Claiming a Family Pension After the Death of a Pension Holder: Necessary Documentation and Procedures

When a pension holder passes away, it's not uncommon for their survivors or legal heirs to seek a family pension. This guide outlines the essential documents required to be submitted to the bank or pension authority to claim a family pension. The process, while straightforward, involves providing various essential documents to ensure the claim is processed accurately and efficiently.

Required Documents for Family Pension Claim

To claim a family pension, the following documents are typically needed:

Death Certificate: An official death certificate is required. This document should be issued by the relevant authority and should include the date and place of death of the pension holder. The death certificate serves as a legal proof of the pension holder's demise. Pension Payment Order (PPO): The original Pension Payment Order or a copy that details the pension benefits must be presented. The PPO is a crucial document that outlines the terms and conditions of the pension and is the basis for the claim. Identity Proof of the Claimant: Valid photo identification such as Aadhar card, passport, voter ID, or any other valid form of ID should be provided by the family member who is claiming the pension. This helps in verifying the identity of the claimant and ensures that the correct individual receives the pension. Relationship Proof: Documents that prove the relationship between the deceased pension holder and the claimant are necessary. Examples include a marriage certificate for a spouse or a birth certificate for a child. These documents help establish the legal relationship and confirm the eligibility of the claimant. Bank Account Details: A canceled cheque or a bank statement of the claimant's account is required. This document serves as proof of the claimant's bank account details where the pension will be credited. Application Form: A duly filled application form for the family pension can be obtained from the bank or the pension office. This form is designed to capture all necessary details and should be completed carefully to avoid any delays in the processing of the claim. No Objection Certificate if Applicable: In cases where there are multiple claimants or legal heirs, a no-objection certificate may be required. This document is issued by other legal heirs to confirm that they do not object to the claim by the identified claimant. This ensures that there is no dispute over the pension claim. Affidavit if Applicable: An affidavit may be required to state the relationship between the claimant and the deceased and to confirm the claimant's entitlement to the pension. The affidavit should be stamped and notarized to provide legal authenticity.

Example of the Pension Claim Process at the SBI Bank:

In the specific case of filing a family pension claim at an SBI bank, the process can be slightly different. Below are the documents that need to be prepared:

Affidavit: Write an affidavit stating the relationship with the deceased. Obtain Rs 50/- stamp paper and get it notarized. The bank can provide the wording for the affidavit. Form-14: Fill out the Form-14 provided by the bank. This form is designed to capture all necessary details for the pension claim. Life Certificate: Fill out the Life Certificate provided by the bank. This document serves to provide additional details about the deceased. Undertaking: Fill out the undertaking form provided by the bank. This form is a legal obligation that needs to be filled out completely. PPO Photocopy: Provide a photocopy of the first two pages of the Pension Payment Order. PAN Card Photocopy: Provide a photocopy of the wife's PAN card. Aadhaar Card Photocopy: Provide a photocopy of the wife's Aadhaar card. Bank Passbook Photocopy: Provide a photocopy of the wife's bank passbook. Death Certificate: Provide a photocopy of the deceased's death certificate.

It's important to note that all the documents mentioned above should be self-attested by the wife. Additionally, the wife needs to get her signatures attested by two witnesses who have accounts in the same bank.

Additional Notes:

Each pension scheme and bank may have its own specific requirements. It's advisable to check with the specific bank or pension authority for any additional documents or variations in the required documentation. This ensures that the claim is processed smoothly and without any complications.

Conclusion

Claiming a family pension after the death of a pension holder is a straightforward process that requires a range of documents. By following the guidelines provided in this article, especially in the context of a specific bank like SBI, claimants can ensure that their application is processed accurately and efficiently. Remember to check with the pension authority for any additional requirements or variations based on the specific pension scheme.