Forgotten PF Account from 2012: Can It Affect My Future Employment?

I was working in a company in 2012 where my PF account was opened. I left the company in 2012 itself but forgot to close the PF account.

Also, I have not been employed for the past 4 years.

1. Can I close the PF account now?
2. In that case, if I work for a company in the future, will this PF be linked to it?
3. Will the new company be able to trace my old PF account?

Dear sir,

You can link your old PF account with a new one if you will be working, but you will require your old PF number or UAN. With the help of these numbers, you can link your old account with the new one.

1. Yes, you can close it and withdraw.
2. No, it won't link.
3. No, they can't trace your old PF account (as it is 4 years old). Since it is an inoperative account now, you can contact the inoperative account helpdesk (online or at the EPFO office) to withdraw.

Thank you, Mandeep and Saravanan.

So,

1) I don't have to contact the company to withdraw the amount? I just need to contact the Inoperative help desk?

You know your circumstances better, so withdraw if you must. You were a Family Pension Member; hence, your earlier and current service will be added for pension benefits. You would have received interest for a 4-year period as well. Many organizations encourage employees to contribute more than 12%. Interest is compounded, which works out to about Rs. 16.4 on Rs. 100 at 8%. Check it yourself to know. The fund is created to provide you with financial security at the age of 58-60. As far as possible, don't withdraw.

In Form 11 that you have filled or will have to fill, these details will have to be declared. There is a possibility that the PF authorities may come to know later about any false declarations made by you.

There is a possibility that the PF authorities may come to know later about any false declaration made by you. False declaration as in?

Understanding PF Withdrawal Eligibility

As per my understanding, in your case, you are not making any false declarations. You left the company and have been truly unemployed since then. According to the Act, you are eligible to withdraw the PF amount if you have been unemployed for 60 days from the leaving date.

In 99% of withdrawal cases, individuals leave one company and immediately join another, yet apply for withdrawal claiming unemployment. Throughout my career, I have never encountered a situation where the PF department denied such applications.

Although the current UAN concept may impose restrictions, this practice has not diminished. In your situation, since you are not under UAN (year 2012), there is no need to worry.