Submitting an EPF withdrawal, transfer, or advance request triggers a series of verification steps inside the EPFO system. One of the key updates that many members come across is “Claim Sent to Field Office.” This status often raises questions because it doesn’t clearly describe what is happening with the claim. In simple terms, it indicates that the online application has passed the initial automated checks and is now forwarded to the EPFO’s local field office for detailed, manual verification. This stage is a normal part of the claim process and helps ensure your bank details, KYC information, and service records are accurate before final approval. Understanding this status makes it easier to track your claim smoothly and know what to expect next. 

What Does ‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ Mean in EPF? 

‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ is an EPF claim status that indicates your online withdrawal, transfer, or advance request has successfully moved from the EPFO central system to the local EPF field office for detailed verification. This stage appears after your application passes the initial automated checks, such as Aadhaar-UAN matching, KYC validation, and basic eligibility checks. 

At the field office, EPFO officials manually review your claim to confirm your service history, employer contributions, bank details, and supporting documents. This step ensures that all records are accurate before the claim is approved and processed for payment. In simple terms, this status means your claim is in the final verification stage and is being reviewed by the concerned EPF office for approval or further action. 

Why Does EPFO Send Your Claim to the Field Office? 

EPFO sends your claim to the field office when it needs additional verification before approving your PF withdrawal, transfer, or pension request. This status simply means your online claim has moved from the automated system to the local EPF office for manual checks. During this stage, officials review your details, confirm your service records, validate bank information, and ensure that all documents match your UAN profile. It is a routine part of the claim process and helps EPFO prevent errors, mismatched details, or fraudulent withdrawals. 

How Long Does ‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ Take? 

The status ‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ usually takes 3 to 10 working days to move to the next stage, depending on the workload of the regional EPF office and the type of claim you filed. In most cases, verification is completed quickly, and the status changes to ‘Under Process’ or ‘Claim Approved’ within a week. However, delays can happen if your bank details, KYC information, or employment records need deeper checking. If the status remains unchanged for more than 10–15 days, you may need to raise a grievance or contact the local EPFO office for an update. 

Next Stages After ‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ 

  • Under Process: 
    The field office begins verifying your claim details, including KYC, bank account, and employment history. 
  • Claim Approved: 
    After successful verification, EPFO approves your withdrawal or transfer request. 
  • Payment Sent / NEFT Initiated: 
    EPFO processes the payment and sends the approved amount to your registered bank account through NEFT. 
  • Claim Settled: 
    Final status confirming that the money has been credited and the claim process is fully completed. 
  • SMS/Portal Update: 
    EPFO sends a final confirmation message to your mobile number and updates the status on the Member Portal/UMANG. 

Is ‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ Good or Bad? 

‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ is generally a good sign, not a problem. It means your EPF claim has successfully passed the initial online checks and is now with the local EPFO office for manual verification. This step is completely normal and happens for most withdrawal and transfer claims. It does not indicate rejection or an issue with your application. Instead, it shows that your claim is moving forward in the approval process. As long as your KYC, bank details, and employment records are accurate, the status will usually progress smoothly to the next stages. 

Common Reasons for Delay at the Field Office 

  • KYC Mismatch: 
    Differences in your name, date of birth, PAN, or Aadhaar details can require additional verification. 
  • Incorrect Bank Details: 
    Wrong account number or IFSC code delays approval because EPFO must recheck your payment information. 
  • Employer Not Updating Exit Date: 
    If your previous employer hasn’t marked your exit date, the field office cannot verify your service period. 
  • Service History Errors: 
    Missing or incorrect employment records force EPFO to manually validate your details. 
  • Additional Document Requirement: 
    Sometimes the office may need a cancelled cheque, updated KYC, or supporting documents for verification. 
  • Heavy Claim Load: 
    Field offices with high claim volumes take longer to process applications. 
  • Technical or System Issues: 
    Temporary portal glitches or internal system delays can slow down status updates. 
  • Manual Verification Needed: 
    Complex or old PF accounts require deeper checks, resulting in slower processing. 

Conclusion 

‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ is a normal and essential part of the EPF claim verification process. It simply means your request has moved from the automated system to the local EPF office for final checks before approval. As long as your KYC, bank details, and employment records are accurate, the claim usually progresses smoothly through the next stages. While delays can occur due to verification issues or heavy workload, most claims move forward within a few days. Keeping your EPF details updated and monitoring your claim status regularly helps ensure a faster, hassle-free settlement. 

FAQs 

1. Does ‘Claim Sent to Field Office’ mean my EPF claim is approved? 

No, this status does not mean approval. It simply means your claim has moved to the regional EPFO office for manual verification before approval. 

2. How long does a claim stay in ‘Sent to Field Office’ status? 

In most cases, it stays for 3 to 10 working days, depending on the workload and whether your details match correctly with EPFO records. 

3. Why is my EPF claim stuck at the field office for many days? 

Your claim may be delayed due to KYC mismatches, incorrect bank details, missing exit date, or heavy workload at the local EPFO office. 

4. What can I do if my EPF claim is not moving after ‘Sent to Field Office’? 

You can check your KYC details, ensure your exit date is updated, contact your employer if needed, or raise a grievance if it’s stuck for more than 10–15 days. 

5. Is it normal for EPF claims to go to the field office? 

Yes, this is a normal step in the claim process. Almost all PF withdrawal and transfer requests undergo field-level verification before final approval.