The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme, managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization ( EPFO ) in India, is a highly favored government initiative for building a retirement corpus.
Read More: PPF: Triple advantage of Public Provident Fund— explained
Both employees and employers contribute monthly to this fund, which not only accumulates over time but also earns attractive interest. One of the significant benefits of having a PF account is the ability to withdraw funds when necessary, including when changing jobs. Here’s a detailed guide on how to withdraw your entire PF amount during a job transition.
Withdrawing the Full PF Amount: Step-by-Step Process 1. Access the EPFO Portal:
Visit the official EPFO website: EPFO Member Interface.
Log in using your Universal Account Number (UAN), password, and the captcha code.
2. Verify Your KYC Details :
Once logged in, navigate to the “Manage” section.
Ensure your KYC (Know Your Customer) details are updated and accurate.
3. Initiate the Withdrawal Process:
Go to the “Online Services” section.
Select the option for “FORM-31, 19 & 10C”.
You will see three choices: ” Full EPF Settlement ” (to withdraw the entire amount), “EPF Part Withdrawal” (for loans and advances), and an option for pension withdrawal.
4. Select Full EPF Settlement:
Choose “Full EPF Settlement” to withdraw the entire amount.
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Complete the claim form that appears.
5. Receive Funds:
Submit the form and wait for a few days.
The total PF amount will be credited to your registered bank account.
Merging PF Accounts When Changing Jobs
If your UAN is linked to an existing PF account, you may not be able to withdraw funds from your previous employer’s PF account directly. Instead, you will need to merge your old PF account with your new one. Here’s how:
1. Visit the EPFO Website:
Go to the EPFO official site: EPFO.
2. Access Employee Services:
Click on “Services” and then select “For Employees”.
3. Use the One Employee-One EPF Account Option:
On the new page, choose “One Employee-One EPF Account”.
Log in with your UAN, password, and captcha code.
4. Merge the Accounts:
Enter the details of your old PF account.
Submit the request.
Your current employer will need to approve this request.
Once approved, EPFO will merge your old PF account with your new one.
Read More: EPS Pension Benefits: Calculate benefits – Easy Guide
By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your PF account, whether you are withdrawing funds or merging accounts during a job change. This process ensures that your retirement savings remain secure and accessible as you navigate your career transitions.
