Form 10C in EPF: The 2026 Guide to Filing EPS Withdrawal and Scheme Certificate
- Buragadda Praneet
- Jan 2
- 7 min read
Confused about Form 10C? Learn how to withdraw your pension fund or get a Scheme Certificate in 2026. Updated rules for service under 6 months included.
Leaving a job is a major life transition. Whether it’s a career upgrade, a layoff, or a personal break, your financial security should be the last thing you worry about.
One of the most confusing aspects of leaving a job is handling your EPF (Employee Provident Fund).
While most people know how to withdraw their savings, many get stuck on Form 10C, the form responsible for their pension benefits.
If you are asking:
"Can I withdraw my pension money now?"
"What is a Scheme Certificate?"
"Why was my Form 10C rejected?"
Then this guide is for you. We have simplified the latest 2026 rules to help you claim what is rightfully yours.
What Is Form 10C in EPF?
Form 10C is the specific claim form used for the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). It allows a member to do one of two things:
Withdraw Pension Money: If you have worked for less than 10 years, you can encash your pension contributions.
Get a Scheme Certificate: If you have worked for 10 years or more, you cannot withdraw the cash. Instead, you get a certificate that preserves your service record for a future monthly pension.
Important Distinction:
Form 19 is for withdrawing your PF Balance (Employee + Employer share).
Form 10C is for withdrawing your Pension Fund (Employer’s 8.33% share).
When Can You Use Form 10C?
Your eligibility depends entirely on your Total Service Period.
Case 1: Service Less Than 10 Years (Withdrawal Benefit)
If you have not yet completed 10 years of service, you are not eligible for a monthly pension. However, you are eligible for a Withdrawal Benefit.
Action: Submit Form 10C.
Result: You receive a lump sum amount calculated based on your service period and last drawn salary.
Best For: Those who need immediate funds or do not plan to work in the formal sector again.
Case 2: Service 10 Years or More (Scheme Certificate)
Once you cross 10 years of service, the EPS rules change. You are now entitled to a Lifetime Monthly Pension after age 58.
Action: Submit Form 10C requesting a Scheme Certificate.
Result: You get a document proving your service history. You cannot withdraw the cash lump sum.
Best For: Securing your retirement income.
Major Update: The "Less Than 6 Months" Rule
This is the most critical update for 2026.
Previously, if an employee worked for less than 6 months, they were not eligible to withdraw their pension money. That money was forfeited to the government pool.
The New Rule:
As per the latest amendment to Table D, you can now withdraw your EPS benefit even if your service is less than 6 months, provided you have contributed for at least 1 month.
Old Rule: < 6 months = ₹0 Refund.
New Rule: < 6 months = Proportionate Refund allowed.
Eligibility Checklist
Before logging into the portal, ensure you meet these criteria:
You have left your employment.
Your "Date of Exit" is updated in the EPF database by your employer.
You are currently unemployed (there is usually a 2-month waiting period, though exceptions exist for women marrying/pregnant or those moving abroad).
Your UAN is active and KYC (Aadhaar, PAN, Bank Details) is verified.
How to Apply for Form 10C Online (Step-by-Step)
Login: Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal and log in with your UAN and Password.
Navigate: Go to Online Services and click Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).
Verify: Enter the last 4 digits of your bank account number to verify it matches your KYC.
Select Option: In the "I want to apply for" dropdown, select Only Pension Withdrawal (Form 10C).
Note: If you want the Scheme Certificate, select "Scheme Certificate (Form 10C)".
Address: Enter your current address.
Authenticate: Click "Get Aadhaar OTP," enter the OTP sent to your mobile, and submit.
Processing Time: Usually 15 to 20 days.
Form 10C Offline Submission
If you left your job and want to withdraw your Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) benefits, you can apply using Form 10C offline especially helpful when online claims fail due to KYC issues, inactive UAN, or employer inaction. Don’t worry the process is simple when your documents are ready.
Documents Required
Filled Form 10C (EPS Withdrawal / Scheme Certificate)
Cancelled cheque (with your printed name)
Copy of Aadhaar
Copy of PAN (recommended)
UAN / PF number
Service details (DOJ & DOL)
Revenue stamps (if required by the EPFO office)
Employer not available or company closed?
You can get the form attested by a Gazetted Officer / Bank Manager / Notary / Magistrate instead.
How to Fill Form 10C (Short Checklist)
Name (as per EPF records)
Father’s / Husband’s Name
Date of Birth
UAN / PF number
Name & address of employer
Date of joining & leaving
Total service period
Bank account + IFSC
Tick purpose:
✔ Withdrawal benefit (service < 10 years)
✔ Scheme Certificate (service ≥ 10 years)
Signature & date (sign across stamp if used)
Where to Submit?
Submit the form at your EPFO Regional Office:
In person
Or by post/courier
Keep photocopies of all documents for your records.
Processing Time
20–30 working days(May vary by EPFO office and verification status.)
Common Reasons for Rejection
Name / KYC mismatch
Wrong bank account or IFSC
Missing attestation or seal
Signature mismatch
Incorrect service details
Fixing these early helps avoid delays and stress
Strategic Advice: Withdraw or Preserve?
Just because you can withdraw your pension money doesn't mean you should.
Choose Withdrawal If:
You are in financial distress.
You are starting a business and won't have an EPF account anymore.
The amount is small, and you want to close the account.
Choose Scheme Certificate If:
You plan to join another job later.
You want to reach the 10-year milestone to get a lifelong pension.
You want to provide family pension security (spouse/children) in case of untimely death.
(Click to know more about the withdrawal process)
Top 3 Reasons Form 10C Gets Rejected
Nothing is more frustrating than a rejection message. Here are the most common culprits:
Bank Account Mismatch: The name on your bank account does not match the name in the EPF database exactly. Solution: Fix the name in the bank or EPF portal first.
Date of Exit Missing: Your previous employer forgot to update your exit date. Solution: You can now update the Date of Exit yourself in the "Manage" tab.
Service Overlap: If you worked two jobs simultaneously (even for a few days), the system flags it. Solution: This requires manual intervention/clarification with the PF commissioner.
Final Thoughts on Form 10C
Filling Form 10C can feel confusing, especially when you’re dealing with a job change, financial stress, or waiting for your EPF and pension benefits. Remember, this form is meant to protect your EPS pension service and support you during career transitions. Whether you choose a Scheme Certificate or a withdrawal benefit, ensure your details are correct, and your documents are updated to avoid delays in processing by EPFO India.
For many employees across India, EPS benefits are an important part of future security. If you’re unsure about the right option, it’s okay to seek guidance from your employer, EPFO helpdesk, or a trusted advisor. Your pension contributions represent your hard work, and you deserve clarity, support, and timely settlement of your Form 10C claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for Form 19 (PF) and Form 10C (Pension) together?
A: Yes! In fact, it is recommended to apply for both back-to-back on the portal to settle your full account.
Q: Is the Form 10C withdrawal taxable?
A: Generally, the lump sum withdrawal from EPS is not taxable in the hands of the employee.
Q: I worked for 9 years and 6 months. Can I withdraw?
A: Technically, yes. However, EPS rounds up service over 6 months. So, 9 years and 6 months might be treated as 10 years, making you eligible for a Certificate rather than Cash. Check your exact service history in the Service History tab.
Q: How do I fix missing years of service in my EPF Passbook?
A: Submit a Joint Declaration Form to your employer along with proofs like pay slips or appointment letters. Your employer must approve this request via their Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the EPFO to update the record.
Q: How can I correct a wrong Date of Exit (DOE) or Date of Joining (DOJ)?
A: Submit a Joint Declaration to your employer with valid proof, such as your Relieving Letter (for DOE) or Appointment Letter (for DOJ). Once the employer verifies it digitally, EPFO updates the dates within 30–90 days.
Q: What documents are needed for name or DOB correction in EPF?
A: For minor corrections (< 3 years difference), Aadhaar is the primary document. For major corrections, you need the Joint Declaration plus a Birth Certificate, Passport, or School Leaving Certificate.
Q: What is Annexure K, and why is it missing?
A: Annexure K is a backend document verifying your service history after a PF transfer. If it is blank, your pension service counts as zero. You must raise a grievance or ask the EPFO to regenerate it before filing for pension.
Q: Why are my EPS (Pension) wages showing as zero?
A: This is usually a data migration error or a missed contribution by the employer. To fix it, your employer must file a clarification letter or resubmit contribution details to the EPFO regional office.
Q: How do I claim a pension if my previous company is closed?
A: You can substitute employer verification with a First Class Judicial Magistrate Affidavit or a Bank Manager Certification. Submit this to the EPFO along with your bank statements and salary slips.
Q: Why was my Form 10D or 10C rejected?
A: Common reasons include Service Mismatch (gaps in history), Name Mismatch with Aadhaar, or a missing Annexure K. Always fix these data errors using the correction process before re-applying.
Q: How long does the EPF correction process take?
A: After employer approval, standard corrections take 30 to 90 days. Complex cases involving missing service or pre-2014 records may take longer due to manual verification
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and based on the rules applicable in 2026. EPF rules are subject to change by the government. For specific legal or financial advice, consult a professional.