The Employee Provident Fund (PF) plays a role in helping Indian employees secure their future. It is a government supported savings scheme that sets aside a portion of your salary each month which you can access after retirement or during emergencies. It is crucial to know how to check the status of your PF claim if you have an EPF (Employee Provident Fund) account as it enables you to keep tabs on your earned money. In this guide we will explore what PF entails. Provide you with step by step instructions on how to check PF claim status.
What Is PF?
The Employee Provident Fund (EPF), commonly referred to as PF, is a government initiative aimed at providing financial security. It operates as a savings scheme, enabling employees to allocate a portion of their salary for retirement purposes while also allowing them to monitor their EPF registration and PF claim status.
Both the employer and the employee make contributions to this fund with a designated percentage of the employees salary, dearness allowance and retaining allowance being deposited into the account. This accumulation of funds ensures financial security during retirement and various life events, making it essential for individuals to check their PF claim status to keep track of their savings.
Key Features of Provident Fund
Here are the main characteristics of the Employee Provident Fund (EPF):
Interest: PF contributions earn a fixed interest rate set by the government. The interest is compounded annually and is tax-free.
Withdrawal Options: Employees can withdraw the PF balance after retirement, resignation, or in specific cases like medical emergencies, home purchase, or education.
Nomination Facility: Employees can nominate a family member to receive the accumulated PF balance in case of their demise.
Portability: If an employee changes jobs, they can transfer their PF balance to the new employer’s PF account.
How to Check PF Claim Status?
Understanding your PF claim status and the ability to check PF claim status are crucial, as they enable you to remain well-informed regarding the progress and status of your withdrawal or transfer request within the Employee Provident Fund (PF) scheme. This awareness empowers you to proactively oversee your financial resources, guaranteeing that your diligently earned funds are readily available when required.
Fortunately, thanks to ongoing technological advancements, the process of checking your PF claim status has transformed into an exceptionally hassle-free procedure, providing enhanced convenience and accessibility to individuals.
How to Check PF Claim Status Online?
Here’s how you can check PF claim status online:
1. Through UAN Member Portal:
- Log in to your UAN Member Portal using your UAN and password.
- Click on “Online Services.”
- Select “Track Claim Status.”
- The details of your withdrawal or transfer status will appear on the screen.
Note: If you opted for an offline claim process, you cannot track your claim status through this portal. Offline applicants can check their status through the EPFO’s official website.
2. Through the EPFO Portal:
- Visit the EPFO’s dedicated portal.
- Look for the “Our Services” option.
- From the available tabs, click on “For Employees.”
- On the next page, click on the “Service” option.
- Open the “Know your Claim Status” option.
- Enter your UAN and CAPTCHA.
- Click on “Search” and select “Member ID.”
- Finally, click on “View Claim Status” to check your PF claim progress.
3. Using the PF Account Number Without UAN:
- Visit the EPFO’s official website.
- Navigate to the “Know your Claim Status” page.
- Open the “Click Here for Knowing the Claim Status” option.
- Select your PF Office State and city from the drop-down menus.
- Enter your PF account number.
- Click “Submit.”
Your PF claim status will appear on the screen if you entered accurate details. Users who have updated their mobile number with the UAN can also check their claim status on the Umang App.
4. Claim Status via the Umang App:
- Look for the EPF option on the App’s home page.
- Select “Employee Centric Services.”
- Open the “Track Claim” option.
- Enter your UAN and click “Get OTP.”
- Enter the OTP to verify and click “Login.”
After completing these steps, you’ll receive details such as the tracking ID, type of claim, claim date, and status.
How to Check PF Claim Status Offline
Here’s how you can check PF claim status offline:
Through an SMS:
- Send an SMS from your registered mobile number to the specified number. The SMS format may vary, but it typically looks like “EPFOHO UAN LAN,” where “LAN” stands for the language code (e.g., ENG for English, HIN for Hindi).
- You will receive an SMS with your PF claim status.
Through a Missed Call:
- Give a missed call from your registered mobile number to the toll-free number – 011-22901406.
- You will receive an SMS with your PF claim status.
Note: Ensure that your Aadhaar details, PAN, and bank account information, as well as your ability to check PF claim status, are updated in the UAN portal for offline methods to work effectively.
Who Can Make EPF Claims?
EPF claims can be made under specific circumstances. Here are the situations in which individuals can claim their accumulated EPF funds and check PF claim status:
- Post-Retirement: Individuals over the age of 55 can claim the entire EPF corpus. However, those opting for early retirement may not be allowed to claim the entire amount.
- Prior to Retirement: Employees aged 54 can claim up to 90% of their EPF corpus, provided they retire after one year.
- In Case of Unemployment: Account holders can claim up to 75% of their EPF corpus if they have been unemployed for over a month. Upon starting a new job, they must transfer 25% to their EPF account. Those unemployed for over 2 months can claim their entire EPF corpus.
- Specific Needs: Partial withdrawals are allowed for higher education, medical emergencies, or the construction/purchase of a house property.
How to Initiate EPF Claim Process?
Before initiating the PF claim online or offline, applicants must submit the appropriate claim form to the concerned authority. The choice of form depends on factors like the applicant’s age, employment status, reason for withdrawal, and the need to check PF claim status.
Here are the suitable claim forms for various situations:
- Form 13: Used to transfer the EPF balance to a new EPF account when changing jobs.
- Form 14: Used to pay for a LIC policy.
- Form 31: Used to claim advance/temporary withdrawal of EPF.
- Form 10 D: Used to claim the pension fund when the account holder is less than 58 years old and has to leave an establishment due to physical disability.
- Form 20: Used by nominees to claim the PF of a deceased EPF member.
- Form 10C: Used to claim Scheme Certificate/Withdrawal Benefit as per the Employees’ Pension Scheme.
How to Cancel EPF Claim?
Canceling an EPF (Employee Provident Fund) claim, once initiated, can be a necessary step in specific situations. To cancel an EPF claim, follow these steps, especially if you’ve decided not to proceed and wish to check PF claim status instead:
Contact the Regional EPFO Office:
The cancellation of an EPF claim typically needs to be initiated by contacting the Regional EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization) office where your PF account is maintained. This office is responsible for processing and overseeing EPF claims, including handling requests to cancel claims and helping individuals check PF claim status.
Write a Letter or Email:
Prepare a formal letter or send an email to the Regional EPFO Office. In your communication, clearly state your intention to cancel the PF claim and provide the following essential information:
- Your Name
- PF Account Number
- UAN (Universal Account Number)
- Date of Claim Submission
- Reason for Cancellation
Attach Supporting Documents:
Depending on the reason for cancellation, you might need to attach relevant documents. For instance, if the claim was submitted due to a misunderstanding or error, you may need to provide evidence of the mistake.
Visit the Regional Office (Optional):
In some cases, visiting the Regional EPF Office in person might expedite the cancellation process. If you choose to do this, bring a copy of your cancellation request letter and any supporting documents.
Follow Up:
After sending your cancellation request, it’s essential to follow up regularly with the Regional EPF Office to ensure that your request is processed. You can check the status of your cancellation request by contacting them or through the official EPFO website.
Keep Records:
Maintain copies of all correspondence, including your cancellation request letter, emails, and any acknowledgment receipts or responses from the EPFO, especially if you need to check PF claim status or for future reference.
Seek Professional Assistance (if necessary):
If you encounter difficulties or face delays in the cancellation process, you may want to consider seeking assistance from a legal or financial advisor who specializes in EPF matters.
Conclusion
Understanding Employee Provident Fund (PF) and knowing how to check your PF claim status are essential aspects of managing your finances effectively. Provident Fund (PF) is a retirement savings program that offers employees a sense of stability. By following the steps described in this guide you can conveniently monitor the status of your PF claim. Guarantee the safety of your earned money for the future. Being well informed about your situation, ensuring security and maximizing the advantages of your PF benefits such as how to check PF claim status are crucial factors in securing a stable financial future.
