Is Getting Your PF Amount Really This Difficult? Share Your Experiences and Solutions

I have heard from a lot of people that you don't normally get back your PF amount, and even if you do, it's after a lot of hassle and trouble. How far is the statement true, and if it is fairly true, why is it so?

Collecting our PF is a right, so why should so many problems be created for the same? What is the legal course of action one can adopt if he/she faces a problem in collecting his/her PF amount?

Dear Kyat,

Withdrawal of the PF is no longer a constraint, as most of the PF offices have started updating the status of the forms received from employers and settling the amount within 45 days of receipt. Please check the respective EPFO website.

In some cases, the employer is not aware of the process involved in obtaining the amount for their former employees. When employees leave the organization and join a new company, they may not show much interest in processing the forms. I have listed the reasons I have come across in PF withdrawal:

1. Employer sent the form without Form 3A.
2. Mistake in the Form 3A calculation.
3. Changes in LWD due to the notice period.
4. Overwriting in the forms (PF office will not accept more than 2 overwritings).
5. Bank statement required for MICR No./bank authentication.
6. Form 10C submitted for employees with less than 6 months of experience, etc.

If all the procedures are followed, I don't anticipate the PF office holding money for any reasons. In that case, you can invoke the RTI Act on EPFO.

Regards,

Suresh Ramalingam

Hello,

Could any delay occur in the withdrawal process if PF registration is from Maharashtra and employees are from other states, such as Gujarat or Rajasthan?

Regards,
Chaitali

Hi, Chaitali,

Good question! I hope sir replies back soon. I will also post this question as a private message to him. When I come to know about the answer, I will surely let you know.

Hi KIayat,

I have been dealing with PF work for many years. So far, the withdrawal of the PF/EPS requires one to take a little care when filling out forms such as:

1. Please furnish the correct information in Form Nom 19, Form 10C, Form 20, or Form 5 IF, etc.
2. Fill out Form No. 5 and Form 10, which are included in the withdrawal form.
3. Provide the contribution card in Form No. 3A for the last two years.
4. Ensure that the forms are signed by the authorized officials as per the specimen signature sent to the PF Office.
5. Include bank information such as S.B. A/C number, bank name, branch, and full branch address.
6. If the claimant is a married female, please submit Form No. 5 for the previous name and the name after marriage.

I hope that by following these steps, there will be no reason for the authorities to keep the claim pending.

Haresh Shah

Hi Chaitali, this is what Suresh Sir has to say:

It makes no difference since the employer is registered with Maharashtra and the PF forms are processed in Maharashtra for the employees in Gujarat or other states. The location of the employee is immaterial if the PF forms are processed in a location where the company is registered.

Dear Haresh,

Can you provide more details about the rules for existing employees to withdraw PF? What are the conditions under which an existing employee can withdraw the amount from their PF?

Regards,
Raghuram

Hi,

One main reason for a delay in PF withdrawal is forms not filled out correctly, such as the Date of Joining, Date of Leaving, Date of Birth, and missing signatures. Another main reason is an incomplete bank address. If these columns are taken care of, there will be no undue delay.

Regards,
Jayaraj

Hi Everyone,

I have filled out Form 13 for PF Transfer. As my current company requested other forms, including Form 3A, I obtained them from my previous employer. However, when I verified Form 3A, I noticed that my father's name was mentioned incorrectly, but all other details are correct.

I have heard that the PF office will check all details such as name, father's name, EPF number, amount contributed, signature, etc., during the verification process. Will the transfer proceed with the incorrect Form 3A? Can someone who has faced a similar issue provide guidance?

Any clarification or reply would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,

I joined this company in February 2008 and now I want to withdraw my portion of the amount from my PF account. Is it possible? If yes, what is the procedure? I am planning to quit the job very soon and I am not sure whether I will get my F&F done. So, I am planning to get my PF for which I am liable. Please advise ASAP.