Can I Withdraw My PF from My Old Job While Working at a New Company?

Hi,

I switched jobs 3 months ago. At my previous company, I had a PF account and a UAN number. I have now provided my UAN number to my new company. Am I eligible to withdraw my PF from my previous company now?

Thanks,
Asupathy

My suggestion is to continue by getting a transfer of the previous employer's PF contribution. Otherwise, you will lose a good amount of accumulation as well as continued service.

Hi Ramachandran, due to the financial crisis, I wish to withdraw my PF amount. Is it legal to withdraw my PF amount from my first company if I work for another company now? My ex-employer says that it is illegal to withdraw PF except for the below conditions. However, when I checked with them, they mentioned that we can withdraw PF in the following cases:

1) Not working in any organization in the near future.
2) Working in an organization where the PF Act is not applicable.
3) Going abroad to work once resigned.

Thanks & Regards,
Asupathy

Apart from what your organization has said, there is also a provision for a loan or partial withdrawal of PF amount under certain conditions. You will need to check on the website and see if you fall under any of the conditions specified.

Since you have not specified the nature of the financial crisis, we are unable to comment on it.

I have already checked, and I am not eligible for partial withdrawal. My question is, is it illegal to withdraw PF if I get PF in my new company as well?

If you file a withdrawal, there is an undertaking that you are not working in any establishment in which EPF is applicable for the last 60 days. By providing incorrect information, you are engaging in illegal activity. Furthermore, if your UAN is active in a new location, your withdrawal will be rejected.

P.K. Sharma

Mr. PK Sharma has rightly said that since you have already provided your existing UAN to the new employer, the said UAN is active, and contributions are being made on it. Therefore, it is not legal to withdraw PF now. You should have withdrawn the PF amount after 60 days and applied for new membership/UAN in your new company.