How Can I Access My Old PF Account for My Startup Needs? Seeking Advice

Dear Members, I left my previous company in August 2010. At that time, I had a PF account, and the company and I regularly contributed to it. The PF A/c office is in some part of Delhi (south?). After leaving the company, I formed a startup (two members total) in the form of an LLP. During this whole time until now, I could not do anything regarding the PF account.

Options for PF Account Management

Now, what are my options? Can I withdraw this amount for use in the LLP? Looking for your guidance.

Thanks,
bjrj

As you are not in the EPF now and your account has been inoperative for more than 4 years, it is advisable to withdraw the amount in your PF account.

Regards,
Abbas.P.S

Actually, I am based in Bangalore, and it appears that the concerned PF office is in New Delhi. I remember somebody saying that the New Delhi PF office is flooded with PF-related matters. Any idea what could be an approximate timeframe for withdrawal? Do I need to correspond directly with that office?

Regards,
bjrj

I worked with one company for almost 6 months, nearly 10 years ago. Their head office is located in Pune. I have not received my PF from them. I followed up with them and filled out the form related to the withdrawal of the PF amount. They answered that it was already disbursed to the account mentioned while filling out the form. However, when I checked my statement, I found that the two cheques sent for settling the PF amount were bounced. After that, I was not able to follow up with them. Can I get my PF amount now from them?

Your account would have become inactive (since it's non-operational for over 3 years), which you can verify online by opening your account. However, you can always apply for withdrawal through your previous employer by filling Form 19 & 10C.

Irrespective of the issues faced by the PF Offices, they are bound to settle your claim within 30 days. Last December, the official from the Central PF Board proudly claimed to have settled 90% of the withdrawal cases within 15 days. However, you need to ensure that all the details furnished in your claim forms (especially the dates, names, and bank details) are correct with proper signatures by yourself and your previous organization's authorized personnel before submission. Do not forget to write your mobile number on the form, submit a canceled check, Form 3A (by your employer), and also ask for acknowledgment for the submission so that you can track the status online. Generally, complete claim forms take about 15-20 days for settlement. Good luck.

Regards,
AB

According to my knowledge, you should withdraw the amount through the 19 & 10C form. If there is an issue with the employer not willing to sign the form, you have to take the signature of the bank manager or a government official and submit the form with an application stating that your employer is not ready to settle the claim. Then, send it to the PF office. However, if you have an outstanding balance or any other loan amount with the company, there might be a problem.

Steps to Claim Unclaimed PF Amount

Step 1: You have to write a letter to the PF Office stating the reason for the unclaimed amount.

Step 2: Along with the letter, you need to submit Withdrawal Forms 19 & 10 C.

Step 3: All the aforementioned documents should be forwarded to your previous employer via Registered Post.

Regards,
M. Subramanian

PF Withdrawal and Pension Options

I am still stuck in resolving the PF withdrawal issue. Earlier in this thread, I was advised to use Form 19 and Form 10C. I registered on the EPFO website and applied for creating the UAN. I am now 54 and had 11 years of service in the previous organization. As I started navigating the EPFO website, it is becoming very confusing. It seems in my case I am not allowed to withdraw PF but I have to opt for some kind of pension. Is this correct?

Also, I could not find an online submission where I can initiate this withdrawal. Do I necessarily have to go through my previous employer? As my PF account is in Delhi South (and I am in Bangalore), do I have to send the application to the PF office there?

Please advise.

Regards,
Bjrj