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Bank account updation issue on EPFO portal for NRI with corrected surname

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Sagar Question by Sagar on Dec 02, 2024Hindi
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Dear Milind Sir, I am facing problem of bank account updation on EPFO portal. I am no longer working in India and my EPF contribution stopped since last 6.5 yrs. Recently I got my Surname spelling corrected through my employer and the corrected name as per my identity docs(Aadhaar) also matches with EPF UAN. While I tried to apply for withdrawal (post above correction), I got message of bank account not matching. So I have reapplied for my bank no updation through the portal request process. However, the request has been rejected on all occasions, saying “Name doesn’t match”, which is not true. I also send email on employeefeedback—epfindia.gov.in, but no reply. Also I tried to connect on X, which EPFO hasn’t responded. Do I need to approach the nearest city EPFO office in Nashik Maharashtra (my account was in Chennai). Kindly guide me for the process to update my bank account and complete my withdrawal process.

Ans: Hello;

I believe your name in the bank account is exactly same as that on Aadhar card and UAN.

If it is so try once again and if it fails lodge a complaint thru EPFiGMS portal.

Try their telephonic helpline.

If you don't get resolution, complain to Labour Ministry with cc to PMO through cpgrams portal.

There is no need to visit any EPF office if you have an active UAN and can log in to the EPF website.

Lastly legal recourse is also available to you.

Don't fall for any agents and corrupt personnel.

Best wishes;
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 20, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 08, 2023Hindi
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Hi, I have an issue with my EPF account and the issue is related to my name. Just to keep my name anonymous for this post I am using a sudo name that is Jack Jones Harry. I have an EPF account in the name of Jack Jones Harry. I tried to log in and I was asked to contact my employer to link my Aadhaar card to my EPF account. I contacted my Ex employer and they said the issue was that my EPF is under the name of Jack Jones Harry and my Aadhaar have the name Jack J Harry. Due to this, it shows a mismatch. I have clearly informed that its the same and in my Aadhaar card the Jack J Harry the J stands for Jones. They said they cant do anything and they have asked me to fill up a joint declaration form which is a requisite for a name change. I was not comfortable using this form as they have a column asking me the "wrong" name and corresponding correct name. Since my name Jack Jones Harry is not a "wrong" name, its Just that my aadhaar card has J mentioned instead of Jones. I was not comfortable filling out this declaration. I decided to go to the EPF office myself to check on this. However, they also provided me with the same format for name change. I am guessing I have two options one is change my Aadhaar card or submit the form for name change requisition. The issues is some bank accounts and property have my name as Jack Jones Harry and some property and bank details and mutual funds have my name as Jack Js Harry. I just wanted to run it by you and wanted to check is this a common issue and which is a better option. I really want to get it done as this has been pending since long.
Ans: I understand your situation. It's common to face issues with name variations in official documents. You can cater to this issue with 2 options- 1st is that you can change your Aadhaar card or you can submit requisition form to EPF office.

1. Aadhaar Card: If you want to align all your official documents with the name "Jack Jones Harry," you have to update your Aadhaar card to reflect the full name "Jack Jones Harry" to match your EPF account. You must visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre and providing the necessary documents for the name change.

2. Name Change Requisition Form: If you prefer not to change your Aadhaar card, you can go ahead and submit the joint declaration form for a name change requisition as requested by the EPF office. In this form, you can explain the discrepancy between your EPF account name and your Aadhaar card name as you've described which will require some additional documents and processing time.
The choice between these options depends on your personal preference and the hassle involved in changing your Aadhaar card. Ensure that you update your name consistently across all your official documents to avoid future issues.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 20, 2023Hindi
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Dear Members, I had posted this question ago but haven't got an answer so reposting. (the reason being I am in a hurry and need to make a decision - questions asked below). I have an issue with my EPF account and the issue is related to my name. Just to keep my name anonymous for this post I am using a sudo name that is Jack Jones Harry. I have an EPF account in the name of Jack Jones Harry. I tried to log in and I was asked to contact my employer to link my Aadhaar card to my EPF account. I contacted my Ex employer and they said the issue was that my EPF is under the name of Jack Jones Harry and my Aadhaar have the name Jack J Harry. Due to this, it shows a mismatch. I have clearly informed that its the same and in my Aadhaar card the Jack J Harry the J stands for Jones. They said they cant do anything and they have asked me to fill up a joint declaration form which is a requisite for a name change. I was not comfortable using this form as they have a column asking me the "wrong" name and corresponding correct name. Since my name Jack Jones Harry is not a "wrong" name, its Just that my aadhaar card has J mentioned instead of Jones. I was not comfortable filling out this declaration. I decided to go to the EPF office myself to check on this. However, they also provided me with the same format for name change. I am guessing I have two options one is change my Aadhaar card or submit the form for name change requisition. The issues is some bank accounts and property have my name as Jack Jones Harry and some property and bank details and mutual funds have my name as Jack Js Harry. I just wanted to run it by you and wanted to check is this a common issue and which is a better option. I really want to get it done as this has been pending since long.
Ans: First, decide, which format of the name you want to retain. Based on that, change the other format in all your records. It will solve your problem once and for all.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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I have Worked in a Company at MUMBAI from FEBRUARY 2004 up to FEBRUARY 2017.... The HEAD OFFICE of this Company is in DELHI and thus the EPFO ACCOUNT and It's RECORDS / HR Desk too are Maintained and Based at DELHI EPFO OFFICE. During this Service I was Even Posted in VADODARA for TWO YEARS. A New EPFO ACCOUNT NUMBER Was Created with GUJARAT PF OFFICE and PF DEDUCTIONS and EMPLOYER'S CONTRIBUTION were Duly Made in this PF Account. Upon My RETURN Back to MUMBAI the BALANCE of this GUJARAT PF ACCOUNT was Duly TRANSFERRED To the DELHI Office and the PF ACCOUNT AT DELHI H.O. SUBSEQUENTLY UPON BEING BY AN AUSTRALIAN BRAND THE COMPANY FROM APRIL 2008 ONWARDS IMPLEMENTED and MIGRATED ON TO THE EPFO's ONLINE MODULE i.e. *UAN* PORTAL AND THUS THE PREVIOUS PF DATA WAS TRANSFERRED AND UPLOADED UNDER THE UAN ACCOUNT No. In 2017 UPON MY EXIT THE PF BALANCE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE PF ACCOUNT OF MY NEW EMPLOYER BEING MAINTAINED AT COIMBATORE. *UNFORTUNATELY THERE ARE NO DETAILS OR DATA OF MY PF ACCOUNT UPLOADED and THUS NOT SHOWING / REFLECTING ON THE EPFO UAN PORTAL FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 2004 up to MARCH 2008..... SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SEEK THE ABOVE DETAILS FROM THE EPFO'S BANDRA OFFICE and EVEN THROUGH EMAIL ARE FUTILE and THUS DETAILS ARE NOT BEING PROVIDED...... DUE TO THIS I AM EVEN UNABLE TO UPLOAD MY ONLINE CLAIM / WITHDRAWAL REQUEST AND ENCASH MY PF AMOUNTS...... PLEASE URGENTLY GUIDE AND HELP
Ans: Here's how you can approach the situation of missing PF data for your period of employment between February 2004 and March 2008:

1. Contact Delhi EPFO:

Since your main PF account was maintained at the Delhi EPFO office, it's crucial to reach out to them again.
Try contacting the Delhi EPFO grievance redressal officer (https://epfigms.gov.in/grievance/grievancemaster) through email or phone. Clearly explain the issue with missing data and the attempts you've already made to get it resolved. Mention your UAN number and the period for which data is missing.
Be persistent and follow up on your communication.
2. Utilize Online Grievance Portal:

The EPFO website offers an online grievance redressal portal (https://epfigms.gov.in/grievance/grievancemaster).
Register a grievance there, outlining the details of the missing data and the unresponsive nature of the Bandra office.
3. Approach EPFO Helpline:

You can also try contacting the EPFO helpline at 1800-118-0055.
Explain your situation and seek guidance on how to get the missing data reflected in your UAN account.
4. Reach Out to Ex-Employer (if possible):

If you're still in touch with your former employer (the one before the Australian brand takeover), try contacting their HR department.
They might have copies of your PF records for the period in question, which could be helpful in getting the data updated in your UAN.
5. Utilize UAN Portal's "Contact Us" Option:

While the UAN portal might not directly resolve the issue, you can try using the "Contact Us" option and explain your situation.
They might be able to provide additional guidance or escalate your concern within the EPFO system.
Here are some additional tips:

Maintain a record of all your communication with the EPFO offices, including emails, phone call logs, and grievance reference numbers.
If you have any documents related to your PF account for the missing period, such as payslips showing PF deductions, keep them handy.
Consider getting help from a professional PF consultant if the issue persists. They can navigate the EPFO processes and handle communication on your behalf.
Remember, persistence is key. By following these steps and keeping track of your communication, you should be able to get your missing PF data reflected in your UAN and access your PF funds.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2025

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Hi Sir, I started a SIP of 3k from 3months investing in Nipon India Small Cap fund. I started investing via \xis bank mobile app. Please suggest me if thats the safe way to do through bank app. And I am willing to start another SIP of 3k per month. Planning to do it on groww app. Please suggest some good SIP plans and guide me on how good and safe to start via groww app.
Ans: I appreciate your early step into disciplined investing.
Starting SIPs shows long-term thinking.
Beginning small builds confidence and learning.
Your willingness to ask questions is healthy.

» Your Current SIP Action Review
– You started SIP of Rs 3,000 monthly.
– SIP duration is three months.
– Investment is through a bank mobile app.

This shows good initiative.
Early habits shape future wealth.

» Understanding Your Chosen Fund Category
– The fund belongs to small-sized companies category.
– Such funds are high risk.
– Such funds give high volatility.

Returns can be uneven yearly.
Patience is very important here.

» Suitability Of Small Company Funds
– Small companies grow faster sometimes.
– They also fall harder during corrections.
– Not suitable as first-only investment.

Exposure should be limited initially.
Balance is essential.

» Starting Early
– You started without waiting for perfection.
– Many delay investing unnecessarily.
– Action matters more than perfection.

This mindset helps long-term success.

» Risk Awareness Is Necessary
– Small company funds fluctuate sharply.
– Short-term losses are common.
– Emotional control is required.

Three months is too short to judge.
Time horizon should be long.

» Minimum Suggested Time Horizon
– Such funds need at least seven years.
– Shorter periods cause disappointment.
– SIP helps reduce timing risk.

Consistency matters more than returns initially.

» Bank App As Investment Platform
– Bank apps are generally safe.
– Transactions are regulated.
– Holdings are stored with registrars.

Platform safety is not the main risk.
Investment choice matters more.

» Limitations Of Bank Apps
– Limited guidance provided.
– Product pushing is common.
– Advice is not personalised.

Banks focus on convenience.
Planning depth is usually missing.

» Bank Staff Support Limitations
– Staff change frequently.
– Knowledge levels vary.
– Long-term accountability is absent.

This affects continuity of advice.

» Safety Of Investments Versus Platform
– Funds are held in your PAN.
– Platform failure does not erase investments.
– Units remain safe with fund house.

So platform safety fear is minimal.
Decision quality matters more.

» Planning Another SIP Thought
– You want another Rs 3,000 SIP.
– Total SIP becomes Rs 6,000 monthly.

This is positive growth behaviour.
But structure needs correction.

» Platform Comparison Perspective
– You plan using another app.
– Such apps promote self investing.
– Guidance quality is limited.

Ease should not replace planning.

» Direct Platform Reality Check
– Such apps promote direct plans.
– Expense difference looks attractive.
– But hidden costs exist.

Cost is not only expense ratio.
Mistakes cost more.

» Disadvantages Of Direct Plans
– No personalised advice.
– No behaviour guidance during falls.
– No portfolio review support.

Investors act emotionally without guidance.
This hurts returns badly.

» Decision Errors In Direct Investing
– Panic selling during market falls.
– Overconfidence during rallies.
– Frequent fund switching.

These mistakes destroy compounding.
They are very common.

» Lack Of Accountability In Apps
– Apps do not call you.
– Apps do not stop wrong actions.
– Responsibility lies fully on investor.

This is risky for beginners.

» Why Regular Plans Add Value
– Guidance helps discipline.
– Asset allocation stays balanced.
– Behavioural mistakes reduce.

Value is beyond commission.
Support matters during volatility.

» Role Of MFD With CFP Credential
– Certified Financial Planner gives structure.
– Advice aligns with goals.
– Long-term handholding exists.

This improves investment experience.
Returns become smoother.

» Cost Versus Value Perspective
– Direct plans save small percentage.
– Wrong decisions lose big percentages.

Net outcome matters more.
Peace of mind matters too.

» Your Current Portfolio Concentration Risk
– Only one equity category exposure exists.
– Risk is concentrated.
– Diversification is missing.

This increases volatility risk.
Balance is needed urgently.

» Importance Of Diversification
– Different funds behave differently.
– Market cycles impact unevenly.
– Balance reduces shock.

Diversification improves consistency.

» Ideal SIP Structure For Beginners
– One aggressive component.
– One stable growth component.
– One flexible allocation component.

This spreads risk evenly.
Comfort increases automatically.

» Why Avoid Multiple Apps
– Tracking becomes confusing.
– Discipline weakens.
– Reviews become difficult.

One guided platform is better.
Simplicity improves adherence.

» Data Security Perspective
– Apps are regulated.
– Data security standards exist.
– Risk is minimal.

But advice quality remains missing.

» Behaviour During Market Corrections
– Small company funds fall sharply.
– Beginners panic easily.
– SIP stoppage becomes tempting.

Guidance prevents wrong reactions.

» Emotional Support Value
– Markets test patience.
– Fear appears suddenly.
– Someone must guide.

Apps cannot replace humans here.

» Why Starting With Only Small Companies Is Risky
– Volatility is high.
– Returns are uneven.
– Confidence may break early.

Balanced start builds trust.

» Gradual Exposure Approach
– Start with core stability.
– Add aggression slowly.
– Increase risk with experience.

This improves journey comfort.

» SIP Amount Increase Strategy
– Rs 6,000 is fine initially.
– Increase annually with income growth.
– Discipline matters more than amount.

Time creates wealth here.

» Tax Awareness Brief
– Equity funds tax applies on selling.
– Long-term gains have limits.
– Short-term gains are taxed higher.

Holding longer improves efficiency.

» Avoid Frequent Changes
– Switching funds harms compounding.
– Costs increase silently.
– Discipline reduces regret.

Stick to strategy firmly.

» Monitoring Frequency
– Review once a year.
– Avoid monthly checking.
– Noise causes confusion.

Long-term vision matters.

» Avoid Social Media Influence
– Tips are often misleading.
– Past returns are highlighted.
– Risk is hidden.

Structured advice avoids traps.

» Role Of Goal Mapping
– Define why you invest.
– Time horizon matters.
– Risk choice depends on goals.

Without goals, investing feels stressful.

» Emergency Fund Reminder
– Keep emergency money separate.
– Do not mix with SIPs.
– Liquidity is essential.

This prevents SIP stoppage.

» Insurance And Protection Check
– Health cover should be adequate.
– Life cover matters if dependents exist.

Protection supports investment continuity.

» Long-Term Wealth Mindset
– Wealth grows slowly.
– Patience beats intelligence.
– Process beats prediction.

Consistency wins always.

» Common Beginner Mistakes To Avoid
– Chasing last year returns.
– Using too many apps.
– Ignoring allocation balance.

Awareness saves money.

» How A CFP Helps In SIP Planning
– Designs suitable allocation.
– Reviews yearly changes.
– Guides during volatility.

This partnership adds value.

» Confidence Building Perspective
– You already started investing.
– You are learning actively.
– Improvement is natural.

This journey will get smoother.

» Platform Safety Final View
– Bank app is safe.
– App based platforms are safe.
– Investment safety lies with fund house.

Decision quality matters more.

» Final Insights
– Starting SIP is a good step.
– Small company exposure is risky alone.
– Diversification is necessary now.
– Avoid self-direct platforms initially.
– Regular plans with CFP guidance add value.
– Consistency and discipline build wealth.

You are on the right path.
Correct structure will improve outcomes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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