EPFO Claim Rejected? What To Do Next And How To Reapply

A rejected Employee Provident Fund claim can be frustrating, especially when you need money. However, a rejection of your EPF claims doesn't mean you've hit a dead end. With a little patience and the right steps, you can fix the issue and reapply successfully.

Here's how to understand why your EPF claim might have been refused and what you need to do to get things back on track.

Your EPF claim can be turned down for several reasons. Some of them could be mere oversights, others could be tied to eligibility or procedural errors.

Here are a few of the most common reasons:

• Incorrect or incomplete details: Errors in your bank account number, employment records or personal information can result in automatic rejection.

• Inactive UAN: If your Universal Account Number isn't active or properly linked, the system may not accept your claim.

• Low balance: If your EPF account doesn't have enough funds for the amount you've requested, your claim will be denied.

• Ineligible reason for withdrawal: Only certain circumstances qualify for EPF withdrawal. If your reason doesn't fall within those categories, your application won't go through.

• Service record discrepancies: The EPFO compares your stated service duration with its records. Any mismatch can raise a red flag.

• Outstanding dues: If you owe money to the EPFO or have pending settlements, your claim may be put on hold.

• Lack of employer verification: Your employer must verify your claim. If they don't, the EPFO won't process it.

• Technical glitches: Occasionally, system errors during submission can also lead to rejection.

Start by visiting the EPFO Member Sewa Portal. Use your UAN and password to log in. Under the Track Claim Status section, you'll find the reason for the rejection.

If the message is unclear, you could get in touch with your employer or the nearest EPFO office. They can help you understand the issue and suggest the necessary corrective action.

Once you've figured out what went wrong, fixing the problem is easy.

Here's how you can reapply:

• Address the issue: For example, if your bank details were incorrect, submit updated documents such as a cancelled cheque with your name printed on it or a copy of your bank passbook.

• Login again: Go to the UAN Member Portal and log in.

• Choose the right form: Navigate to Online Services and select the relevant claim form (such as Form 19 for final settlement, Form 10C for pension withdrawal, or Form 31 for advance withdrawal).

• Verify bank details: Carefully enter and confirm your bank account number.

• Upload documents: Attach the required supporting documents to validate your claim.

• Enter OTP: Use the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to verify and submit the application.

• Track your application: After submission, you can monitor the status on the portal to check for updates or further action.

A rejected EPF claim is certainly inconvenient, but it's usually something you can resolve with a bit of effort. By carefully reviewing the reason for the rejection and making the necessary corrections, you can reapply and receive the funds you're entitled to.