India — Help & Advice
Government benefits & financial support after a death (India)
If you are looking for PF claim after death India, EPFO death benefit, family pension after death, widow pension scheme India, ex-gratia payment after death, financial assistance after death India, or state government compensation after death, this guide explains what you can claim, who qualifies, and how to reduce delays with a structured, priority-first process.
India has a multi-layer system: Central schemes, employer benefits (EPFO/ESIC), government/PSU pensions, and state-wise death benefit schemes that vary widely by state and district.
State schemes vary — use the state directory
First 72 hours (crisis protocol)
Do this before you try to “understand everything”. These are the highest-risk hours.
Security first (fraud risk is highest now)
- Secure the primary phone/SIM early (OTP fraud is real). If you’re unsure who controls the SIM, contact the telco and prevent unauthorised replacement.
- Collect all debit/credit cards and take a photo list of last 4 digits + issuing bank.
- Secure email access (alerts, OTPs, statements often route here). Change passwords if you have authorised access.
- Notify key relationship managers verbally (bank RM, wealth manager, CA) that a death has occurred and you are appointing one coordinator.
Document preservation (prevents disputes later)
- Photograph wallets, safes, cupboards, and document folders in original state before reorganising.
- Secure the mobile/laptop/tablet. Biometric access and authenticator apps are often the key to finance.
- Note last known significant transactions (large UPI, card spends, transfers). Capture screenshots if possible.
Team assembly (avoid duplicate work and conflict)
- Inform CA + lawyer + wealth manager at the same time to align sequencing.
- Designate one primary coordinator (single point of contact for banks/offices).
- Create a shared secure folder for scans + a tracker (even a locked WhatsApp group + Drive folder is fine).
Who this guide is for (and when to skip sections)
A 20-second filter so you don’t get overwhelmed.
This guide is especially useful for families managing multiple bank accounts, investments (demat/mutual funds), property or rentals, business interests, or formal employment benefits (EPFO/ESIC/government/PSU).
If the estate is simple, focus on: First 72 hours, the document checklist, the EPFO + insurance sweep, and the state schemes directory (if you’re looking for ex-gratia or widow support).
State-wise death benefits (India): open the directory
State schemes vary heavily. If you’re searching for a widow pension scheme, ex-gratia payment after death, or state government compensation after death, start with the directory to find your state and the correct district office pathway.
Tip: many families search “[State] death benefit scheme” or “[State] widow pension after death” — use the directory to reduce time lost to outdated pages.
Start here (priority-first navigation strategy)
A practical sequence that prioritises high-value claims first.
- Gather death certificate + proof of relationship — without these, nothing moves.
- Check EPFO first — often the largest payout in organised-sector cases. epfindia.gov.in
- If deceased was a government employee/pensioner — ask for family pension/gratuity workflow and the pension disbursing authority route.
- If ESIC-covered employment — confirm dependent/funeral benefits: esic.gov.in
- Run the insurance sweep — bank-linked, employer group, and government-linked covers.
- Contact employer HR — ex-gratia, group insurance, superannuation/gratuity/leave encashment.
- Banks and investments — nomination check, transmission steps, statement capture.
- State schemes — use the one-page directory: /help/in/state-schemes.
Priority order (reduces delays)
Fast eligibility filters (30 seconds)
These determine almost every payment.
- Employment sector: Government/PSU vs organised private (EPFO/ESIC) vs unorganised
- Nomination status: nominee declared for PF/bank/demat/insurance?
- Economic status: BPL/Antyodaya vs non-BPL
- State of residence: schemes vary — open state schemes directory
- Dependents: spouse/children/parents and dependency rules
One-line digital reminder (prevents months of delay)
Asset-class jump navigation
Jump straight to what matters.
Asset map + cashflow controls (HNWI playbook)
Prevents silent leakage and protects high-value estates.
Asset map (one-page inventory)
- Banking: savings/current accounts, FDs, overdrafts, lockers (which branch).
- Investments: demat (NSDL/CDSL), mutual funds, PMS/AIF, bonds/NCDs.
- Retirement: EPF (UAN), NPS, PPF, superannuation/gratuity trusts.
- Insurance: term plans, riders, group cover, credit-linked insurance.
- Property: rentals, EMIs, society dues, municipal taxes, utilities.
- Business: partnership/LLP/private company shares, directorship items.
- Digital: OTP dependence, UPI autopay mandates, subscriptions, crypto (if applicable).
Cashflow controls (stop/continue list)
Stop (to prevent leakage)
- SIPs / auto-debits you don’t recognise
- UPI autopay mandates / standing instructions
- Subscriptions, app renewals, wallet auto-top-ups
- Non-essential credit card autopays (after reviewing dues)
Continue (to protect value)
- Essential insurance covers until continuity rules are confirmed
- Maintenance/taxes that prevent penalties or disputes
- Critical EMIs where default could trigger enforcement
Relationship Manager / CA / lawyer playbook (scripts)
Professionals work better with clear instructions.
For Bank RM
"I need a complete relationship review for the deceased — all linked accounts, FDs, lockers, demat, insurance covers, and any group privileges. Please provide a single-page summary with nomination status for each product and the exact document checklist for transmission/claims."
For CA
"Please prepare: (1) final ITR up to date of death, (2) Year 1 tax planning for inherited assets (capital gains basis, interest/dividend/rent), (3) TDS planning for any large withdrawals, and (4) a succession-document requirement analysis by asset class."
For wealth manager / advisor
"Freeze all advisory mandates immediately. Provide a complete portfolio snapshot with cost basis, unrealised gains, and nominee status. No transactions without explicit written consent from the family coordinator."
How to Claim PF After Death in India (EPFO Death Benefit Process)
Often the largest payout — PF settlement plus pension/linked benefits depending on eligibility.
If the deceased was in formal employment covered under EPF, treat this as a three-part sweep: PF settlement, pension pathway (where applicable), and any linked benefit that is commonly missed.
1) PF settlement
The PF balance is payable to the nominee/legal heir through the EPFO process (KYC and nominee details matter).
2) Pension pathway (where applicable)
Eligibility and the exact process depend on service history and office requirements. Ask for the complete checklist.
3) Linked benefit (commonly missed)
Don’t assume “PF settlement” covers everything. Ask the EPFO office for the complete death-case checklist.
Priority workflow
- Confirm nominee details, KYC status, and bank account mapping.
- Check for multiple employers/old PF accounts if the career spans years.
- Start with official resources: EPFO
Best practice
NPS mini guide (important omission)
If the deceased had an NPS account, nominees can claim as per scheme rules.
NPS is increasingly common in urban India (government and private sector). The practical pathway usually depends on whether it was employer-linked (corporate/government) or an individual account.
What to do
- Locate PRAN / NPS account details (statements, app, employer records).
- Contact the CRA route (e.g., NSDL/Protean pathway where applicable) or the employer nodal office.
- Ask for the “death claim transmission steps” and document checklist.
Tip
Family Pension & Death Benefits for Government / PSU Employees (India)
For government employees/pensioners and PSU benefits.
- Family pension: amount/type depends on service rules and category; the department confirms.
- Gratuity / death-related payments: tied to eligibility and service rules.
- Leave encashment: as per service rules.
- Group insurance / departmental covers: processed via HR/department forms.
- Processing route differs: whether pension is handled via bank vs treasury/pension disbursing authority affects submission route and follow-up points.
State Government Death Benefit Schemes & Ex-Gratia Support (India)
The fastest route to state support is usually the correct district office — names and rules change.
State-level welfare, ex-gratia support, and occupational welfare-board benefits vary dramatically. Start with the directory and then apply through the correct department/district workflow:
Open: India — State schemes directory
Many families search “[State] death benefit scheme”, “[State] widow pension”, or “ex-gratia payment after death”. Use the directory above to find the correct district office and the latest scheme details (titles and portals change).
Use these words (works everywhere)
ESIC: medical & cash benefits
For employees covered under the ESI Act (eligibility rules apply).
If the deceased was covered under ESI, benefits may include funeral expense support, dependent benefits, and medical coverage continuity for eligible family members. Ask the local ESIC office for the death-case checklist.
Life Insurance & Accident Death Claims (PMJJBY, PMSBY, Employer Covers)
The fastest wins often come from ‘invisible’ covers linked to banks and employers.
- PMJJBY: bank-linked life cover if enrolled.
- PMSBY: bank-linked accident cover if enrolled.
- Employer group insurance: HR often has separate insurer forms.
- Bank/card-linked covers: some accounts/cards include accidental or life covers depending on product.
- Standalone policies: term insurance, riders, health add-ons, credit-linked policies.
Method: prove coverage fast
How to transfer a bank account after death (India)
Beyond closing accounts — check nominations, locker access, and insurance before you lock things down.
Bank account freeze reality
Accounts
- If nominee exists: settlement/transmission is usually simpler.
- If no nominee: bank may require legal heir certificate / succession documentation depending on product and amount.
- Don’t close too early: keep at least one account operational until claims/refunds/transfers complete.
FDs and lockers
- FDs: claim/transmit with deposit proof; ask about interest continuation and premature closure rules.
- Lockers: branch procedure with inventory in bank presence; timing varies by branch.
Investments: demat, mutual funds, PMS/AIF transmission
Transmission is process-driven; nominee status changes everything.
- Demat: contact DP for transmission checklist.
- Mutual funds: AMC/RTA transmission steps.
- PMS/AIF: request portfolio snapshot + cost basis + nominee status.
- Bonds/NCDs: registrar/issuer processes can differ; preserve holding proof.
Tip
Succession documents decision tree (saves months)
Families lose months by chasing the wrong certificate first.
Decision tree (textual flow)
- Was there a Will? If yes, ask whether probate is required based on jurisdiction and asset type. If no, intestate succession rules apply.
- Is there nomination for each asset? Nomination helps with receipt and processing speed, but ownership may still follow succession law depending on asset type and dispute context.
- What are the assets? banks/FDs may accept legal heir certificate in some cases; investments and property often have stricter requirements.
Rule
Tax & ITR (Year 1 planning)
The biggest money mistakes happen in Year 1: reporting, cost basis, and sequencing.
Final return and refunds
- Final ITR: typically filed for income earned up to the date of death through the legal heir process.
- Refunds: check whether refunds are pending and what proof is needed to receive them.
Inherited assets
- Inheritance tax: India currently does not have a general inheritance or estate duty.
- Future sale planning: preserve purchase documents and cost basis evidence (property papers, contract notes, statements).
Year 1: who reports ongoing income?
- Interest: FDs/savings keep generating interest — decide who reports it and from when.
- Rent: rental income continues — clarify whose PAN and what documentation supports it.
- Dividends: dividends may keep flowing — track nominee/transmission timing to avoid mismatches.
Tip
Digital assets (OTP, email, UPI, subscriptions, crypto)
Digital is where money leaks and claims get stuck.
Email + phone (the two keys)
UPI and payment apps
- Check for UPI autopay mandates and recurring payments.
- Review wallets and balances (and whether they can be withdrawn or transferred).
- Capture screenshots of mandates/subscriptions for the record.
Subscriptions and commerce accounts
- Cancel unneeded subscriptions (streaming, cloud storage, deliveries, premium memberships).
- Check for gift card balances and stored credits.
Crypto (if applicable)
- Identify exchanges and wallets (local/international).
- Secure seed phrases/private keys if legitimately available; without them recovery can be impossible.
- Involve your CA early for reporting/tax planning if holdings are material.
Rule
Monthly follow-up calendar (so claims don’t drift)
Bureaucracy rewards persistence. This is what “normal” looks like.
- Week 1–2: file EPFO/ESIC/employer claims; notify banks; run insurance sweep.
- Week 3–4: follow up with EPFO/ESIC; submit insurer documents; start state scheme applications (use state directory).
- Month 2: start succession documentation (if needed) and follow up weekly on pending claims.
- Month 3: escalate unresolved claims through formal grievance/escalation routes.
- Month 6: review “claimed vs pending”, close completed files, and archive documents properly.
Professional fee benchmarks (avoid overcharging)
Indicative ranges vary by city and complexity. Always confirm scope and fees in writing.
Benchmark ranges (indicative only)
- CA: final ITR filing (simple) ₹3,000–10,000; tax planning ₹5,000–15,000+ (complexity varies).
- Lawyer: succession/probate work varies widely by court/city and disputes; request a written scope + court fee estimate.
- Banks/DP: transmission charges are often modest; the time cost is paperwork and follow-up.
Fee safety rule
Escalation matrix (when claims get stuck)
Knowing the next step reduces anxiety and forces resolution.
EPFO delays
- Step 1: visit jurisdictional office with reference number + checklist
- Step 2: submit a written follow-up to the regional chain (ask for acknowledgment)
- Step 3: use official grievance mechanisms where applicable (keep reference IDs)
Bank delays
- Step 1: branch manager (written complaint with acknowledgment)
- Step 2: bank’s nodal officer (published by the bank)
- Step 3: ombudsman route where applicable
Insurance delays
- Step 1: insurer grievance cell (get a ticket/reference)
- Step 2: insurer escalation ladder
- Step 3: regulator grievance mechanism where applicable
State scheme delays
- Step 1: district welfare officer
- Step 2: state department escalation
- Step 3: formal grievance route where applicable
Start by locating the correct department via /help/in/state-schemes.
Tip
Document checklist (to get paid faster)
Create this master file once — use for all claims.
- Death certificate (multiple certified copies — you’ll need many)
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate; children’s birth certificates)
- Nomination proofs where available (PF/bank/demat/insurance)
- Legal heir certificate / Succession certificate / Probate papers (as applicable)
- Deceased’s PAN and Aadhaar
- Nominee/heir PAN and Aadhaar
- Bank details for payout (cancelled cheque/passbook copy)
- Employment proofs (UAN, last salary slip; ESIC IP number)
- Portfolio proofs (demat client master, mutual fund statements, PMS snapshot if any)
- Address proof and any BPL/Antyodaya documentation (if relevant)
Pro tip
Completion checklist (when it’s actually done)
Without a definition of “done”, loose ends linger.
Financial
- All bank accounts/FDs/lockers transmitted or closed as decided
- All investments transmitted (demat/mutual funds/PMS) and cost basis preserved
- All insurance claims settled (including employer/bank-linked covers)
- All eligible government/employer benefits claimed
- All applicable state schemes/ex-gratia submitted and closed (approved/declined with reason)
Tax & legal
- Final ITR filed and refunds handled
- Succession documents completed as required
- Property titles transferred where relevant
- Debts reviewed and settled appropriately
Administrative & digital
- Mandates/subscriptions cancelled
- Digital accounts handled per family choice
- Documents archived (scans + originals) and professional files closed
Emotional & family dynamics (reduces mistakes)
Even organised families lose money when grief and coordination collide.
- Grief affects decisions: avoid major irreversible decisions in the first month if possible.
- Two-person rule: take someone to important meetings; two people hear more.
- Coordination reduces conflict: assign one coordinator and share monthly updates.
- Put decisions in writing: even short WhatsApp summaries reduce disputes.
- This takes time: many families need 6–18 months to truly “finish” everything.
Family communication template (copy/paste)
"We are coordinating the legal and financial matters following [Name]’s passing. [Designated person] is the primary contact for all institutions. Please forward any documents, statements, or information you receive to [shared folder/email]. We will provide monthly updates on progress."
Copy/paste phrases (for offices, banks, RMs)
Short scripts that cut through bureaucracy.
EPFO office
"I am the nominee/legal heir of [Name], UAN [number], who passed away on [date]. I need to claim PF settlement and confirm any pension/linked benefits. Please provide the complete death-case checklist and the reference/tracking process."
Bank manager / RM
"I need a complete relationship review for the deceased — all linked accounts, FDs, lockers, demat, and any insurance covers. Please confirm nomination status for each product and provide the exact document checklist for transmission and claims."
Employer HR
"Our family member passed away while in your employment. Please provide: PF/retirement settlement steps, gratuity/superannuation details, leave encashment, group insurance claim forms, and any ex-gratia policy."
State welfare department
"I’m enquiring about ex-gratia or welfare schemes for dependents after a death in this state. What benefits apply and what is the claim process? Please share the latest scheme list and required documents."
(Start by locating the correct department via /help/in/state-schemes.)
Common mistakes that cost money
Silent losses families should avoid.
- Not running an insurance sweep: bank-linked and employer group covers are often missed.
- Closing bank accounts too soon: claims and refunds may require an operational account.
- Ignoring state schemes: many families miss ex-gratia or widow support because they never open the state directory.
- No paper trail: you lose escalation power without reference numbers and acknowledgements.
- Digital neglect: losing email/phone access can stall everything for months.
If you only do 3 things this month
- Run EPFO/retirement and employer claims
- Run the full insurance sweep (bank + employer + standalone)
- Capture and secure all banking/investment statements and nominations
Frequently asked questions (India death benefits)
Snippet-ready answers to common searches.
Q1. How do I claim PF after death in India?
Confirm UAN, nominee details, and KYC. File the EPFO death claim with the death certificate and relationship proof. Ask for the complete death-case checklist (PF + pension-linked items where applicable), then follow up until you receive an acknowledgement/reference number.
Q2. What is the EPFO death benefit process — what do families miss?
Families often file only PF settlement and miss pension-linked or additional death-case checklist items. Ask the EPFO office for the complete list of benefits/forms applicable to a death case and submit everything as one coordinated “claim pack” where possible.
Q3. Who is eligible for family pension after death?
Eligibility depends on the scheme/service rules (government/PSU vs other coverage). Typically the spouse and eligible dependents may qualify, but dependency rules and documents vary. Confirm the workflow with the pension disbursing authority (bank vs treasury/department).
Q4. Where do I find state government compensation after death and widow pension schemes?
Use the state-wise schemes directory to locate your state/UT’s current death benefit schemes, ex-gratia support, and widow pension pathways, then apply via the correct district/department office.
Q5. Does India have inheritance tax?
India currently does not have a general inheritance tax or estate duty. However, inherited assets can create future tax obligations when sold (capital gains) and ongoing income (interest, rent, dividends) must be reported correctly.
Q6. What documents are required to claim death benefits?
Typically: death certificate, proof of relationship, identity documents for nominee/legal heir, and payout bank details. Depending on asset type/amount, additional documents may include nomination proofs, employer/service records (UAN/ESIC IP), and succession documents (legal heir/succession/probate).
Next steps
Split the load into manageable guides.
- Administrative checklist: What to do after a death (India checklist)
- Legal documents & succession basics: Legal heir certificate, succession certificate & probate guide (India)
- Probate & certificates: Probate & succession certificate (India)
- State/UT benefits directory: State-wise death benefit schemes in India (directory)
India guides (recommended order)
These pages are designed to work together. Use this sequence to reduce delays and avoid chasing the wrong document first.
- What to do after a death (India checklist)
Start here if you're overwhelmed — the step-by-step admin sequence.
- Death benefits, PF, pension & financial support (India)
Money/claims: EPFO, pensions, insurance, employer benefits, state support.
- Legal heir certificate vs succession certificate vs probate (India)
Which document do you need for banks, investments, and property?
- Inheritance basics & who legally inherits (India)
Rights: who inherits, disputes, and core succession concepts.
- State-wise death benefit schemes directory (India)
Widow pension, ex-gratia, compensation — varies by state/district.