How To Transfer EPF Account Online: A Step-By-Step Guide

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) manages the provident fund scheme, offering a long-term retirement savings plan to private sector employees. The EPFO has recently announced several changes to the norms to transfer the PF accounts online, especially for employees changing jobs. The revised rules make the PF account transfer process more convenient for employees. With the job change, the PF account transfer does not happen automatically for the employees. In many cases, EPF subscribers end up with multiple PF accounts with different establishments.

Whether you want to merge your PF accounts or switch jobs, the process of moving your PF accounts from one company to another is the most important aspect. Multiple PF accounts may lead to some complications during withdrawals and assessment of the pension amount.

The EPFO has removed the need for employer approval for PF account transfer online in some cases. This means the employees can directly transfer their PF account free of charge without any hassle.

1. Visit the EPFO website and enter your active Universal Account Number (UAN) and password to log in.

2. Select 'One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)' from the 'Online Services' section.

3. Verify your personal information and provide details about your previous and current employers as requested.

4. The PF account details from your previous job will show up when you click on 'Get Details’.

5. Depending on the availability of the authorised signatory with a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), you can choose to have your claim attestation from either your current or former employer. Enter the UAN or Member ID for the option you have chosen.

6. Click ‘Get OTP’ and you will receive a one-time password on the phone number linked to your UAN. Click ‘Submit’ after entering the OTP.

7. You will receive a tracking ID and PF account information after submitting the request. Form 13 should be printed, signed and submitted to your employer within 10 days.

8. The claim will be processed, authorised and sent to the EPFO by your former employer. Following approval of the transfer request by the employer and EPFO, you will receive SMS updates.

9. You can monitor the status of your transfer claim by choosing 'Track Claim Status' under 'Online Services' on the Member e-SEWA portal.

10. The status will initially appear as ‘Pending with the employer’. It will change to ‘Accepted by the employer, Pending at Field Office’ as soon as your employer approves the request.

There are a few conditions for PF account transfers online:

1. Ensure the Universal Account Number (UAN) is active on the UAN portal and that the mobile number linked to it is active.

2. Your employer must approve the e-KYC, including Aadhaar card, PAN card, or bank account details.

3. The UAN seeding should accurately update your bank account information, including the IFSC number. Linking of Aadhaar and UAN is necessary for the online transfer.

4. All information related to PF and personal accounts that are shown on the EPFO portal must be correct.

5. Your authorised signatures should be digitally registered with the EPFO by both your current and former employers.

6. You must accurately update your current and former employers' PF account numbers in the EPFO database.

7. Only one transfer request may be made for an existing member ID.