EPFO Claim Status: How to Check EPF Claim Status Online & Offline

The EPF is designed to help employees build a retirement corpus by contributing a portion of their monthly salary with an equivalent contribution from their employer.

9,249 Views | Updated on: Oct 15, 2024

Plan Your Pension Now

EPF is a remarkable retirement savings scheme that offers employees in India a path to financial protection and a comfortable post-retirement life. Picture it as a nest egg that grows every month, patiently waiting to support you when it comes to bid farewell to the daily grind.

Key Takeaways

The EPF is a long-term retirement savings plan that helps employees contribute a portion of their monthly salary and an equivalent contribution from their employer.
It offers attractive tax benefits, including tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, up to a specified limit.
It is portable across jobs, meaning the EPF account can be transferred to the new employer when an employee changes jobs.
You can verify the status of your employee fund claims online through the EPFO portal.

The significance of EPF for employees cannot be overstated. The EPF, or Employees’ Provident Fund, is a significant retirement savings scheme in India that provides financial security to employees. Monitoring your claim status ensures you stay informed about the progress of your EPF withdrawal or transfer request. This blog will discuss the basics of EPF, its importance, and how to check the status of your EPF claim online.

What is EPF Claim Status?

The EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) Claim Status refers to the current state or progress of a claim submitted to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) by an employee or a member of the EPF scheme. This status informs the claimant about the various stages of their application, including submission, approval, and disbursement stages. Understanding your EPF claim status helps you track the processing of your withdrawal, transfer, or settlement request.

Eligibility to Apply for EPF Claim

Eligibility for applying for an EPF claim depends on a couple of factors: completion of the service period and other related factors.

Completion of Service Period

Completing the service period is the eligibility criterion in most scenarios while applying for an EPF claim. However, let us take a look at different conditions where employees can apply for EPF amount:

More than ten years: If you have completed more than ten years of service, you can apply for a final settlement of your PF amount. There might be a two-month waiting period after leaving the job.
Less than ten years: With less than ten years of service, you can apply for a pension withdrawal benefit or a complete withdrawal, depending on the circumstances of leaving the job. There might also be a two-month waiting period.
Above 58: If you are above 58, you can typically apply for an EPF claim irrespective of the service period.
Special Conditions: You can apply for partial withdrawal under certain service conditions for specific reasons, such as marriage, medical emergency, house purchase, etc.

How to Check EPF Claim Status Online?

You can check your EPF claim status online using the UAN portal. There are some other ways to do so; let us take a quick look at them:

1. Through the UAN Member Portal

A UAN member portal is recommended to check EPF claim status online. Here is how to check your claim status using the UAN member portal:

Login to the UAN Member Portal using your UAN and password.
Once logged in, navigate to the “Employee Centric Services” section.
Select “Track Claim Status” from the available options.
This will display the status of your claim on the screen.

2. Through EPFO Portal

Employees can review the status of their claim online or offline if they want to take out money from their PF account and submit a claim. Follow these steps to confirm the situation of your EPFO claims online through the EPFO portal:

Step 1: Keep Essential Details Ready

To check your EPFO claim status online, you will need the following information:

EPF Account Number: The employer provides a unique 12-digit alphanumeric number.
EPFO Office Code: Each regional EPFO office has a specific code.
Establishment Code: The establishment code is specific to the employer.
Extension Code: Some employers have an extension code associated with their establishment code. It is optional and may not apply to all.

Step 2: Visit the EPFO Portal and Enter the Details

The second step is to go to the official EPFO website. Click on the ‘Our Services’ option in the menu bar. Under the ‘Our Services’ section, you will find various options. Click on ‘For Employees.’ The ‘Services’ menu is in the’ For Employees’ section. Click on ‘Know Your Claim Status.’

You will now be directed to a new page where you need to enter the following details:

Choose the state where your EPF office is located.
Choose the regional EPFO office from the drop-down list.
Type in your employer’s establishment code.
Enter your unique EPF account number.
If applicable, enter the extension code provided by your employer.
Enter the characters given in the captcha image.

After filling in all the necessary details, double-check for accuracy and click the ‘Submit’ button.

Step 3: View Your EPF Claim Status

Once you submit the required information, the portal will show the status of your EPF claim. The status can be one of the following:

Approved: Your claim has been processed and approved, and the funds will be transferred shortly.
Pending: Your claim is under review and is awaiting approval.
Rejected: Unfortunately, your claim has been denied. You may need to rectify the issue or contact the EPFO for further assistance.
Settled: Your claim has been processed and settled, and the money has been transferred to your bank account.

Step 4: Additional Assistance

If you encounter any issues or have questions about your EPFO claim status, contact the EPFO helpline or your regional EPFO office for assistance.

3. Through the Umang App

While the Umang App offers various EPFO services like viewing your passbook, your UAN must log in. The claim status inquiry functionality is currently integrated with the UAN member portal and passbook application, making UAN essential.

4. Using the PF Account Number Without UAN

If you do not have your UAN number, you can utilize offline services to check the status of your EPF claim. You can send an SMS or missed call to the provided number and get information about your claim status.

How to Check EPFO Claim Status Offline?

Two options can be used to check your EPF claim status offline: SMS and missed calls to receive updates on your phone. You have to follow these steps to do so:

Through an SMS or Missed Call

Here are the steps to check your EPF claim status online through missed calls or SMS service:

Missed Call Service:

Dial 011-22901406 from your mobile number registered with EPFO.

The call will automatically disconnect after two rings.

You’ll receive an SMS with your claim status update on the same mobile number.

SMS Service (Requires UAN):

This method requires your UAN, so if you don’t have it, you’ll need to follow the online methods mentioned previously.

Type EPFOHO UAN in your message box (replace with your actual UAN).
Send the SMS to 7738299899.
You will receive an SMS with your claim status update on the same mobile number.

How to Start EPF Claim Procedure?

To start the EPF claim procedure, you must fill out and submit the appropriate forms based on your claim type. Here is a guide on how to use each form:

FORM 13: EPF Account Transfer

This form is to transfer your EPF account from one employer to another. Fill out the form by providing your current and previous employer details, including PF account numbers. Log in to the EPFO portal with your UAN, go to ‘Online Services,’ and select ‘Transfer Request.’ The form will be sent to your current employer for digital attestation.

FORM 31: Partial Withdrawal

Form 31 is used to make partial withdrawals from your EPF account for specific needs such as medical expenses, education, marriage, home loan repayment, or house purchase. To fill this form out, log in to the EPFO portal, go to ‘Online Services,’ and select ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)’. Attach the necessary supporting documents, and EPFO will review and approve the claim.

FORM 10D: Pension Withdrawal

Form 10D must be filled out to apply for monthly pension benefits under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). You must submit the form along with required documents, such as age proof, bank details, and spouse’s details, if applicable, to your employer. The employer will forward the form to the EPFO for review. The EPFO will then review it and start the monthly pension disbursement.

FORM 20: EPF Withdrawal in Case of Member’s Death

Form 20 claims EPF accumulations in the event of the member’s death. You have to submit the form along with a death certificate and proof of relation to the deceased through the employer or directly to the EPFO. The EPFO will verify the documents and process the claim. The amount will be disbursed to the nominee or legal heir’s account.

FORM 10C: EPS Withdrawal or Scheme Certificate

Form 10C is used to claim benefits from the Employees’ Pension Scheme or to obtain a Scheme Certificate for future pension benefits. It provides personal details, service details, and options for withdrawal or scheme certificates. EPFO will process the form. If you opt, the amount will be credited to your bank account. If you opt for a Certificate, it will be issued to you.

Who Qualifies for EPF Claims?

To qualify for EPF (Employees Provident Fund) claims, individuals must meet specific conditions depending on the circumstance:

Upon Retirement

Employees can claim their EPF benefits in full when they reach the retirement age of 58. Those who opt for early retirement at 55 can also withdraw their EPF. The entire balance, which includes the employee’s and the employer’s contributions and the accumulated interest, is available for withdrawal.

Pre-retirement

Under certain conditions, employees can partially withdraw from their EPF before retirement. These conditions include marriage, education, purchasing or constructing a house, or medical emergencies. Each purpose has specific eligibility criteria, such as the number of years of service and the maximum amount that can be withdrawn.

During Unemployment

In unemployment cases, employees who have been out of work for over one month can withdraw up to 75% of their EPF balance. If the unemployment period extends beyond two months, the employee can withdraw the remaining 25%. The process requires the submission of Form 31 and proof of unemployment. This provision helps individuals financially during periods of joblessness.

How to Cancel your EPF Claim?

You can submit a grievance on the EPFO grievance portal requesting the cancellation of your claim. Log in with your UAN and password, choose “PF Withdrawal” as the category, and clearly state your reason for cancellation in the description box.

Final Thoughts

EPF plays a crucial role in employees’ financial planning. Its multiple benefits, including tax advantages, employer contributions, and safety, make it an essential component of a comprehensive retirement planning strategy. Checking your EPF claim status is crucial in ensuring the smooth processing of your EPF withdrawal or transfer request. By pursuing the steps outlined in this guide, you can stay informed regarding the claim’s progress and take necessary actions. Remember to keep your EPF account number and other essential details safe and secure.

FAQs on How to Check EPF Claim Status

Is a member’s registration on the member portal necessary to submit a transfer claim online?

Yes, a member must be registered on the member portal to submit a transfer claim online.

How does a member determine if he is qualified to submit an online Transfer Claim?

A member can find out if he is qualified to submit an online Transfer Claim by checking his EPF account balance and ensuring he has at least seven months of service in his previous employment.

Can a member change any information stored in the EPFO database, such as their father’s name, date of birth, date of joining, and date of leaving?

No, a member cannot change any of the information that is stored in the EPFO database. However, they can request a correction to their information by submitting an online form.

If only his former employer has registered digital signatures on the Online Transfer Claim Portal (OTCP) portal of EPFO, can a member still submit an online claim?

A member can still submit an online claim even if only his former employer has registered digital signatures on the OTCP portal. However, the claim must be approved by the former employer for it to be processed.

How do I track my EPFO claim status?

There are two main ways to track EPFO claim status:

Can I withdraw my 100% PF amount?

Generally, no. You can withdraw 100% only after 58 years of age or resignation with two months of unemployment. Otherwise, you might get a reduced amount.

How to claim the full PF amount?

Eligibility to claim the total PF amount depends on your service period and reason for leaving the job. Check details on the EPFO website (https://www.epfindia.gov.in/) or consult the “Which Claim Form” section.

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