The
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) provides a
family pension under the
Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) to the surviving family members of a deceased private sector employee. A common question arises:
If a member has two wives, who is entitled to receive the pension? Here’s a detailed look at
EPFO rules regarding multiple spouses and pension eligibility.
EPFO Family Pension Basics
· The
EPS family pension is designed to provide financial support to the
surviving spouse and children after the death of the contributing employee.· The
widow or widower is eligible for a
monthly pension, calculated based on:o Pensionable salaryo Years of service under EPS
Rules for Multiple Wives
1. Legally Recognized Marriage
· EPFO considers the
first legally registered marriage for pension purposes.· If the deceased had
two wives simultaneously, only the
first legally wedded wife is entitled to the
full family pension.
2. Children’s Pension
· If the deceased has
minor children, they are also eligible for a
child pension until they reach
25 years of age, irrespective of which wife is the mother.
3. Second Wife
· The
second wife is generally not entitled to receive the family pension if the first marriage is legally valid.· In case of
divorce, annulment, or death of the first wife, the second wife may become eligible.
Calculation of Family Pension
· Family pension is typically
25–30% of the last drawn salary of the deceased employee, subject to
EPFO’s minimum and maximum limits.· Pension is
credited directly to the spouse’s bank account on a monthly basis.
How to Claim EPFO Family Pension
1.
Submit Death Certificate of the employee.2.
Submit marriage Certificate and proof of relationship with the deceased.3.
Fill out the family pension claim form at the EPFO office or online portal.4.
Bank account details of the eligible spouse must be provided for monthly pension deposits.Note: Claims are
verified carefully, and only the
legally eligible spouse receives the pension.
Bottom Line
Under
EPFO rules, if a member has
two wives, the
first legally wedded wife is entitled to the family pension. The second wife
cannot claim pension while the first wife is alive and legally recognized. Minor children of the deceased also receive pension support, ensuring
financial security for the family.EPFO family pension rules prioritize
legal recognition of marriage and the welfare of dependent children, ensuring clarity and fairness in pension distribution.
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