Stuck in a PF Transfer Deadlock Between Excluded Trust and EPFO – Any Advice?

PF Transfer Dilemma: Seeking Suggestions

I changed my employment from Company A1 (a well-known German MNC) to Company B2 (an Indian IT giant). After joining B2, I submitted Form 13 to transfer my PF accumulations from Company A1 to Company B2's PF account, and my PF was successfully transferred.

A month ago, I joined a new company, C3. I then submitted Form 13 (online) to transfer PF accumulations from Company B2 to my current company, C3.

Now, the PF transfer nightmare begins...

The PF account of A1 was maintained by an excluded PF Trust.

The PF account of B2 was maintained by the EPFO (Government).

The B2 EPFO office rejected my PF transfer request, stating that EPS was not transferred from Company A1 to Company B2.

When I checked with A1, their payroll department replied:

"Since A1 maintains its PF under an excluded trust, there were no EPS deductions. PF deductions were maintained in one single PF account, and this entire amount was transferred to B2's PF account."

When I forwarded the above reply to EPFO via grievance and resubmitted Form 13, my PF transfer request was rejected again with the same remarks that EPS deductions were not transferred from Company A1 to Company B2.

Now, this has entered a deadlock situation, and it's getting frustrating...

EPFO asks me to provide EPS details from Company A1. A1 tells me that as they have not deducted any EPS, no EPS account exists.

Could you please help me with your valuable suggestions?

In this situation, it seems there is a misunderstanding between the EPFO and the previous employer regarding the EPS transfer. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the PF transfer dilemma:

1. Request a detailed EPS statement from Company A1: Ask Company A1 to provide a statement confirming that no EPS deductions were made during your employment with them. This document can serve as proof that there was no separate EPS account to transfer.

2. Submit a formal written request to EPFO: Draft a formal letter explaining the situation and attaching the EPS statement from Company A1. Clearly outline the details of your previous PF transfer and the response from Company A1 regarding EPS deductions.

3. Seek assistance from HR or legal experts: If the EPFO continues to reject your transfer request, consider seeking assistance from HR professionals or legal experts who specialize in PF matters. They can provide guidance on how to navigate this complex situation.

4. Follow up with EPFO regularly: Stay proactive by following up with the EPFO office regularly to check the status of your transfer request. Persistence and clear communication can help in expediting the resolution process.

5. Consider escalating the matter: If all attempts to resolve the issue directly with the EPFO and Company A1 fail, consider escalating the matter to higher authorities within the EPFO or seeking legal advice to explore further options.

Resolving PF transfer discrepancies can be challenging, but with patience, persistence, and the right documentation, you can work towards a successful resolution.