Struggling with EPF Settlements After Multiple Job Changes – How Can I Claim My Full Benefits?

Hi members,

I served as an outsourced engineer in an organization. That particular organization changed the manpower company twice, meaning that over a total employment duration of around 20 months, I was an employee of one consultancy for 16 months and the other consultancy for 4 months. I have now joined the government service in the Ministry of Defence, where I have the NPS system for future savings. Earlier, while I was serving as an outsourced engineer, it used to be EPFO.

Issue with EPF Settlements

The issue I am facing is with my EPF settlements. The latest employer is the one where I have only 4 months of work experience. So, when I apply for the final settlement of EPF, the EPFO employees only credit the amount accumulated in the last 4 months. I have officially marked my exit from both services and transferred the earlier EPF account into the latest one. How can I communicate to them that I also need the final settlement of my earlier service history of 16 months?

This is also why they are declining the pension settlement, as the last service history is for only 4 months.

Thank you.

Solution:

To address the issue of final settlement of your EPF with multiple service histories, follow these steps:

🔹 Contact the EPFO office: Reach out to the EPFO office where your latest EPF account is maintained to discuss your situation. Explain that you have a total service history of 20 months, but the final settlement reflects only the contributions from the last 4 months.

🔹 Provide documentation: Prepare and submit all relevant documentation, including your previous EPF account details, transfer requests, and any official communications confirming the consolidation of your EPF accounts. This will help in validating your complete service history.

🔹 Request a review: Ask the EPFO officials to review your case thoroughly, highlighting the transfer of funds from your previous accounts. Emphasize the need for a comprehensive final settlement that includes contributions from your entire service duration.

🔹 Seek clarification on pension settlement: Inquire about the specific reasons for the decline in your pension settlement. Ensure that the EPFO comprehensively considers all your service periods to calculate your pension benefits accurately.

🔹 Follow up persistently: Maintain regular follow-ups with the EPFO office to track the progress of your request. Be proactive in seeking updates and clarifications on the status of your final settlement and pension benefits.

🔹 Seek legal advice if needed: If the EPFO continues to overlook your complete service history despite your efforts, consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and options for resolving the issue.

By actively engaging with the EPFO authorities, providing thorough documentation, and persistently following up on your case, you can enhance the chances of receiving a fair and accurate final settlement that acknowledges your entire service history.