EPF Nomination: How Can You Nominate?
- Above 18 years of age
- Malaysian citizens, Permanent Residents of Malaysia (PR)
- Non-Malaysian citizens
(Registered as EPF members
before 1 August 1998)
- Nomination can be made by members through the KWSP i-Akaun app*, the i-Akaun (Member) web portal, or by completing Form KWSP 4 and submitting it in person at any EPF office nationwide.
*For first-time nominations or updating an existing nomination via the KWSP i-Akaun app, identity verification can be completed through e-KYC without visiting an EPF office, or through thumbprint verification at any EPF office (subject to terms and procedures).
Required Documents
| Document | Malaysian Citizens/ Permanent Residents of Malaysia (PR) | *Non-Malaysian Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination Form (KWSP4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| A copy of Identification Card / MyKad / MyTentera | ✓ | |
| A copy of valid passport | ✓ |
Note: Nominations can be updated at any time through the KWSP i-Akaun app or by submitting a new KWSP 4 Nomination Form at any EPF office. Any new nomination will supersede and revoke all previous nominations. You are encouraged to bring along a copy of the nominee's identification for reference.
Who Can You Nominate?
- Any individual(s)
- Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB)
* Nominee for Muslim members is a Wasi/Administrator to apportion member's EPF savings upon the member's death to the rightful
beneficiary in accordance with Islamic Law.
*If a member chooses to nominate ARB as nominee, ARB will become Administrator to ALL (100%) of the member's savings.
Understanding The Nomination Process
Nomination Status
- Any individual(s)
- Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB)
* If a member chooses to nominate ARB as nominee, ARB will become administrator to ALL (100%) of the member's savings.
* If a member chooses to nominate ARB as trustee, ARB will become trustee for nominee under 18 years of age.
Understanding The Nomination Process
| If There Is A Nomination | If There Is No Nomination |
|---|---|
The Death Withdrawal payment will be made to the nominee appointed by the member. |
The Death Withdrawal application will be processed according to the procedure for cases without a nomination. |
| If There Is A Nomination | If There Is No Nomination |
|---|---|
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The Death Withdrawal payment will be made to the nominee appointed by the member.
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The Death Withdrawal application will be processed according to the procedure for cases without a nomination.
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Common Misconceptions About EPF Nomination
| Myths | Facts |
|---|---|
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| Myths | Facts |
|---|---|
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Unclaimed EPF savings will be transferred to ARB upon the member’s death.
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A member’s EPF savings are not transferred to Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB). If no claim is made, all savings will be transferred to the Unclaimed Moneys Management Division (BWTD) when the member reaches the age of 100, based on the member’s date of birth in EPF records. |
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The nominee’s death will cancel the entire nomination.
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The death of one nominee will not cancel the entire nomination. Only the deceased nominee’s portion will be cancelled, while the remaining nominees’ portions remain valid. The cancelled portion will be processed in accordance with the Death Withdrawal procedure (without nomination). |
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The next of kin must submit a Death Withdrawal application within three (3) days, failing which the savings will be automatically transferred to ARB.
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A member's EPF savings will not be transferred to Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB) if the next of kin or nominee does not submit a claim within three (3) days or any period whatsoever. Claims may be made at any time and will be processed in accordance with the prevailing Death Withdrawal procedures. For Muslim and non-Muslim members who made a nomination before 1 January 2017, the nomination remains valid until the member reaches age 100. For Muslim members who made a nomination from 1 January 2017 onwards, the nomination will lapse one (1) year after the member's death if no Death Withdrawal application is submitted. The claim will then be processed under the Death Withdrawal procedure (without nomination). |
Nomination Cancellation Factors
Frequently Asked Question
What is EPF nomination?
Nomination is a declaration made by a member to appoint or name a person as a beneficiary, or as a wasi (executor) or administrator (for Muslim members), to administer the member’s EPF savings upon the member’s death.
Why do I need to make a nomination?
Members are encouraged to make a nomination to facilitate and expedite the withdrawal of their EPF savings by the nominated person(s) in the event of death. Without a nomination, heirs or next-of-kin may face difficulties or delays in claiming the deceased member's EPF savings.
How can I make a nomination?
Members can make or update their nomination through the following channels:
1. KWSP i-Akaun App
Identity verification can be completed via *e-KYC, without the need to visit an EPF office.
2. i-Akaun (Member) Web Portal or Nomination Form (KWSP 4)
Members are required to visit any EPF office for thumbprint verification (CIJ).
Any new nomination will automatically cancel all previous nominations.
*Subject to terms and conditions.
When will my nomination be effective?
The effective date of a nomination depends on the nomination method and verification process.
| Nomination Method | Effective Date |
|---|---|
KWSP Form 4/ i-Akaun (Member) Web Portal |
The nomination takes effect on the date the member completes thumbprint verification at any EPF office. |
KWSP i-Akaun App (e-KYC facial recognition verification) |
The nomination takes effect two (2) days after the registration date. |
Can next-of-kin claim EPF savings if the member has named someone else as a nominee?
No. According to the EPF Act, payment will only be made to the person(s) named by the member as EPF beneficiary(ies).
Who can be named as a nominee?
EPF members may nominate an individual or an approved institution to manage their EPF savings in the event of their death. The nomination arrangement differs for Muslim and non-Muslim members.
| Member Category | Who Can Be Nominated |
Details |
|---|---|---|
Muslim Members |
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Members are advised to name their spouse or next-of-kin, (such as children or parents) to avoid any future complications |
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ARB may be appointed as nominee or administrator |
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Nomination Portion |
ALL (100%) of the member's savings |
Non-Muslim Members |
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Members are advised to name their spouse or next-of-kin, (such as children or parents) to avoid any future complications |
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ARB may be appointed as nominee/administrator or trustee for nominees under 18 years old of age |
|
Nomination Portion |
ALL (100%) of the member's savings |
What are the responsibilities of a nominee?
The responsibilities of a nominee depend on the member’s religion.
Muslim Members
- The nominee acts as a wasi (administrator) responsible for distributing the deceased member’s EPF savings to the rightful beneficiaries in accordance with Islamic law.
Non-Muslim Members
- The nominee is the rightful beneficiary of the deceased member’s EPF savings.
- If the nominee predeceases the member, the rightful applicants are the surviving next-of-kin of the deceased member.
- If the member predeceases the nominee, the rightful applicant is the nominee’s next-of-kin.
What documents are required to register a nomination at an EPF office?
Members are required to submit specific documents depending on their member category when registering a nomination at an EPF office.
| Member Category | Required Documents | Details |
|---|---|---|
Malaysian Citizens/ Permanent Residents (PR) |
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Non-Malaysian Members |
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Note: No documents are required for nominations registered through the Self-Service Terminal (SST) or KWSP i-Akaun app.
How can I check my nomination details?
Use the KWSP i-Akaun app, i-Akaun (Member) web portal, or visit the nearest EPF office.
What does identity verification via e-KYC mean for nomination registration through the KWSP i-Akaun app?
Identity verification via e-KYC is the process of electronically verifying a member’s identity using technologies such as Facial Recognition (FR), which allows EPF to ensure that the member’s information is accurate and valid without the need to be physically present at an EPF office.
Do I need to visit an EPF office if I use e-KYC verification?
- If e-KYC verification is successful: The member is not required to visit the EPF office as the identity has been verified digitally.
- If e-KYC verification fails: The member is required to visit the EPF office to complete the identity verification process using thumbprint verification (CIJ).
How long does a member have to complete thumbprint verification for an online EPF nomination if e-KYC verification fails?
If e-KYC verification fails, the member has 30 days from the date the nomination is submitted to complete thumbprint verification at any EPF office.
When does a nomination registered through the KWSP i-Akaun app take effect after successful e-KYC verification?
The nomination will take effect after the Cooling Period (T+1) has ended. Below is an example for reference:
| Scenario | Cooling Period | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| A nomination is submitted by the member and e-KYC verification is successfully completed on 1 Dec 2025 |
01 Dec 2025 – 02 Dec 2025 |
03 Dec 2025 |
Does a nomination become effective for Death Withdrawal if the member passes away during the cooling period (T+1)?
No. The nomination does not take effect if the member passes away during the cooling period (T+1), as the cooling period has not yet ended.
For Death Withdrawal purposes, the application will be processed as follows:
- Without Nomination – if the member has no previous valid nomination; or
- With Nomination – if the member has a previous valid nomination.
Below is an example scenario involving Death Withdrawal:
| No. | Scenario | Cooling Period | Effective Date | Nomination Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Member successfully makes nomination and FR verification (e-KYC) on 01/10/2025 | 01/10/2025 – 02/10/2025 | 03/10/2025 | Effective from 03/10/2025 |
| 2. | Member successfully makes nomination and FR verification (e-KYC) on 01/10/2025 and passes away on 02/10/2025 | 01/10/2025 – 02/10/2025 | 03/10/2025 | Not effective (member passes away before the effective date) |
| 3. | Member successfully makes nomination and FR verification (e-KYC) on 01/10/2025 and passes away on 03/10/2025 | 01/10/2025 – 02/10/2025 | 03/10/2025 | Effective from 03/10/2025 (passed away on/after the effective date) |
| 4. | Member had a previous nomination record and successfully makes nomination and FR verification (e-KYC) on 01/10/2025 and passes away on 02/10/2025 | 01/10/2025 – 02/10/2025 | 03/10/2025 | Not effective (member passes away before the effective date). The death withdrawal will be based on the previous nomination record. |
Can a nomination application within the Cooling Period (T+1) be cancelled?
Yes. The member can cancel the nomination online via the KWSP i-Akaun app or in person at any EPF office during the Cooling Period (T+1).
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