Gratuity Nomination: Meaning, Rules & Nomination

    Summary:


    When an employee passes away before receiving their gratuity, knowing who will receive that money becomes important. It is a legal declaration made by an employee, naming the person who will receive the gratuity after their death. This is done through Form F under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Every working employee should know how this works and why it matters.

    Gratuity nomination means officially naming someone to receive your gratuity if you die before it is paid. That person is called the nominee. Section 6 of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 makes this a legal requirement for all eligible employees.

    You submit Form F to your employer with the nominee's name, address, relationship, and date of birth. If you name more than one nominee, specify the share each will receive.

    If you have a family, the law requires you to nominate only family members. For a male employee, family includes his wife, children, and dependent parents. For a female employee, it includes her husband, children, and dependent parents.

    If you have no family, you may nominate anyone. Once you acquire a family, you must update the nomination.

    What Is Gratuity?

    Gratuity is a one-time payment made by an employer to an employee who has worked for a long time at the same organisation.

    The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 governs this benefit. It applies to companies, factories, mines, plantations, ports, and shops that employ 10 or more people.

    To receive gratuity, an employee must complete at least five continuous years of service with the same employer. The payment is made at the time of retirement, resignation, or termination. If the employee dies or becomes permanently disabled, the five-year condition does not apply.

    Gratuity is calculated using this formula: (Last Drawn Salary × 15 × Number of Years of Service) ÷ 26. The maximum amount payable under the Act is ₹20 lakh.

    What Is a Gratuity Nomination?

    Nomination is the selection of a person who would receive the gratuity amount in case of the employee’s death. The employee who is nominated to receive the amount is called the nominee.

    The nomination is submitted to the employer in Form F, as per the Payment of Gratuity (Central) Rules, 1972. The form asks for information regarding the nominees, their relationship with the employee, and how much each nominee would receive in case of multiple nominees.

    As per Section 6 of the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, every employee who has completed at least one year of service must submit their nomination within 30 days. If there is no nomination, the gratuity amount would be distributed among the legal heirs of the deceased employee.

    Importance of Gratuity Nomination

    A nomination is not just a form; it is a protection of your family’s right to receive the money you have earned over years of service. Employees often do not fill out this form or even update their nominations, and this causes problems later on for their families.

    Here is why it matters:

    • Faster payment: When a valid nomination exists, the employer can pay the gratuity directly to the nominee without asking for legal documents.

    • Fewer disputes: A clear nomination means no disagreements among family members about who gets the money.

    • Protection for dependants: Your spouse, children, or parents receive the money without going through any legal process.

    • No court involvement: Without a nomination, families often need succession certificates or court orders. This takes time and costs money.

    • Your wishes are on record: The nomination puts your decision in writing. It is legally binding on the employer.

    How to Make a Gratuity Nomination?

    You do not need a lawyer or any outside help to do this. You just need to fill out Form F and hand it to your employer. Here is how:

    • Get Form F: Ask your HR team for Form F. Many companies give it to new employees upon joining. It is also available under the Payment of Gratuity (Central) Rules, 1972.

    • Fill in your details: Write your full name, date of birth, address, employee number, date of joining, and department.

    • Add nominee details: Write the nominee's full name, address, age, and relationship with you. If you are naming more than one person, mention what share each person will get.

    • Declare family status: The form asks if you have a family. This is important because if you have family members, you can only nominate them.

    • Get a witness: One witness needs to sign the form. This can be a colleague or any adult.

    • Submit to HR: Give the form to your employer. They will record it and return a copy to you with an acknowledgement.

    One important point if you have a family, you cannot nominate someone from outside it. That nomination will be treated as void under the Act.

    What Happens if There is No Gratuity Nomination?

    If an employee dies without making a nomination, or if the nominee in Form F has already passed away, the employer pays the gratuity to the legal heirs of the deceased.

    This process is rarely quick. Legal heirs need to produce a succession certificate or a legal heir certificate from a court or revenue authority. This takes time and can be costly. There are also cases where more than one family member claims the amount. A valid nomination avoids all of this.

    Can You Change Your Gratuity Nomination?

    Yes, you can change your gratuity nomination at any time during your employment. There is no limit on how many times you can update it.

    Fill out a fresh Form F and submit it to your HR department. Once the new form is recorded, all earlier nominations stand cancelled.

    It is worth reviewing your nomination after key life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or the death of a nominee. Keeping it updated avoids problems later.

    Can You Nominate Someone Outside Your Family?

    The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 is clear on this. If you have a family, you can only nominate a family member. Naming someone outside your family when you have family members is not valid under the Act.

    If you have no family at the time of making the nomination, you can name any person you choose.

    One more thing to keep in mind, if you later get married or have children, your earlier nomination becomes invalid on its own. You must then submit a fresh nomination in favour of a family member using Form F or Form G.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Published Date : 02 Nov 2026
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