF withdrawal from your EPF balance is a common mistake; Form 19 is used for that purpose. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each covers.
| Parameter | Form 10C | Form 19 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Claim EPS pension benefits | Withdraw the full EPF balance |
| What it Covers | Eligible EPS benefits based on the employer’s pension contribution | Employee and employer contributions made to the EPF account |
| Eligibility | Eligible EPS members claiming a withdrawal benefit or Scheme Certificate | Members who have left employment, retired, or otherwise qualify for final EPF settlement |
| Outcome | EPS withdrawal benefit or Scheme Certificate | Full eligible EPF balance credited to the registered bank account |
| Can They Be Filed Together? | Yes | Yes |
| Service Requirement | At least one completed month of EPS contribution for withdrawal benefit | Generally, a two-month gap after leaving employment, except in cases such as retirement |
When to file both: If you’re leaving a job permanently and have less than 10 years of service, you’ll typically file Form 19 (to get your full PF balance) and Form 10C (to get your EPS balance) together. These are now part of the Composite Claim Form for offline submission.
Common mistake to avoid: Submitting only Form 19 and skipping Form 10C means your EPS balance stays unclaimed. Many employees miss this.
FAQs on Form 10C for EPF Members
Can I submit Form 10C and Form 19 together?
Yes. You can claim your EPF final settlement and eligible EPS withdrawal together through the Composite Claim Form, provided you meet the withdrawal conditions.
What happens if I do not file Form 10C after leaving my job?
Your EPS benefit will not be paid automatically, and you will not receive a Scheme Certificate. You may claim it later or preserve your service for future pension eligibility.
Is Form 10C mandatory for pension withdrawal?
Yes, Form 10C is required to claim an eligible EPS withdrawal benefit or obtain a Scheme Certificate. It is not required only for withdrawing your EPF balance through Form 19.
Can I apply for Form 10C without completing 10 years of service?
Yes. Form 10C is mainly used to claim an EPS withdrawal benefit when your eligible service is less than 10 years. The amount is calculated based on your completed months of service.
Will the EPS amount be credited directly to my bank account through Form 10C?
Yes. Once the claim is approved, the eligible withdrawal benefit is credited to the bank account linked and verified with your UAN.
Can I submit Form 10C online without employer approval?
Yes, provided your UAN is active and your Aadhaar, bank account and KYC details are linked and verified. Non-Aadhaar offline claims generally require employer attestation.
