PF withdrawal after 60 years - Anil's question

Ans: You can only get pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) if you have completed at least 10 years of service. However, you can still withdraw your EPF amount even if you have not completed 10 years of service. To redeem your EPF amount, you can follow these steps:

1. Merge all your previous PF accounts. This can be done online through the EPFO website or at any EPFO office.
2. Fill the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar based) and submit it to your previous employer.
3. Attach the following documents:

•Copy of your Aadhaar card.
•Copy of your PAN card.
•Bank account statement showing your IFSC code and account number.
•Cancelled cheque from your bank account.

4. Your previous employer will verify the details and submit the form to the EPFO.
5. The EPFO will process your claim and transfer the EPF amount to your bank account.

If you have not worked for more than two months after resigning from your job, you can withdraw the entire balance in your EPF account. If you have worked for more than two months after resigning from your job, you can withdraw only 75% of the balance in your EPF account. The remaining 25% can be withdrawn after two months of unemployment.

Note – If you will continue your services in another company for next 6 month you will be eligible for the pension.

Ans: Securing Pension Benefits from EPF After Retirement
Planning for pension benefits from your EPF account after retirement requires careful consideration and proactive steps. Let's outline a strategy to ensure you receive pension benefits after turning 60.

Understanding EPF Pension Eligibility
Assessing Eligibility Criteria

Confirm eligibility for EPF pension benefits by ensuring you have completed at least 10 years of eligible service, which you have accomplished.
Verifying EPF Account Details

Verify that your EPF account reflects your entire service duration accurately, including the period from March 2011 to September 2021.
Retaining EPF Account for Pension Benefits
Maintaining EPF Account

Avoid withdrawing your EPF amount upon resignation to retain eligibility for pension benefits.
Let your EPF account accrue interest and remain active until you reach the age of 60.
Ensuring Continuous Contributions

If you join another organization, ensure that your new employer continues contributing to your EPF account, maintaining the continuity of your EPF membership.
Applying for Pension Benefits
Submitting Pension Application

Upon reaching the age of 60, submit an application for pension benefits to the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).
Provide necessary documents, such as identity proof, EPF account details, and pension application form, as per EPFO guidelines.
Completing Formalities

Fulfill any additional formalities required by EPFO, such as verification of service details and submission of supporting documents.
Seeking Professional Advice
Consulting Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) specializing in EPF matters to ensure compliance with EPF regulations and optimize pension benefits.
A CFP can assist in navigating the pension application process and addressing any complexities or queries that may arise.
Regular Monitoring
Monitoring EPF Account

Periodically monitor your EPF account statements to ensure accuracy and track the accumulation of pension benefits over time.
Following Up with EPFO

Follow up with EPFO authorities regarding the status of your pension application and address any delays or discrepancies promptly.
Conclusion
By retaining your EPF account and completing the necessary formalities upon reaching the age of 60, you can secure pension benefits from your EPF account after retirement. Seeking professional advice and maintaining regular communication with EPFO authorities will help streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition to pension benefits.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Your situation is quite common among professionals who have relocated abroad. It's great that you are considering your options wisely. Let's explore your options and see what might work best for you.

Understanding Your Provident Fund (PF)
Your Provident Fund (PF) is a long-term savings scheme to provide benefits during retirement. You have a significant amount accumulated from your years of service in India.

Keeping Money in PF Until Retirement
Leaving your money in the PF account until retirement has certain advantages.

Benefits of Keeping Money in PF
Safety and Security: PF is a government-backed scheme, offering high security.

Tax-Free Interest: Interest earned on PF is generally tax-free until withdrawal.

Regular Pension: Upon retirement, you will receive a regular pension from the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).

Potential Drawbacks
Lower Liquidity: Funds are locked in until you reach retirement age, limiting access.

Inflation Impact: The fixed interest rate may not always keep pace with inflation.

Withdrawing PF and Investing Elsewhere
Alternatively, you can withdraw your PF and invest it in other instruments like Fixed Deposits (FD) or Mutual Funds (MF).

Benefits of Withdrawing and Investing
Higher Returns Potential: Mutual funds, especially equity funds, have the potential for higher returns.

Diversification: Investing in different instruments can spread and reduce risk.

Liquidity: Investments in mutual funds and FDs are more liquid, allowing easier access to funds.

Risks to Consider
Market Volatility: Equity mutual funds can be volatile and subject to market risks.

Tax Implications: Withdrawals from PF before 5 years of continuous service are taxable.

Evaluating Fixed Deposits (FD)
Fixed Deposits (FD) are a safe investment option but have their own pros and cons.

Benefits of FDs
Safety: FDs are low-risk and provide guaranteed returns.

Fixed Interest: You know exactly how much interest you will earn over the term.

Drawbacks of FDs
Lower Returns: FDs typically offer lower returns compared to equity mutual funds.

Taxable Interest: Interest earned on FDs is taxable, reducing net returns.

Evaluating Mutual Funds (MF)
Mutual funds can offer better returns, especially if you choose actively managed funds.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Higher Returns Potential: Over the long term, mutual funds, especially equity funds, can provide substantial returns.

Professional Management: Fund managers handle investments, aiming to maximise returns.

Diversification: Mutual funds spread investments across various assets, reducing risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Average Returns: Index funds mimic market indexes and provide average returns, which may not be optimal.

Lack of Flexibility: They cannot adapt to market changes like actively managed funds can.

Less Protection in Downturns: Index funds cannot avoid poorly performing sectors or stocks.

Choosing Between Direct and Regular Funds
When investing in mutual funds, it’s important to choose between direct funds and regular funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
No Advisory Support: Direct funds lack guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Time-Consuming: Managing and choosing the right funds requires significant time and knowledge.

Higher Risk of Missteps: Without professional advice, the risk of making suboptimal choices increases.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional Guidance: Investing through a CFP provides expert advice tailored to your goals.

Regular Monitoring: A CFP regularly reviews your portfolio, making necessary adjustments.

Optimised Portfolio: CFPs ensure your investments align with your risk profile and goals.

Deciding the Best Course of Action
To decide whether to keep your PF or withdraw and invest, consider the following:

Personal Financial Goals
Time Horizon: If you have a long-term horizon, mutual funds might be suitable for higher returns.

Risk Tolerance: Assess your comfort level with market volatility and risks.

Financial Needs
Liquidity Needs: Consider if you need access to funds before retirement.

Tax Considerations: Evaluate the tax implications of withdrawing your PF and the tax benefits of other investments.

Conclusion
Deciding whether to keep your PF until retirement or withdraw and invest in other options depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and need for liquidity. Keeping your PF offers security and a regular pension, while withdrawing and investing in FDs or mutual funds could potentially offer higher returns. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalised guidance and help optimise your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: After cessation of employment at 62, the account will be classified as an "inoperative account." While it will continue to earn interest, it will be taxable. It's advisable to consider withdrawing or transferring the amount to a safer investment option before the tax implications kick in.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in