EPF/PF Issues? How to Withdraw, Transfer, or Complain About Your Provident Fund

Provident Fund (PF/EPF) is your money — deducted from your salary every month. Yet millions of Indian workers face problems: employers not depositing PF, EPFO rejecting withdrawal claims, employers refusing to transfer PF to a new job. You have strong legal rights under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.

Employer Must Deposit PF by the 15th of Every Month

Under EPF Act regulations, employers must deposit the employee's PF contribution (and their matching contribution) with EPFO by the 15th of each following month. Failure to deposit is a serious offence:

• Employers who default face a penalty of 12% per annum on the defaulted amount
• Criminal prosecution under Section 14 EPF Act: up to 3 years imprisonment and fine
• The employer is personally liable — even after the company closes down

How to Check Your PF Balance

• EPFO Portal: passbook.epfindia.gov.in (need UAN number)
• Missed Call: Give a missed call from your registered mobile to 011-22901406
• SMS: Send EPFOHO UAN to 7738299899
• UMANG App: Available on Android and iOS

How to Withdraw PF Online via UAN

1. Activate your Universal Account Number (UAN) at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in
2. Link your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account to your UAN
3. Submit Form 31 (partial withdrawal), Form 19 (full settlement), or Form 10C (pension withdrawal) online
4. Claims are typically processed within 10–20 working days

Your employer's approval is required for online claims unless your employer has authorised auto-approval or you have been unemployed for 2+ months.

Employer Refusing to Transfer PF — This Is a Criminal Offence

When you change jobs, your PF should be transferred to your new employer's PF account. If your previous employer refuses to release or transfer your PF:

• This is a violation of the EPF Act
• You can file a complaint with the Regional PF Commissioner
• The EPFO can attach the employer's bank accounts to recover your dues

How to File a Complaint on EPFiGMS Portal

EPFO has an online grievance system at epfigms.gov.in:

1. Register with your UAN number
2. Select grievance type (e.g., employer not depositing PF, withdrawal claim rejected, etc.)
3. Attach supporting documents
4. Submit and track your complaint online
5. EPFO must respond within 30 days

Labour Commissioner Complaint

If your employer is not depositing your PF deductions (which is wage theft in addition to a violation of the EPF Act), you can simultaneously file a complaint with the District Labour Commissioner. The Labour Commissioner has the power to inspect employer records and initiate prosecution.

EPF Ombudsman

If EPFO's grievance system does not resolve your complaint, escalate to the EPF Ombudsman in your region. The Ombudsman handles complaints against EPFO's own decisions and can award compensation. Contact details are on the EPFO website (epfindia.gov.in).