Can I Withdraw My PF After 6 Months of Work? Seeking Guidance on Process and Timelines

I was working in an MNC pharma company in Delhi for which the PF gets deposited in Maharashtra as their registered office is in Maharashtra. I have worked for 6 months and 27 days in the organization. I wish to withdraw my PF and not transfer it. I have been informed by my accounts people that for employment less than 6 months, withdrawal is not allowed as per the Maharashtra PF rules. However, since my employment exceeds 6 months, i.e., 6 months and 27 days, I would like to know the following:

a) Will I be allowed to withdraw my PF as I do not wish to transfer it under any circumstances?
b) In case of any problems with withdrawal, etc., or the form being rejected, how will I be intimated as I have been informed that sometimes it takes more than 6 months to 1 year to get any notification?
c) Is there any local numbers or EPF helplines where we can give our form number, and they will let us know the status from time to time?
d) How long will it take for me to get my money?

Hi Sakshi,

Welcome to the great learning forum!! :) This being your first question, and it's my pleasure to answer your query!

A: I am not sure of that as I have seen PF withdrawals for less than six months are generally not permitted. Hence, this might be a borderline case.

A: Normally, a letter is sent to the company on this issue as we have received such notices.

A: Luckily for us, we are in the era of IT, and even the Government organizations have become accountable. Good times ahead for us as PF intends to implement SSN - Social Security Number. Also, you can avail of the RTI act as well. :D What we recommend is that you fill up the grievance form as per the link: http://epfindia.nic.in [link updated to site home] Also, your ex-company would have the consultants on this assignment - get their numbers and follow up.

Regards,
Rajat Joshi

I have worked for more than 6 months as mentioned; it is 6 months and 27 days. The concerned person in the office is not willing to provide me with the number of consultants she deals with. How do I move forward?

You can withdraw without a doubt. The only thing is, if you have contributed for 7 months, you would stand to gain the employer's contribution as well. Here you would only get your contribution. 😂 😂 😂

I left my last employer on 4th September 2009. I sent the PF withdrawal application on 5th November 2009. They confirmed the receipt of the same. However, as of now, they have not submitted the application to the PF authority. Is there any rule regarding how many days my last employer can hold onto my completed application? Please let me know. Thanks and regards.