Many Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) members are facing issues while making withdrawal claims from their EPF accounts. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) rejects the EPF claim when the information in their database does not match the information shared by the EPF member.
Any mismatch in the name, date of birth and other details, or even incomplete KYC records can lead to a rejection. Hence, it is important that the provident fund member takes certain steps before filing an EPF claim to avoid any rejection or delay. Apart from taking these steps, an individual must check certain information on the EPFO’s Member Sewa portal before filing any EPF claim.
Things EPF member should check on EPFO portal
Irrespective of whether the EPF claim is filed now or in future, the EPF member should ensure that certain information on the EPFO portal is updated all the time. The updated information helps not only in easier processing of the EPF withdrawal claim but also helps in seamless transfer of an EPF account when shifting jobs.
Akhil Chandna, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat, says that an EPF member should ensure that following information is always correct and updated in the EPFO records:
- All past employment details: Including joining & exit dates, employer details and any gaps in service
- Universal Account Number (UAN): It should be activated and updated with the current employment details
- The relevant bank account details for the withdrawal: Double-check and verify the account details such as account number, IFSC as incorrect bank details are a common reason for rejection
- ID & address proofs: These should match the details in the EPFO records. This includes, name,date of birth, father’s name and gender, among others. One can login on the Member Sewa portal to check these details.The EPFO portal shows member’s information and profile information. The nomination must be updated in the EPFO records as well
If these records are not updated, an EPF member should take action immediately to make the corrections. This will help to avoid any hassles at the time of filing the claim.Also Read: Will higher EPS pension dream collapse due to EPFO new pension rules calculation?
Steps EPF member must take before filing EPF claim
Once the above-mentioned information is correctly updated in the EPFO records, Chandna says the EPF member should take the following steps before filing a claim:
- Choose the appropriate form for the individual’s claim type and fill it accurately. The forms for EPF account transfer and EPF withdrawal are different.
- Check the eligibility criteria for EPF withdrawal as there are different conditions for different purposes of withdrawal — i.e., PF advances, final settlement, etc
- Check if the form is filled completely and accurately. Attach all necessary documents such as a cancelled cheque, ID proof, address proof and related documents (as the case may be).
- Update the Know Your Customer (KYC) details such as Aadhaar, PAN and bank account details; link it with the EPF account
- Ensure nomination and member profile is updated.
The EPFO allows an EPF member to file the claim on the Member Sewa portal itself. These steps will minimise the chances of the EPF claim being rejected by the EPFO.
Is there a way to fast-track the EPF claim?
The EPFO has digitalised most of its process related to claims, transfer of EPF account and updation of KYC, among others, to facilitate an easy-going and hassle-free experience for EPF members.
Chandna says, “Generally, the EPFO aims to process the withdrawal claims within 20 days’ time from the date of submission. However, this time frame is not guaranteed and can vary based on various factors. The EPFO verifies the bank records with the banker and the employer for verification of the claim and other details in some cases. To fast-track the claim process, the EPF member can intimate the employer in advance to provide their confirmation swiftly.”
It is important to ensure that the details in the EPFO records are the same in the account holder’s PAN, Aadhaar and other supporting documents, and that the KYC & nomination is complete and updated to get the claim processed seamlessly.