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EPF (Employee Provident Fund) is a savings scheme backed by the government, which is intended to help individuals after they retire. Government employees have their own version of it known as the General Provident Fund (GPF). However, it is referred to as ‘PF’ most commonly.
The EPF scheme works under the condition that both the employer and the employee contribute a fixed percentage of salary every month to the PF account of the employee. The minimum contribution made from both sides is 12% of the basic salary.Now, EPF account holders have the option to claim a refund during or after their employment, provided under certain circumstances.
Let’s see the eligibility to claim a refund, the steps to apply, and how to check the claim status.
Eligibility to Apply for EPF Claim
The eligibility to apply for an EPF claim is as below:
- Reaching Retirement Age: Upon reaching the age of 58 years, you are entitled to claim your entire EPF corpus (employee and employer contributions) along with accrued interest.
- Unemployment:
- If you are unemployed for one month, you can withdraw 75% of your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) corpus.
- In case of retrenchment or closure of your company, you can claim the complete PF amount.
- Other Scenarios:
- You can apply for a partial EPF withdrawal for specific purposes like medical emergencies, house purchase/construction, marriage, etc., after fulfilling the minimum service requirements as outlined by the EPF scheme.
PF Claim Online Application
You can file your PF claim online through the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) website. Below is a general outline of the process:
Requirements:
- Active UAN: Ensure your Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated.
- Linked Details: Your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account should be linked with your UAN for a seamless process.
Steps:
1. Visit the EPFO Member e-SEWA portal
2. Login: Enter your UAN and password.
3. Go to 'Online Services': Look for the "Online Services" tab and select "Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)".
4. Verify Details: The portal will display your information. Verify and click "Proceed for Online Claim".
5. Choose Claim Type: Select the reason for claiming your PF. Options like "Full Settlement" or "Advance (Form 31)" will be available based on your eligibility.
6. Enter Bank Details: Ensure the bank account linked to your UAN is displayed. Verify and proceed.
7. Review and Submit: Carefully review the claim details and submit the application electronically.
How to Check EPF Claim Status?
Using EPFO Website
While the EPFO website previously offered a dedicated page for claim status, the process has shifted to the Member Passbook application as of March 2024.
Therefore, checking the claim status directly through the website is no longer the recommended method.
Below are the methods currently available to check the EPF Claim Status:
1. Through the EPFO Member Passbook Application:
- This is the recommended method as per the latest EPFO guidelines.
- Visit the Member Passbook application
- Log in using your UAN and password.
- You'll find the claim status displayed within the application.
2. UAN Member Portal:
- While the Member Passbook application is preferred, you can still check the status through the UAN Member Portal.
- Access the UAN Member Portal
- Log in with your UAN and password.
- Go to 'Online Services' and select 'Track Claim Status'.
- This will display the details of your claim, including the current status.
3. Other Methods:
- SMS: You can send an SMS in the format "EPFOHO UAN LAN" (replace "LAN" with your preferred language code) to 7738299899. This method requires your mobile number to be linked with the UAN portal.
- Missed Call: Give a missed call to 011-22901406. You'll receive an SMS with your claim status details.
- EPFO Toll-Free Number: Call the EPFO 24x7 customer care at 1800 118 005 to speak to a representative and inquire about your claim status.
Important Note:
- Remember to activate your UAN and link it with your Aadhaar and PAN for a smooth claim process and to avail of most online services.
- While these methods provide various options for checking your claim status, the EPFO Member Passbook application is the most up-to-date and reliable source.
How to Check Claim Status Without the UAN Number?
Checking your EPF claim status solely without a UAN is difficult as of March 2024.
Previously, the EPFO website allowed inquiries using the PF account number. However, the focus has shifted towards UAN-based services for better security and record management.Here's the current scenario:
- UAN is mandatory: Most online functionalities, including claim status checks, require a valid UAN.
Alternatives if you don't have your UAN:
1. Contact your employer: Your employer can provide information about your UAN or guide you on how to retrieve it.
2. Retrieve your UAN: You can retrieve your UAN by following these steps:
- Visit the EPFO's official website
- Click on "Know Your UAN" under the "Important Links"section.
- Enter your PF account number, registered mobile number, and name as per your PAN card.
- You'll get an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to access your UAN.
Additional options (though not ideal without UAN):
- Contact EPFO Helpline: You can try contacting the EPFO 24x7 customer care at 1800 118 005 and inquire about your claim status. Be prepared to provide them with details like your name, father's name, and previous employer information. However, this process might be slower and require additional verification steps due to security concerns without a UAN.
Types of PF Claim Status
Status | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
Payment Under Process | Claim application received, being reviewed. | Wait for further updates. |
Settled | Claim approved, funds transferred. | Expect the amount in your bank account within a few days. |
Rejected | Claim application disapproved. | Check the reason for rejection and resubmit the claim after rectifying the issue. |
Not Available | Claim application not processed yet. | Wait for some time and check again later. |
Recommended Read: Difference between EPF and PPF
How to Cancel an EPF Claim?
Unfortunately, as of March 2024, there isn't a direct and built-in online functionality to cancel a submitted EPF claim on the EPFO website or mobile application.
Here's what you can do:
- Contact the EPFO Regional Office:
- This is the recommended course of action. Locate the EPFO regional office under whose jurisdiction your claim falls. Visit them in person or contact them through their phone number or email address.
- Explain your situation and request to cancel the claim. Be prepared to provide your UAN, PF account number, and claim details.
- Register a Grievance:
- You can attempt to register a grievance on the EPFO Grievance Portal.
- Log in using your UAN credentials and select the relevant category (likely "PF Withdrawal") while registering your grievance.
- Clearly state your intention to cancel the claim and provide all necessary details in the description section.
FAQs On EPFO Claim Status:
1. What is the website of PF claiming?
The official website for EPF is https://www.epfindia.gov.in/, but claim applications are now handled through the UAN portal.
2. How can I claim my EPF online?
Claim your EPF online by activating your UAN, linking Aadhaar & PAN, then filing the claim through https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/.
3. How can I check my PF claim status?
Check your PF claim status through the EPFO Member Passbook App or UAN portal.
4. Can I withdraw my 100% PF amount?
You can generally only withdraw 100% of your PF upon reaching retirement age (58 years) or in specific situations like full settlement due to closure/retrenchment.
5. How can I track my PF offline claim?
Tracking offline claims directly isn't possible. Contact the EPFO regional office for updates.
6. Who approves PF claim?
The EPFO approves the claim after verification with your employer.
7. Why my PF claim is still under process?
Reasons for a pending claim could be claim validation, verification with your employer, or high claim volume. Contact EPFO for clarification.
Disclaimer:
This page includes information that has been compiled from many sources and is only offered for informational purposes. Since this type of data might change over time, we cannot guarantee that the information supplied or included within it is accurate. It is anticipated that the user would confirm with the relevant source prior to taking any choices or actions.