How Should I Handle My Previous Employer's Refund Request for PF After Leaving the Job?

Hi, I need some help. I am an employee and have worked in more than one organization. As a result, I have two UAN numbers. I am currently using one (as A), and the other one (as B) is associated only with one previous employer, which is not in use now. When I left the organization, I had withdrawn my PF money from account B.

Issue with UAN Numbers

Note: Online KYC is not completed by the employer as my name is incorrect in account B. However, the employer continued to add PF in account B. Upon realizing this, I informed the employer and requested the necessary actions. It was entirely their fault.

Notice from Employer

Now, they have sent me a notice to be present in the company within 7 days and are asking for a refund of the whole amount. Unfortunately, it is not feasible for me to meet them as I am currently residing in a different city. Even if I decide to withdraw my PF, I won't get the full amount back as some deductions will be made. The notice also implies that I was aware of this situation and did not inform them intentionally.

In this case, what should I do? Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Once you are relieved from your previous employer, you are no longer eligible for any salary. How did they process PF for nil salary? Even though it is their mistake, you cannot claim the PF money that was wrongly credited to your account. Also, please ensure you follow one UAN, whichever is the latest.

Hi V.M. Lakshminarayanan,

Thank you for your response. I did not claim that money. I am also ready to pay a refund and settlement. However, the issue is that I cannot pay the full amount because when I withdraw PF, I won't receive the full amount that the employer is requesting. Additionally, due to my busy schedule, I am unable to meet them personally as they expect.

Will there be any legal action against me?

I am using another UAN for my present/last employer. The faulty UAN is not being used anywhere.

Thank you.

From your question, if you have already informed them and are ready to pay them back whatever money they have deposited in that UAN, they should not have any problem. Because it is their mistake, and you are ready to reimburse them whatever amount they have deposited in that account after your relieving. But if you try to claim that money and will not cooperate with them, then they may take legal action against you.