Struggling with an Inoperative PF Account? Here's How to Reactivate and Transfer Funds

I left my previous company around 6 years ago in a proper way, but I didn't transfer my PF with my new organization. After UAN service was launched, I added my current organization details, but the PF account from my last organization was inoperative (it's still inoperative). I tried to make it active through the online portal but couldn't succeed as it showed some errors. Please suggest what I should do to activate it and how I can transfer or withdraw this money.

Deciding Between PF Withdrawal or Transfer

First, you need to decide whether you want to withdraw your PF amount or transfer it to your current organization's PF number (UAN number provided by the new company). Please note that for withdrawal and settling your PF account from your previous company, there should be a gap of two months in your services from your last job to your current one. This is a basic requirement set by the EPFO.

If you want to withdraw, you should approach your last organization and submit the withdrawal form along with a photocopy of your Aadhar card, bank passbook or canceled cheque (in which you want to receive your money), PAN card, and Form 15H duly signed by you.

Understanding the Pension Scheme

Another point to consider is that after 10 years of continuous service with respect to PF contributions, you will be eligible for the pension scheme. This means you can withdraw only the Provident Fund, not the Pension Fund. It depends on individual needs and their understanding of the pros and cons of being covered under the pension scheme.

Finding Your UAN Number

Another way is to find out the UAN number allotted to your previous PF number, which you can check at the following link: Employees' Provident Fund Organization. After that, you can apply for a transfer online. If you have any further queries, you can approach the EPFO toll-free number for UAN assistance at 1800118005.

I am having an inoperative PF account in Guwahati PF office since 1995. Recently, I have started the process to transfer the amount to my current employer's PF account. Can anyone guide me on whether I will receive interest for the initial three years (1995-1997) and then from 2016 onwards (as per the new 2016 PF circular)? Or will I receive interest from 1995 until 2011 (as per the UPA govt circular) and then from 2016 onwards, considering the change in the definition of inoperative PF accounts.

1. It is better to transfer the amount to a new account than to withdraw the amount. If you withdraw the amount from an inoperative account and the account has completed less than 5 years, then the entire amount will be added to your income and taxed as per your income slab.

2. Please visit the EPFO home page and click on 'Inoperative A/c Helpdesk.'

Procedure to withdraw the PF amount:

Step 1: You can contact the local PF office and collect Form 19 and 10C, or you can download the withdrawal form in Form 19 and 10C from the website www.epfindia.nic.in (the form is also attached herewith).

Step 2: You can fill up all the details about yourself and fill the bank account column with your savings bank account.

Step 3: Open a savings bank account, preferably with a nationalized bank—mention the account number in the forms 19 and 10C—also attach a Xerox copy of the first page of the passbook (depicting the bank account number, branch location, etc.).

Step 4: You send the complete set of forms with enclosures to the previous employer for forwarding the forms to the PF office.

Step 5: You can obtain attestation in the column of attestation of employer/authorized person (if you want to send the claim straight to the PF office) from the bank manager with which you are having a savings bank account.

Step 6: You can send the set of forms to the PF office in which your previous employer has accounts by registered post.