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The loss of a loved one is the most devastating, and at that moment, no one's mind is at their wits' end. But the reality is that even in this moment of grief, the family has to worry about money and paperwork for the future. Yes, if a family member was employed in a private job, the family (nominee) has many rights after their death. In fact, from pending company salaries to free government insurance of up to ₹7 lakh and a monthly pension, there are many things that people are unable to claim due to a lack of proper information.

Yes, this information is specifically for you, so that you know what steps you need to take, from the bank to the office, and what forms you need to fill out after receiving the death certificate. This will protect your financial rights and provide support to the family.

1. The First and Most Important Document: Death Certificate

First, obtain at least 10-15 copies of the Death Certificate from the hospital or municipal corporation.

This will be the first thing you'll ask for in every government or private job; without it, you won't be able to move forward.

2. What will you get from the company?
Speak to the company's HR without hesitation; you can get these things from there.
The family receives their monthly salary or any remaining vacation pay.
If they worked there, the company provided gratuity.
Many companies insure their staff.

3. Three major benefits from the PF Office (EPFO)
If PF is deducted from their salary, you'll receive these three things.
The nominee will receive all the money accumulated in the PF account, including interest.
If they worked for 5 years or more, the spouse will receive a monthly pension for life, and the children (until the age of 25) will receive a monthly pension.
If a person passes away while in service, the family receives insurance up to ₹7 lakh, even if they didn't have any separate insurance.

4. Banks and Investments
Go to the bank and inform the manager about the death of your loved one.

If you are the nominee, the money will be easily credited to your account.

Keep in mind that withdrawing money from their ATM after their death may be illegal; always inform the bank before withdrawing.

If they had invested elsewhere, the money would have been transferred based on the nominee.

5. Insurance and Loans
If they had an insurance policy themselves, fill out the claim form immediately.

If they had a home loan or car loan, check if that loan was insured.

If they were insured, the bank would automatically recover the money from the insurance company, and the family would not have to pay it.

3 important things to remember:

PAN Card: Don't cancel their PAN card yet, as it will be needed for filing income tax (ITR). Surrender it only after all the necessary work is complete.

Mobile Number: Keep their mobile number active, and OTPs for bank and government work will be sent to that number.

Email: If you know their email password, keep it safe, as you'll find all your investment information there.

1. For EPFO ​​(PF Office): 'Composite Claim Form.'
Earlier, you had to fill out multiple forms (Form 20, 10D, 5IF) for different purposes, but now the government has simplified this process. You just need to fill out the Composite Claim Form (Death Case).

What will this do? This single form will process your PF balance, pension, and insurance up to Rs 7 lakh (EDLI) all at once.

Where can I find it? This is available on the EPFO ​​website, or you can ask your company's HR team.

2. For Banks: 'Annexure' and Claim Form
If you are a nominee on your bank account, the process is very simple. You just need to fill out a 'Deceased Claim Form'.

Important Note: If the account does not have a nominee's name, the bank may ask for an 'Indemnity Bond' (a type of legal affidavit).

Caution: When filling out the form, be sure to have your (nominee's) canceled check handy, as the money will be credited directly to your account.

3. For Insurance: 'Discharge Voucher.'
When you approach LIC or any private insurance company, they will ask you to fill out a 'Claim Intimation Form'.

Special Form: When the insurance company approves the claim, they ask you to sign a 'Discharge Voucher'. This signifies that the money has been received and the company no longer owes me anything.

4. For the Office (Company): 'Gratuity Form.'
To receive gratuity from the company, you must fill out 'Form L' (or sometimes Form J).

Tip: Ask your company's HR for a Full & Final Settlement sheet.
It will state the total amount you are receiving (salary + bonus + gratuity).
Stapled these five items with these forms:
Death Certificate - Show it carefully and submit a photocopy.
Nominee's Aadhaar and PAN card - For your identification.
Deceased's PAN card - For updating records.
Bank passbook or canceled check - To ensure the money is credited to the correct account.
Witnesses - Sometimes, two witnesses are required at the bank. They also ask for the signature and a copy of their Aadhar card.

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