Struggling to Withdraw My PF: How Can I Resolve This Bank Cheque Issue?

My name is Mahesh. I worked in CMS for 5 years. I resigned from my job in March 2012. I submitted my PF form at the PF Thane office. However, they released the cheque on October 3, 2012, at the Udaipur Royal Bank of Scotland. Unfortunately, the cheque was returned due to some reasons.

The reason for the return was that I used a canceled cheque of "The Royal Bank of Scotland," but the PF office released my cheque under the name of "The Royal Bank of India." Following this, they dispatched a letter to my home, requesting me to fill a re-issue form. I have already submitted the re-issue form along with a new canceled cheque, bank statement, and a copy of the letter. However, the funds have not been transferred yet.

The PF office informed me that they will transfer my funds to my new job. I only wish to withdraw my PF funds, but they are insisting on Form No. 13. Please suggest.

Thank you.

Dear Mr. Mahesh Pancholia,

Your case seems to be curtailed due to insufficient information. Please let me know the following details, and also inform other members to discuss your query:

- Have you filled out forms 19 and 10C with a signature from your previous employer for the EPF withdrawal process?
- Why is your employer insisting on you filling out form 13? Have you informed them about your new job?
- If you are not being deployed to another organization, why would someone ask you to transfer your PF fund to a new PF account?

Please consider that every company is obligated to comply with statutory laws, and no employer has the right to prevent or coerce an employee into doing something that is not right. Therefore, I suggest you take the necessary steps and approach the EPFO to inquire with the PF authorities regarding the requirement to fill out the reissue form along with the returned cheque to ensure that the details are complete and accurate.

I have already submitted Form No. 19 and 10C. However, my cheque was returned. The PF Department dispatched a letter to my address for reauthorizing the claim. I filled out the re-issue form with a new cancelled cheque, bank statement, and also attached a copy of the letter. I submitted this to my previous employer's office, where they attested my re-issue form and submitted it to the PF Office in Thane. My previous employer has been fully supportive throughout this process. Despite submitting the re-issue form, my funds have not yet been transferred to my account.

I contacted the PF Department to inquire about my claim status, and a representative from the PF Office informed me that they have transferred my PF funds to my new job. However, I am seeking a withdrawal of my PF funds rather than a transfer. They are insisting on a transfer only. Could you please advise if it is mandatory to transfer the funds or if I can proceed with a withdrawal instead?

PF Account No: TH/THA/0200074/000/0000784

It's a good scheme to transfer your PF to the new employer instead of opening a new account. If you still insist, please write to the PF Authority at the EPFO informing them that you would like to withdraw as you are not joining any employer at this time. Go to the PF office directly and speak to them with the letter. I hope they will let you know when they'd process the release of your payment.

Regards