Why Your EPF Claim Got Rejected and What You Can Do to Fix It

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which manages the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), allows members to take out part of their savings in certain situations. Usually, it takes up to 10 days for the money to be transferred to the member’s bank account, sometimes claims get rejected. EPFO recently posted a video on YouTube explaining why this happens.

EPF claim rejections can be frustrating and slow. Here are some common reasons for claim rejections and what you can do to avoid them:

Common Reasons for EPF Claim Rejections:

• Incomplete or Incorrect KYC: Ensure your Universal Account Number (UAN) is linked to your Aadhaar card and that your mobile number and address are updated.
• Discrepancies in Details: Verify that your name, date of birth, and other personal details match the information recorded with the EPFO.
• Incorrect Bank Account Details: Double-check your bank account number, IFSC code, and branch name.
• Missing or Incorrect Documents: Submit all required documents, such as your claim form, proof of identity, address, and bank account details.
• Ineligible Claim: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the type of claim you are making (e.g., full and final settlement, pension withdrawal).
• Unclear Reason for Claim: The purpose of withdrawal may not have been clearly mentioned or it may not match with EPFO rules (e.g., claiming for reasons not allowed by the EPFO).
• Pending Dues: If you have any outstanding loans or advances against your EPF account, they must be settled before you can withdraw the funds.
• Employer-Related Issues: In some cases, the claim may be rejected due to issues with your employer’s compliance with EPF regulations. The exit date from the organisation has not been updated by the employer, making the claim ineligible.

How to Avoid EPF Claim Rejections:

• Update Your KYC: Regularly update your KYC details on the EPFO portal to ensure accuracy.
• Verify Your Information: Before submitting your claim, carefully review all the information provided to ensure it is correct.
• Submit Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents and ensure they are complete and accurate.
• Check Eligibility: Understand the eligibility criteria for your claim and ensure you meet them.
• Settle Outstanding Dues: If you have any loans or advances against your EPF account, settle them before submitting your claim.
• Follow Up with Your Employer: If you encounter issues with your employer’s compliance, follow up with them to resolve any problems.

If your employer is not cooperating with your EPF claim process, you can;

• File an online complaint through the EPFO Grievance Portal.
• Visit or contact the regional EPF office where your employer’s EPF account is maintained. You can find the contact information on the EPFO website.
• Approach the Labour Commissioner’s office if your employer is not cooperating. The Labour Department can take up the matter with the employer and ensure they comply with statutory obligations like EPF contributions and claims.

By addressing these common issues, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful EPF claim and avoid unnecessary delays and frustration.