How Can I Close My EPF Account Without Involving My Previous Employer? Seeking Advice

I was terminated from an MNC 2 years back. I was given a termination letter, but they were imposing huge fines on me in the form of full and final settlement, which I denied. I am completing my further studies and listing myself as a fresher in other companies. Therefore, I need to close my EPF account. How can I do it without involving my previous employer? I have my UAN number present with me.

Is your PF account active and linked with UAN? If you know the account number, you can visit the portal to take all actions necessary to activate it. The challenge lies in the fact that you will need to fill in details of your nominees, which require employer approval.

Steps to Close Your EPF Account Without Employer Involvement

Go to your regional PF office with your UAN number, Aadhaar card, and registered mobile number in PF. The EDP department of the regional PF office will scan your finger and seed your Aadhaar with your UAN.

Case 1: Matching Aadhaar and PF Records

If your name on Aadhaar matches with PF records, the seeding will be done immediately. Then you can file a combined PF withdrawal form (with Aadhaar) and receive the money within 15-30 working days in your account.

Case 2: Non-Matching Aadhaar and PF Records

If your name in Aadhaar does not match with your name in PF records, it will take 60 days for the PF authorities to manually seed the Aadhaar. Only after that can you withdraw your amount, as mentioned in Case 1, without the employer's consent.