I have an idendical queation as asked by Mr Raghunath on 11th Jun 2024 and addressed by Mr Ramalingam Kalirajan. I retired in Sep 2022 at age 60 and my EFP has not been withdrawan yet. However my statement does not show interest component after Sep 2023 whereas I should see an interest for upto 3 years post last contribution. Which entity do I complain or send a formal request for the missing interest. What is the way to address this. In my case the PF was managed by company trust and was transfered to Govt EPFO on July 2024 only.
Ans: Your situation involves transitioning your PF from a company trust to the Government EPFO and missing interest for a specific period. Here is a clear approach to resolve the issue:
Understand the Rules for EPF Interest
Post-Retirement Interest: Interest on EPF balances continues to accrue for up to 3 years after the last contribution if no withdrawals are made.
Company Trust to EPFO Transition: Interest should be calculated and transferred accurately when your account is moved from the trust to EPFO.
Entities to Contact
Employer/Company Trust:
Since your PF was managed by the company trust until July 2024, verify if they have calculated and credited interest accurately up to the transfer date.
Obtain a detailed statement from the company trust showing contributions, interest, and the closing balance transferred to EPFO.
Government EPFO Office:
Contact the EPFO regional office where your PF account is maintained after the transfer.
Share all supporting documents, including the statement from your employer and the trust transfer details.
EPFO Grievance Portal:
If no resolution is provided through direct contact, register a complaint on the EPFO Grievance Management System:
https://epfigms.gov.in
Documentation to Prepare
Copy of your EPF Passbook showing contributions and missing interest entries.
Detailed statement from your employer/trust covering interest calculations and transfer details.
A copy of the transfer request and acknowledgment when the account was moved to EPFO.
Proof of your retirement date (e.g., retirement letter).
Steps to File a Complaint
Write to Your Employer/Trust:
Request confirmation of the interest credited up to July 2024.
Obtain written acknowledgment of the transfer details.
Submit a Grievance to EPFO:
Visit the EPFO grievance portal and register a complaint.
Attach all relevant documents for reference.
Follow Up with EPFO:
Visit the regional office in person, if necessary.
Request a written response explaining the missing interest and the corrective action.
Escalation Options
EPFO Helpline: Call the toll-free number 1800-118-005 for immediate guidance.
RTI Application: File a Right to Information (RTI) application if responses are delayed or unclear.
Labour Ministry: As EPF falls under the Ministry of Labour, complaints can also be directed there if EPFO fails to act.
Way Forward
Ensure both the trust and EPFO account for the interest from September 2022 to September 2025.
Regularly monitor updates in your EPFO passbook for corrections.
Keep all communications documented for future reference.
With these steps, your issue can be resolved systematically.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment