Stuck in PF Withdrawal Limbo: How Do I Resolve This Confusing Situation?

I worked for two years at a company, and my PF was being deducted from my salary. Later on, the company transferred its ownership to another organization. Unfortunately, I worked only one month in the new company and left after receiving one month's salary. I was allotted a new PF number in the new organization, and some amount was deducted for PF contribution for that particular month. I had taken a relieving letter from them as well.

Now, I am trying to contact my organization for PF withdrawal. They claimed that since I worked only for a month, I should have at least 3 months of tenure at an organization to be eligible for PF withdrawal. They mentioned that I need to contact my previous employer for this concern since my tenure was more than 2 years. However, when I try to contact the older company, they say that they no longer exist as they had transferred everything to the new company itself.

I was informed that even though my tenure was less than 3 months with the new company, I received one month's salary from them, including PF deductions in my payslip, with a new PF number allotted in my name. It has been more than a year that I have been going back and forth between them for help. Unfortunately, no one is responding properly, and there is no proper guidance. I am in a confused state, not knowing what to do or whom to contact. Can somebody help me in this regard and pull me out of this confusion?

Even if you do not know the PF number of your company, simply visit your local area PF office. From there, you can get information about your company and your account number.

Understanding Company Ownership Transfer and PF Liabilities

You have mentioned "Later on, the company itself transferred its ownership to some other organization." As per the Companies Act 1956, when a company takes over another company, it takes over with all the assets and liabilities, and PF and employee dues are one of the primary liabilities. Hence, the new company cannot refuse. Please take it up strongly legally.

If you know your old organization's PF registration code and your old PF number, you can directly visit Epfo (Govt. of India) and then click on the member portal to download the E-passbook. You can also apply for PF withdrawal online starting from June 2013.

Try to contact your old employer if they have deducted PF; they should have your PF number. Attempt to collect the organization's code and your PF number from your old employer. Don't inquire about your PF amount from your old employer; focus on obtaining only the code and number. Then, visit the PF portal where you will find the solution.

If your old company does not have any PF registration and still deducted PF from your salary, go directly to the Labour Commissioner. They will ensure justice for you.

True, I agree with NPMB's advice to you. If you have the Employee PF registration number (usually mentioned on the salary slip) of your previous company, then you may visit your local EPFO and check for the E-Passbook. You may even speak to one of the correspondents there to assist you in finding out the last status of PF contribution submissions.

On confirmation of the submission status, you may fill Form 19 and 10 C and get the same attested by a gazetted officer to withdraw your PF. You may file a complaint against the previous company to the PF Commissioner. Meeting the PF Commissioner and seeking his advice may also help at times. Contrary to the general belief, these government bodies help genuine cases also. 

If the new company is not taking responsibility for your PF, you should file a complaint against the company with the respective PF commissioner.

I am writing with reference to our previous discussion. I have a query regarding my PF accounts with my old and new employers. I worked with my old employer for 17 months and with my new employer for 15 months. I have the PF number for my new employer. When I check my PF passbook on the site, it shows the balance from 1/02/2012 to 1/03/2013. However, I am unable to view the balance for the first 17 months with my previous employer. The HR department mentioned that the previous balance should have been transferred to the new PF account, but this transfer has not occurred. Additionally, a portion of the employer's contribution is being allocated to the Pension Fund. How should I calculate the PF amount in this scenario?

I left the organization in March 2013 and need to withdraw the amount. Could you please advise me on the necessary steps to take in this situation? Should I fill out two separate forms for each PF account?

Thank you.