PF Transfer: Pension Amount Missing - Imran Asks

Ans: According to the EPS rules, you are eligible to receive a monthly pension after you reach the age of 58 years, or after early retirement at 50 years. However, if you defer the pension for 2 years (until you reach the age of 60 years), you will be eligible to receive the pension at an additional rate of 4% per year.

Since you have completed more than 10 years of service and transferred your EPS amount to the new company, you do not need to withdraw the EPS amount. You can continue to contribute to the EPS scheme until you retire or reach the age of 58 years, whichever is earlier. The accumulated corpus in EPF can be with withdrawn in one go at the time of retirement

Ans: Hello;

You should withdraw your EPF corpus immediately and invest elsewhere.

After 3 continuous years of no contribution, except interest, the EPF account becomes inoperative.

If you have opted for deferred pension you may receive EPS pension after completing 60 years of age.

Ans: You’ve acted wisely by tracking your EPF.

Your concern is genuine. Many employees face similar EPF transfer issues due to pension-related mismatches. Let's understand your situation clearly and offer practical, 360-degree solutions.

» EPF transfer rejection due to pension option error

– You had applied for pension withdrawal in your old job.
– That means your EPS account (pension) was settled earlier.
– Now, while transferring, your PF and EPS are both linked.
– Since EPS is already settled, EPFO system is rejecting the request.
– System expects both PF and EPS to be available for transfer.
– But EPS is missing, hence the mismatch causes rejection.

» Leaving old EPF as it is: why it worked till now

– You noticed interest was accumulating till last year.
– EPFO pays interest even on inactive accounts for up to 3 years.
– So, if your old PF became inactive in 2021–22, interest will stop after 2024–25.
– That’s why no interest got credited this year.
– EPFO changed rules: after 3 years of inactivity, interest stops.
– So your old EPF is now considered inoperative.

» Understanding inoperative EPF and its impact

– Inoperative PF earns no interest after 3 years of no contribution.
– This hits long-term compounding badly.
– You will lose value due to inflation.
– Funds remain safe but growth stops.
– You can still withdraw it anytime.
– But it won’t grow anymore.

» How EPS withdrawal earlier blocks transfer now

– EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) and EPF run together.
– When you withdrew EPS from old job, the system marked that account “settled”.
– So, only PF balance remained.
– EPFO transfer system checks for both PF and EPS.
– Since EPS was withdrawn, system thinks account is closed.
– Hence, it doesn’t allow PF transfer alone.
– Manual intervention becomes necessary in this case.

» Next step: what you can do now

– Don’t worry. This is fixable with the right steps.
– You have two main options to act now.

» Option 1: Withdraw the old PF money fully

– Since your old PF account is not earning interest now, you can withdraw.
– Visit https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
– Login using UAN and OTP.
– Go to ‘Online Services’ → ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)’.
– Choose Form-19 for full PF withdrawal.
– Fill and submit claim.
– Funds will be credited in 5–15 working days.
– Make sure your bank details, Aadhaar, PAN, UAN are linked and verified.
– This is the easiest and cleanest way forward now.

» Option 2: Try manual EPF transfer through grievance portal

– If you still want to transfer funds to new PF account, go for manual route.
– Visit EPF grievance portal: https://epfigms.gov.in/
– Select ‘Register Grievance’.
– Fill your UAN, personal and employment details.
– In subject, mention: “Unable to transfer old PF due to EPS withdrawal”.
– Write clearly: “EPS already settled. Request PF transfer only.”
– Attach relevant documents: previous PF passbook, EPS settlement proof, UAN card, Aadhaar.
– Ask EPFO to allow manual PF-only transfer.
– Follow up with Field Officer at your regional EPFO office.

» Understanding why withdrawal may be better than transfer here

– Your old PF account has stopped earning interest now.
– Keeping idle money in EPFO doesn't make sense.
– You’re missing future growth.
– Transferring also needs manual efforts and delays.
– Withdrawal is faster and cleaner.
– You can reinvest withdrawn money in growth-based instruments.
– You can build wealth more actively from that amount.

» What if you are not able to withdraw also?

– If portal shows error or bank/Aadhaar not updated, do this:
– Go to your employer’s HR for KYC update in EPFO.
– Submit Aadhaar, PAN, and cancelled cheque.
– Once approved by employer, you can withdraw.
– Or update these online in EPFO portal under ‘Manage > KYC’.
– Keep checking status every few days.

» Avoid delay and inaction anymore

– The earlier you act, the better.
– Every month your idle EPF loses earning power.
– Don’t let inflation reduce your corpus value.
– Reinvesting now gives better financial outcomes.

» Reinvest EPF withdrawal smartly for better growth

– If you withdraw EPF, don’t let it sit in savings account.
– You can invest in long-term diversified funds.
– Select regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner or MFD.
– Avoid direct plans.
– Direct funds give no guidance or support.
– Regular funds through an expert help in goal-based, reviewed investing.
– This brings discipline and avoids emotional decisions.

» Why direct mutual funds are not right for most investors

– Direct funds look cheap but lack personalised advice.
– You must track, manage, and rebalance yourself.
– No one guides you if market falls or goals change.
– Without CFP-led support, chances of mistakes are high.
– Many direct fund users exit early or choose wrong schemes.
– Regular plans with expert help lead to better long-term behaviour.
– Costs are higher, but results and peace of mind are better.

» Build long-term wealth using the withdrawn PF amount

– You can split the amount into short-term and long-term goals.
– Use debt mutual funds for next 1–3 year goals.
– Use equity mutual funds for 5+ years goals.
– Avoid index funds.
– Index funds copy market returns only.
– They do not adapt to market conditions.
– They cannot beat inflation in all phases.
– Actively managed funds can outperform with expert decisions.
– Choose experienced fund houses with good track record.

» Keep future PF accounts active always

– In your new job, ensure your EPF is regularly updated.
– Link Aadhaar and PAN with UAN.
– Download passbook every 6 months and track interest.
– Update nominee details.
– Keep mobile number active and linked.
– Regular monitoring prevents similar problems in future.

» Watch out for new EPF rules and interest changes

– EPFO interest rate changes yearly.
– Inactive accounts earn nothing after 3 years.
– Keep PF active by contributing or transferring.
– Long gaps reduce interest benefit.
– Track annual credit in April–July every year.

» Use grievance portal for any future issues

– EPF-related issues are best resolved via: https://epfigms.gov.in/
– Raise ticket with UAN and issue details.
– Attach screenshots or documents if needed.
– EPFO responds within 10–15 days usually.
– Follow up by calling regional office if delay happens.

» Consider PF partial withdrawal only when needed

– You can withdraw PF for home, marriage, or medical needs.
– But full withdrawal should be done only after job change or unemployment.
– Avoid breaking PF for short-term needs.
– It breaks long-term compounding.
– Use emergency funds instead.

» EPS amount once withdrawn cannot be restored

– Since you withdrew EPS earlier, you cannot restore pension benefit now.
– Only PF balance is available now.
– Future employers will build new EPS account.
– At retirement, EPS benefit depends on service years and contribution.
– Keep tracking EPS service years regularly.

» Build a backup for retirement beyond EPF

– EPF alone is not enough for retirement.
– It is low-growth and conservative.
– Use SIPs in equity funds through regular plans.
– Use PPF or debt funds for stability.
– Build a diversified retirement corpus over time.
– Don’t depend only on EPF interest.

» Final Insights

– You’ve done well by monitoring EPF and raising concerns.
– Act quickly now—withdraw or request manual transfer.
– Let the funds work for you again.
– In future, avoid PF inactivity beyond 3 years.
– Reinvest the funds for long-term wealth.
– Take support from a trusted CFP-led platform or MFD.
– Avoid DIY mistakes in mutual funds.
– Build a better, stable future using informed choices.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment