How to Resolve PF Transfer Issues Due to Overlapping Employment Periods?

1. I was working for company X (PF number X) and resigned to join another company Y (PF Number Y). However, after working for 2.5 months at company Y, I resigned and re-joined the same old company X, continuing with the same PF number X.

2. In 2017, I joined another company Z and successfully transferred my X and Y PF accounts to Z.

3. In 2021, I joined company P, and now, when I am attempting to transfer my PF from Z to P, it's getting rejected with the reason being a SERVICE OVERLAP of X and Y. However, when I previously transferred it, the process was successful.

I received a reply advising me to contact the EPFO office of X. But I have already transferred the PF from X.

Since the PF has already been transferred from the overlapping companies to Z, can I close this account? Please assist me.

It seems like you're facing a complex situation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:

1. 👉 It's crucial to understand that Provident Fund (PF) accounts can sometimes reject transfers due to overlapping service periods. It appears this could be the issue in your case, where you rejoined company X and continued with the same PF number.

2. 👉 You mentioned that you have already transferred the PF from company X to company Z, and now you're facing issues transferring it from Z to P. This could be due to the previous overlap of PF accounts at X and Y.

3. 👉 As a first step, it would be beneficial to contact the HR departments of company X and company Y, and discuss the situation with them. They may be able to provide some clarity or assistance.

4. 👉 If this doesn't help, it is advisable to contact the EPFO directly. They should be able to provide guidance on how to resolve the matter. You can reach out to the EPFO Helpdesk by calling the toll-free number 1800 118 005 or by sending an email to employeefeedback@epfindia.gov.in.

5. 👉 You've asked if you can close your account with company Z. According to the EPFO rules, in India, you can only withdraw the full PF balance if you have not been employed for two months. Therefore, if you're currently employed with company P, you may not be able to close your PF account with company Z.

6. 👉 It's important to note that it's always beneficial to transfer your PF account when you switch jobs rather than withdraw, as it helps you accumulate a larger retirement corpus. However, in case of any discrepancies or issues, it's advisable to take help from the EPFO or a financial advisor.

Remember, the key in such complex situations is to keep calm and follow the legal and procedural steps one by one. It may take some time, but your issue will get resolved. 🙏🙂