EPFO Rule: Many things change after marriage. Along with new responsibilities, the family’s financial needs also evolve. In such a scenario, salaried individuals should attend to a crucial task regarding their Provident Fund (EPF)—one they should not overlook. It is essential to update the EPF nomination after marriage. Many people leave their pre-marriage nominee’s name on record even after tying the knot.
This can lead to complications regarding the EPF account later on. According to EPFO rules, a nomination made prior to marriage is considered invalid after marriage. As per the EPFO website, a member must file a new nomination after marriage. Therefore, instead of delaying it, it is advisable to complete the new e-nomination as soon as possible.
Why does a pre-marriage nomination become invalid after marriage?
EPF nomination is linked to your family status. Before marriage, an individual might nominate their parents or other eligible family members. Marriage alters one’s status, as a spouse—and potentially other eligible members—joins the family. Consequently, a nomination made before marriage ceases to be valid. EPFO regulations clearly state that filing a new nomination after marriage is mandatory.
What happens if a new nomination is not filed?
Failing to update the nomination does not mean the accumulated EPF funds will be lost or that the family will be unable to withdraw them. However, in the event of the member’s death, the process for the family to access the funds can become significantly more difficult. If there is no valid nominee in the EPFO records, the family claiming the funds may be required to produce a legal heir certificate or other essential documents. The EPFO may also seek information about surviving family members from the last employer. This can lead to considerable delays in the claim settlement process.
Why is e-nomination essential?
The EPFO offers an e-nomination facility to update nomination details. This allows members to update their personal information and nominee details online. It enables the verification of details such as name, date of birth, and gender against Aadhaar-linked data. Previously, ‘Form 2’ was used for nominations; however, where e-nomination is applicable, the old physical Form 2 is no longer considered valid for the claim process. Therefore, you must update the e-nomination online after marriage.
Provide Accurate Family Details
If an EPF subscriber has a family, it is crucial to provide accurate details of eligible family members in the e-nomination. Nominating an individual who does not meet the eligibility criteria for family nomination renders the nomination invalid. Consequently, after marriage, ensure that the details of your spouse and other family members are correctly updated in the records. Avoid making any errors when entering names and other essential information.
Make These EPFO Updates After Marriage
After marriage, file a new e-nomination using the EPFO’s online facility; do not rely on the old nomination. You must enter details of eligible family members based on your current family status and verify that all information is correct. Although this is a quick online task, it greatly helps your family claim EPF funds in the future. Therefore, updating your EPF nomination should be one of the essential tasks after marriage.
How to Check Your PF Balance
To check the amount deposited in your PF account, first visit the official EPFO website.
Next, navigate to the ‘Member Passbook’ section under the ‘Services’ tab.
Enter your UAN, captcha code, and password.
Once logged in, the total balance and passbook details will be displayed on the screen. You can also check your PF balance via a missed call and message.