Struggling with PF Withdrawal Due to ID and Relieving Letter Requests – What Should I Do?

I worked at eServe Intl in Mumbai from September 2003 to June 2004, which was close to 9 months. I have been attempting to withdraw my PF, but each time they send the forms back to me requesting ID proof or a relieving letter. I left the company due to my health, and as far as I know, a relieving letter is not required for PF withdrawal. How should I handle this situation? Am I still eligible for this PF?

Thank you.

You need to fulfill the requirements of the PF office to withdraw your PF. If they are asking for any documents that you need to obtain from your company, you should approach the company and acquire them to submit to the PF. Unless you do so, you will not be able to withdraw the funds.

Regards,
Pournima

First of all, please let us know where you are sending your EPF withdrawal form, who is asking you for ID proof or a relieving letter, and whether you are currently working and covered under EPF. Secondly, I would like to clarify that ID proof or a relieving letter is never required for the EPF withdrawal process.

If you are currently covered under EPF, then you must transfer that amount to your current EPF account. To do so, you need to submit Form-13 (which can also be submitted online through the [link removed]) and have it attested by your current employer.

If you are not currently working, then you should first fill out Form-10C & 19. Attach a canceled bank cheque, properly signed, or a copy of the first page of your bank passbook duly self-attested.

After completing the above steps, visit your bank and have the form attested by the Bank Manager. Keep a copy for your records and send the original attested form directly to the concerned EPF office via Speed Post or Registered Post.

Your issue will be resolved. I hope this information is helpful to you. Stay happy.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

First of all, you should fill out the PF withdrawal forms (Form No. 19 & 10 C). Fill them out carefully and submit them to your employer where you have worked for their attestation. Once duly attested by the employer, you should send the form to the PF office as directed by the employer. Please keep a photocopy of all the papers. The following few things should be noted:

1. Total Signatures of the member: 5 Nos.
2. The employer should attest both forms.
3. A photocopy of your bank passbook on which the NEFT/RTGS code is mentioned.
4. Form 3A from the employer should be attested.
5. Form No. 5 & 10 from the employer. (Date of Joining & Date of Leaving the employment).
6. Your PAN.
7. Copy of the ration card.

As your account is old, the department is trying to ensure that the amount should be sent to the actual member to avoid any fraud. Please comply with the formalities as it will be in your interest.

Regards,
Raj.

It is possible to get the PF withdrawn even without the consent of the employer, for which there are provisions laid down in the act. Hence, you are requested to follow the procedures and give reasons very clearly that the employer is not cooperating with the withdrawal process. Then, send the same with all the accompanying documents as indicated above by registered post to the regional PF commissioner of the area where your PF has been linked to earlier, and then follow up.

Within a period of approximately 4 months, the same would get processed to your account. Only have patience and keep following up. There are specific emails given for each of the PF commissioners through which the follow-ups can be done.

Also, you have to enclose your latest salary slip, which shows that the PF was deducted, etc., for the PF commissioner to ascertain himself that the company you worked for was deducting the PF.

Furthermore, give all details of the company PF ID, etc., in the application form, which are easily traceable from the net.

Conclusion

To conclude, it is not necessary for the employer to process the papers since there are options for withdrawal where the employer is not cooperating.

Regards,
Babu