EPF Withdrawal and Transfer Claims: Timelines and Procedures

EPF Withdrawal Claim

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), popularly known as PF (Provident Fund), is an indispensable savings and retirement scheme designed for salaried employees. It ensures financial security during retirement and emergencies by building a substantial corpus for an individual’s working years. EPF members can avail themselves of the fund’s benefits through withdrawal or transfer claims, which can be processed online or offline. This article delves into the intricate details of EPF claim settlement, its time, and the step-by-step process for online claim submission.

Claim Settlement Duration

The EPF claim settlement process is critical to the fund’s efficacy. According to a tweet from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), a claim or the release of a PF amount generally takes around 20 days to complete, provided the application is submitted in its entirety to the relevant EPFO office. This duration encompasses verifications and validations to ensure the claim’s accuracy and legitimacy.

Types of Claims

EPF members can file different types of claims, depending on their requirements. These claims include:

1. PF Final Settlement (Form 19): This claim can be made by members who have retired or have reached the age of superannuation. It involves the complete withdrawal of the PF amount.
2. Pension Withdrawal Benefit (Form 10-C): This claim pertains to pension withdrawal. It applies to individuals who haven’t completed the requisite years of service for the pension but still wish to withdraw a portion of the PF amount.
3. PF Part Withdrawal (Form 31): This type of claim involves a partial withdrawal of the PF amount for specific purposes, such as medical emergencies, home loan repayment, marriage, etc.

Recourse if PF Claim Isn’t Settled in 20 Days

If a member’s PF claim hasn’t been settled within the stipulated 20 days, there’s a course of action to be taken. As stated on the EPFO FAQ page, the individual can approach the regional PF commissioner responsible for grievances. Alternatively, they can file a complaint through the EPFiGMS feature on the EPFO website under the ‘FOR EMPLOYEES’ section. This mechanism ensures that claimants have an avenue to address any delays or issues during the claim settlement process.

Step-by-Step Guide to File EPF Withdrawal Claim Online

1. Visit the Member e-Sewa Portal: Access the EPFO portal’s Member e-Sewa portal at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/.
2. Log In: Enter your UAN (Universal Account Number), password, and captcha code to log in to your account.
3. Access Online Services: Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Online Services’ tab and click on ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).’
4. Bank Account Verification: A new tab will open, prompting you to enter your correct bank account number linked to your UAN. Verification is essential at this stage.
5. Verification Confirmation: After verifying your bank account details, confirm the terms and conditions specified by the EPFO.
6. Proceed with Online Claim: Click on ‘Proceed For Online Claim’ to proceed further.
7. Select Reason for Withdrawal: Choose the appropriate reason for withdrawing funds from your EPF account from the drop-down menu. The options visible will correspond to your eligibility.

Eligibility and Requirements for Online Claim Filing

To file online claims, members should meet the following conditions:

• The date of Joining and Exit information should be available in the EPFO database.
• The member should not be employed under any establishment covered by the PF Act.
• The claim should be submitted at least two months after leaving the establishment.

Authentication of Online Claim Submission

Members filing claims online must authenticate their submission using an OTP sent to their UIDAI-registered mobile number. This process entails granting consent to UIDAI to share their e-KYC (Aadhaar) credentials with the EPFO.

Essential Member Requirements for Filing Online Claims

For online claims, members need to fulfil the following prerequisites:

• Activate the Universal Account Number (UAN), and ensure the registered mobile number is operational.
• Seed AADHAAR details in the EPFO database and utilize the OTP-based eKYC confirmation from UIDAI during claim submission.
• Link the EPFO database with the member’s bank account and IFSC number.
• If the member’s service tenure is less than five years, ensure the Permanent Account Number (PAN) is linked in the EPFO database for PF Final Settlement Claims.

Conclusion

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) plays a pivotal role in ensuring financial stability for employees during retirement and emergencies. Whether for full or partial withdrawal, the claim settlement process is streamlined and facilitated through online and offline mechanisms. Understanding the timeline for claim settlement, the required steps, and the eligibility criteria empowers EPF members to navigate the process confidently and easily, securing their financial future. In case of any delays or concerns, the recourse provided by the EPFO ensures that members can address their grievances effectively.