How Can I Claim My PF from a Previous Job Without Having Filled Out the Form?

Hey, people. I need your help. I want to claim the PF which was deducted from my salary in my previous organization. At the time of resignation, I did not fill out any PF form. I would like to know how I can claim my PF now.

Thanks,
Kamlesh

Dear,

If you are planning to withdraw your Provident Fund from your previous organization, you need to fill out Form 10C and Form 19. After completing the forms, make sure to get them attested by your previous employer. Once attested, deposit the forms with the concerned Provident Fund office.

Regards,
J. S. Malik

Dear Kamalesh,

After 2 months from the last working day in the previous organization, you are eligible to withdraw PF accumulations from your account. You can approach your previous employer with filled-in withdrawal Forms (19 & 10C), get them signed wherever necessary, and submit the same to the concerned PF Office. Your PF accumulations with interest will be credited to your bank account.

Ravi
Asst. Manager - HR
Hyderabad

Dear Mr. Ravi, I have a general question that is faced by every employee who resigns from their service.

Issue with EPF and Final Settlement

Employers deduct EPF from the salary. However, after resignation, the final clearance is not given by the HODs, possibly as an act of revenge. Additionally, the final settlement is also withheld by HR due to the lack of clearance. It is widely known that the clearance is not provided by the HOD based on personal vendettas. When employees approach HR for EPF clearance after 60 days, they refuse to sign EPF claim forms due to the absence of HODs' clearance and also withhold the final settlement.

Legal Concerns and HR's Role

Is the attitude of HR legal, or are they playing games with the employees' settlement of dues and PF claims? Is there another legal body to approach for the final settlement? Is HR justified in their actions by refusing to provide the final settlement and withholding EPF claims by not signing them?

If I submit an EPF claim form with the signature of other authorized persons and submit the same to the EPF office, they forward the claim form to the concerned employer for the required signature. After receiving the claim forms, HR personnel retain them in their office without returning them to the EPF office.

Seeking Legal Advice

How can I proceed legally in this case study? I seek a detailed clarification and, being an HR professional, I am eager to learn how to move forward.

I would be grateful if you could send your suggestions to my email id [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons] and also to citehr for follow-up by other individuals.

Thank you,

K.C. Seshadri Trivellore