Benefits – FAQs

Can a member claim the balance lying to his/her credit once in every five years without leaving employment?

No. It is only upon cessation of employment that a withdrawal claim for refund of            contributions can be made. Changing from a company to another company in the same group is not considered a cessation of employment.

What is the “Five Year Rule?”

Once a withdrawal is obtained, a member has to wait for five years from the date of   cessation of employment relating to the last refund claim to make another withdrawal even if the employment changed.

Can a member obtain a loan from the Fund, say a certain percentage of the total balance available in the member account for any personal reason?

No facility is available for such loans. However, under ‘Viyana’ Housing Loan Scheme, members can obtain housing loans at lower rates of interest.

What are the benefits available for members

1.  Death benefits Scheme  –  Rs.100,000/=
2.  Permanent disability benefits  –  Rs.200,000/=
3.  Financial assistance for kidney transplant  –  Rs.300,000/=
4.  Financial assistance for heart surgery  –  Rs.300,000/=
5.  Reimbursement of cost of Intra-ocular lens implanted  –  Rs.30,000/=
6.  Year  5 Scholarships award  –  Rs.15,000/=  each  for 9,000 children
7.  “Shramasuva Rakawarana” – Reimbursement of  hospitalization  expenses –   Rs.25,000/=
8.  “viyana” Housing loan scheme   –  From Rs.100,000/=  to Rs.2,500,000/=
9.  Year five scholarships for children of ETF  members who had to terminate  employment  due to permanent disability   –  Rs.15,000/=  each
10.  Educational grant for children  of  ETF  members who  pass  the GCE(A/L)  for higher education  –  Rs.12,000/= each  for  5000  children

 

How can a member obtain a housing loan under the ‘Viyana’ Housing Loan Scheme?

Loans are granted by NDB Bank subject to terms and conditions agreed upon with the ETF Board. Basic requirements for this benefit is having a minimum of five years’ continuous membership with the ETF and having the required balance in the  member’s account. More details can be obtained from NDB Bank.

How would a member’s family benefit from the welfare benefits available from the Find?

Only the member is eligible for ETF benefits. The only exception is Year Five Scholarship Benefit Scheme and financial grant for A/L students  where members’
 children get the benefit.

 

What is the age limit for benefit schemes?

For all benefit schemes, the maximum age limit is 70 years.

 

Are there any benefits for children of ETF members?

Yes. Members’ children who pass Year Five Scholarship Examination conducted by the Department of Examinations with higher marks qualify for financial awards of Rs. 15,000/-. The number of beneficiaries per year is 9000.  In addition to this, 5000 children of ETF members who pass GCE (A/L)  examination   granted Rs.12,000/= for their higher education

 

Can a member nominate the beneficiary/beneficiaries who would receive benefits in case of death of the member?

ETF Board will act solely on the basis of nominations made for EPF benefits. The             Board will not accept any nomination made by members in respect of ETF dues,          except in the case of Self-employed Member Scheme.

 

In case of a dispute with regard to benefits of a deceased member, what course of action is taken by the Board?

The Board will seek opinion of its Legal Division. The decision of the Board shall be         final in determining payments to legal heirs of a deceased member..

According to Shramasuwa Rekawarana Medical Scheme, a member is entitled to Rs 50,000/- only within his service period. Does this mean that if the member joins another employer he/she can claim another Rs. 50,000/- benefits while being employed with the latter.

No. A member is entitled to get only up to Rs. 50,000/- during his/her lifetime.