Confused About PF Numbers After Leaving a Job? Let's Discuss Your Experience

Hi friends,

I need your help here. I resigned from my ex-company on May 31st. My ex-company started the PF policy very late as the number of people was less. However, they started deducting the PF from November 2006. Though there was some problem in getting the PF number from RPFC, until I was in the company, I am sure there was no PF number given to any of the employees. But yesterday, I got to know from my ex-colleague that they have already received their PF numbers. After contacting HR, they say that the PF number is available for only existing employees. For those who have quit, it has not been issued yet. I have never heard of such a reason before. I even clarified with the PF consultant in my present company. According to them, the number will be generated for all the employees, whether working or have quit, at the same time.

Friends, let me know if such a thing happens.

Regards,
Roopa

If they have deducted any sum as PF, then they are bound to allot a PF number. If you have a payslip that shows PF deduction, you may go to PF authorities with that and ask for help.

Yes, I have the payslip which shows that the amount has been deducted from my salary. I even got a company seal on the hard copies.

Reg Roopa

Dear Friend,

If they have deducted your PF contribution, then there will be a PF number in your ex-company. Please ask them for the Form 3A of your PF contribution and check it with the PF regional office to verify if they have paid the amount to the PF office. Before going to the PF regional office, please take the company Employer code along with you. By doing this, you will understand what the company has done with the amount.

Regards,
Kiran Kumar
Email: kumar_kirangowda@yahoo.co.in

If you need any clarification, feel free to ask me.

If the company didn't have a PF registration before you left, in all probability, they have kept the money aside and not deposited it with PF. Ask your ex-company HR what happened to the amount deducted from you as PF. Tell them you will go to the PF Authority with the payslip if they don't refund your money.

Yes, Das,

You are right. I wrote an email asking for clarification. If I am not getting any response, first, I would like to escalate it to my VP who operates from the US. If he is also of no help, then I'll have to take it up to the regional office. Anyway, I have proof.

Reg Roopa

Dear Roopa,

This is a common problem faced by most employees in all industries. If you find that your last company is not in a position to provide you with information or did not provide the PF facility, please take legal action against them. This will help new employees become aware of the organization's culture.

Regards,
MSR Mariyappan

Dear Roopa,

Please understand the process of the PF. When a company decides to opt for the PF, they need to provide the list of employees, their basic salary, and the PF contribution (which is to be paid to PF authorities by DD and Challan).

The company will then receive the PF code number for the establishment. Monthly PF deductions for all employees, along with the employer's contribution, will be paid to PF through Challan, which will be deposited to the Code No.

In the meantime, HR needs to allot the PF numbers to the employees based on the date of joining and send these numbers to the PF office.

In your case, since they have deducted the PF amount, as shown in your slip, it indicates they have to remit it to PF. If they claim that no numbers have been allotted, it means they have not paid your contribution to PF.

PF numbers should be assigned to all employees; there is no distinction between current and ex-employees.

You can lodge a complaint with either ACL or the PF Inspector to assert your rights.

Regards,

Atul Gore
9820980987

Hey, thanks a lot, guys for your suggestions. I emailed my HR manager yesterday, and I got a positive response from them. He said I would be getting the number by Monday or Tuesday at the latest. Hence, I think I should wait until then. If I am not getting any response, I would escalate it to my Ex. VP in the US. If still no go, I would definitely take it to the HR authority as I have enough proof to prove them guilty.

Regards,
Roopa

Hi,

You can send a registered post to your previous employer with a request letter for PF number and also request the transfer of your PF account to your new office. Enclose your payslip and highlight it. Send a copy of the letter to the Regional PF Commissioner and request acknowledgment of the request within a week (mention that your current employer requires the number). Don't forget to include the Proof of Delivery (POD) for further communication.

If they don't reply within two weeks, you can present the copy of the letter you sent to the previous employer and file a complaint with the Regional PF Commissioner. They will intervene in the matter and resolve it.

Regards,
Vijayakumar