Struggling to Withdraw My PF for 3 Years – How Can I Finally Resolve This?

Dear Seniors, I have been working in an educational institution as an administrative staff member for 2 years, from 2008 to 2010, and I left that job in 2010. During this job tenure, they deducted PF and P. Tax as well. I have all the required documents (appointment letter, pay slips) to prove the same. Since 2010, I have been asking to clear my PF account, but they continuously keep saying it will get cleared in 3 months, 6 months, and so on. Even the MD of the institution promised to do the same by a certain time. But to date, I have not yet received my PF amount. I have called them several times and emailed them stating this problem, but they are not responding at all.

It's been 3 years, and I really don't know how to recover my money from them. Please suggest to me on that issue so that I can get rid of this problem.

Regards, D. Chatterjee Kolkata

Please send a strong written communication to them stating that you are going to launch a complaint against them. Ensure you have all documents related to the deduction and any communication (both from you and from them). Try to obtain an acknowledgment of your letter once it is sent. Wait for 15 days before taking further action.

After the waiting period, approach a labor consultant in your area and send a notice to your company with all relevant details. Most likely, your company will respond promptly as no company wants to tarnish their reputation over a minor issue.

Before taking any action, you need to be clear on whether PF (Provident Fund) is being deducted from your salary. If you have a PF number, check online for the status on the EPFO website. Also, refrain from initiating legal proceedings as they can be lengthy and costly.

Think carefully before proceeding. All the best.

Thank you for the response. I have sent a written letter regarding my problem. However, when I asked for acknowledgment from the accounts department, they refused to do so and directed me to the director. I was simply moving from table to table, and you are absolutely right that I cannot afford any legal expenses. Therefore, I have not proceeded in that manner yet. Additionally, in that locality, I believe it would be challenging to find a labor consultant. In this situation, what should I do?

Try to get your PF number and check whether there is a PF account for you. If you could do that, here are two options:

1. Presently, if you work for any company, you can transfer the previous amount to your new company's account.
2. I do not know whether it would work; try to figure out the company in the following link EPFO [i]<link updated to site home></i] under Establishment search (Also View Remittances & Member Name). With your details, write a detailed complaint to the PF regional commissioner copying your previous company. Please do have all acknowledgment through postal services for your reference.

Let's hope for the best! For sure, you will get your money because it's all yours and no one could jeopardize it.

You may register your grievance with the Central PF Commissioner. Alternatively, you may file a complaint in the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, where all such complaints are generally decided within 6 months.

Regards,
A.K. Chandok
RPFC (Retd.)
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