Struggling to Withdraw PF Due to Name Change After Marriage – Need Help!

Hi, I quit my job sometime in December 2009, and since then I haven't applied for my PF. Now I want to withdraw it but am having a problem applying for the same. My name is A. Angeline Rubia; however, after my marriage, it was changed to A. Angeline Harish. Since my husband left me, I don't want to continue with Angeline Harish. Therefore, I decided not to use his name anymore. I closed my bank account and opened a new account in my maiden name, which is A. Angeline Rubia.

Now, my previous company's HR says that I cannot get my PF as my bank account name is different. However, I pointed out to him that if he checks all my education papers (high school, college certificates), it is Angeline Rubia only. Even the notary, which I had submitted, mentions that my name was changed from A. Angeline Rubia to A. Angeline Harish. I asked him to explore the possibilities, but he said there is no way to get my money. Can anyone help me to get my money, please?

Thanks,
Angeline

Dear Angeline,

You have to apply through your employer only; they must agree that your name has been changed and update their records accordingly. Attach a gazette copy of such name change along with other documents as you have mentioned. Also, include a photocopy of your savings account passbook with a request letter. Submit a fresh Form 2 to avoid issues at a later stage. Ensure that the name change is correctly entered in the EPFO records and verify this through your Form 23 as well.

Regards,
[Name]