Filing an online claim with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation is meant to be a hassle-free process. But many members find their claims either rejected or returned, sometimes without any clear explanation.
If you've encountered such an issue, you're not alone. Several common oversights and discrepancies can lead to rejection, even when everything seems to be in order.
Why EPF Claims Get Rejected
Even small errors in your application or account details can derail your claim. One of the most frequent causes is incomplete KYC, especially if your Aadhaar isn't linked to your universal account number. Differences in personal information — like mismatched names, birthdates or employment records — can also result in claims being turned down.
Inaccuracies in your bank account information, such as a wrong account number or incorrect IFSC code, are another stumbling block. If you've recently changed jobs and haven't transferred your pension fund or secured the necessary Annexure K for a PF transfer between exempted and unexempted trusts, your claim might hit a roadblock.
How To Avoid Claim Rejection?
The best way to prevent issues is to be proactive. Start by verifying your personal and employment details on the EPFO portal and ensure they match your Aadhaar records. Link your UAN with Aadhaar and keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number active.
Double-check your bank account details and update your PF nomination. If you've worked in multiple organisations, verify your employment history for overlapping or missing dates. Also, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the type of claim you're filing — whether it's a withdrawal, pension claim or transfer.
Before submitting your application, take a moment to carefully review every field on the claim form. Even a minor mistake can delay the process.
What To Do If Your Claim Is Rejected?
If your claim is rejected or returned, don't panic. First, log in to the EPFO portal to check the status and reason provided. For returned claims, EPFO usually specifies what needs fixing — whether it's missing documents, incorrect data or eligibility issues.
Once you've corrected the errors or submitted the necessary documentation, you can reapply either via the member portal or the Umang app.
Recent Changes That Make Things Easier
The EPFO has recently eased two major requirements. Members no longer need to upload scanned copies of a cancelled cheque or an attested bank passbook when filing a claim online. Since bank accounts are now verified during the UAN seeding process, this step has been made redundant.
Also, seeding your bank account with UAN no longer requires employer approval after verification, which simplifies the process and saves time.
By staying updated and ensuring all records are in order, members can greatly improve their chances of a smooth and successful EPF claim process.
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