How Can My Relative Transfer His EPF from a Previous Job Without Issues?

Transfer of EPF Contribution from Former Employer

One of my near relative's sons worked from October 2013 to April 2014 in an IT firm and thereafter joined another IT firm in May 2014, where he is working now. He had not collected his EPF A/C No. from the previous employer, but he would like to have his accumulated PF amount now transferred to the existing account. How can he proceed in this matter? He entered into an agreement to serve for a minimum of 1 year in the previous company to bear the cost of training. Will it hamper the transfer of the EPF amount in any way?

Good evening! EPF is a social security benefit scheme designed by the government to ensure compulsory investment for employees. Therefore, it is the right of an employee to receive the benefits, and it is the duty of the employer to pay them.

Transferring EPF Account

If your relative's son wishes to transfer his EPF account to an existing account, this can be done through Form No. 13. The form must be submitted to the PF department with the signatures of both employers. If the previous employer refuses to sign, you can have it signed by any government gazetted officer.

This clarifies that any agreement or bond will not affect the transfer of EPF funds in any way. Nowadays, online transfer is also available. However, for this, both employers must have their digital signatures registered on the EPF Portals.

I hope this clears up any doubts.

All the best.

Form 13 has to be submitted to the new Regional PF Commissioner's Office through the present employer.

Regards,
Abbas. P.S

PF Account Control and Transfer Process

The funds in a PF account are not under the control of the employer if the PF account is maintained with the EPFO. In the case of a PF transfer, the employer is not involved. The employee may submit PF forms to the current employer. Moreover, refusal to attest PF forms is an offense, and a complaint can be filed through the RPFC at the nearest PF office, of course, with proper acknowledgment.

An able labor law consultant, service matters lawyer, or law firm, after examining the service agreement, may opine that the agreement is unconscionable, unreasonable, unenforceable, illegal, or void.