Resigned 3 Years Ago, Company Didn't Accept, PF Stuck: How to Withdraw?

Ans: It can be tricky to access your PF balance when the company no longer exists. Here are some steps you can take to retrieve your PF balance:

1. Gather Your Documents:

• UAN (Universal Account Number): You can check your UAN on your pay slips from the past employer or by logging in to the EPFO website if you remember your PF account number.
• PF Account Number: If you don't have a UAN, you'll need your PF account number, which was usually mentioned on your salary slips.
• Company Details: Try to gather any information you can about the company you worked for, such as its previous name, acquiring company's name (if known), and the date of acquisition.

2. Withdrawal Process:
Option 1: Online (if you have UAN):
• Log in to the EPFO Member Interface using your UAN and registered mobile number.
• Go to the "Services" tab and select "Claim Settlement."
• Choose the appropriate withdrawal form based on your reason for withdrawal (Form 10C for full withdrawal, etc.).
• Fill in the details for the account you want to withdraw from (specify "previous employer" if you don't see it automatically).
• Enter the company details you have as "Establishment Type" and mention "Closed Establishment" in the remarks section.
• Submit the claim form with all required documents (scanned copies).

Option 2: Offline (if no UAN):
• Download the appropriate withdrawal form for non-UAN members (Composite Claim Form).
• Fill in the form with your details and company information.
• Get the form attested by a bank manager or gazetted officer.
• Submit the completed form with supporting documents to the Regional PF Office having jurisdiction over your previous employer's location.
3. Follow Up:
• Whether you apply online or offline, keep track of your claim status regularly. You can do this through the EPFO website or by contacting the regional PF office.
• If you remember the acquiring company's name, contacting their HR department might also be helpful. They might have records of your previous company's employees and PF accounts.

Ans: You will have to activate the UAN by rectifying any mismatch and after activating the UAN you may be able to withdraw the EPF corpus.

Ans: Transferring your old Provident Fund (PF) money to your current EPFO account is important. It ensures your funds continue to grow and are consolidated in one place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Understanding the EPF System
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement benefits scheme for salaried employees. It's managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). When you switch jobs, your PF balance can be transferred to your new employer’s EPF account.

Importance of Transferring Old PF
Transferring your old PF balance is crucial for multiple reasons:

Interest Accumulation: Your money continues to earn interest.
Simplified Management: Easier to manage a single PF account.
Avoid Dormant Accounts: Dormant accounts may not earn interest after a certain period.
Checking Old PF Balance
Before initiating the transfer, check your old PF balance. You can do this using:

EPFO Portal: Log in to the EPFO member portal with your UAN.
UMANG App: The UMANG app can also provide your PF balance details.
SMS/Call: Send an SMS or give a missed call to the registered EPFO number.
Steps to Transfer Old PF
Here’s how you can transfer your old PF balance to your current EPFO account.

Step 1: Activate UAN
Ensure your Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated. UAN links all your PF accounts.

Visit the EPFO website.
Go to the UAN Member e-Sewa portal.
Activate your UAN using your PF member ID.
Step 2: Log in to EPFO Portal
Log in to the EPFO portal using your UAN and password.

Visit the UAN Member e-Sewa portal.
Enter your UAN, password, and captcha.
Click on the ‘Sign In’ button.
Step 3: Verify Your Details
Ensure your personal details and KYC information are up-to-date. This includes:

Aadhaar Number: Must be linked and verified.
PAN: Should be verified.
Bank Account Details: Correct and verified.
Step 4: Initiate Transfer Request
To initiate the transfer request:

Click on ‘Online Services’ from the main menu.
Select ‘One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)’.
Verify your personal information and PF account details of both old and new employers.
Step 5: Choose Attestation Method
You need to choose how you want to attest your claim. It can be attested by either your current employer or previous employer.

Current Employer: Select if you are currently employed.
Previous Employer: Select if you are not currently employed.
Step 6: Fill Transfer Request Form
Fill in the transfer request form with the necessary details:

Previous PF Account Number: Mention your old PF account number.
Current PF Account Number: Mention your current PF account number.
Step 7: Upload Digital Signature
Ensure your employer has a digital signature registered with EPFO. This is required to approve the transfer request.

Step 8: Submit Transfer Request
Submit the completed transfer request form. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification. Enter the OTP to confirm.

Step 9: Track Status
You can track the status of your transfer request on the EPFO portal.

Log in to the UAN Member e-Sewa portal.
Click on ‘Online Services’ and select ‘Track Claim Status’.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are solutions to common issues you might face during the transfer process.

Incorrect Details
If your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.) are incorrect, you can correct them by:

Submitting a joint declaration form with your employer.
Updating the details on the EPFO portal.
Employer Not Cooperating
If your previous employer is not cooperating:

Contact your current employer to assist with the transfer.
Reach out to EPFO for help via their grievance portal.
Technical Issues
If you face technical issues on the EPFO portal:

Clear your browser cache.
Try using a different browser.
Contact EPFO’s helpdesk for support.
Ensuring a Smooth Transfer
To ensure a smooth transfer of your PF funds:

Keep all necessary documents handy.
Regularly follow up with your employer.
Track the status of your request online.
Final Checks
Once the transfer is complete:

Check your EPFO account to confirm the transfer.
Ensure the transferred amount reflects correctly.
Keep a record of all communication and receipts for future reference.
By following these steps, you can efficiently transfer your old PF balance to your current EPFO account. This consolidation ensures your retirement funds are managed well and continue to grow.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in