Frequently Asked Questions on EPF Withdrawal

Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions from our readers -

  1. What is the minimum required "period of service" to be eligible for EPF withdrawal?
    Ans:- For EPF withdrawal, there is no minimum limit on period of service. But for EPS, it is 6 months. You will not be eligible for EPS - Pension fund, if you have resigned before 6 months.
  2. Can I give the account number of my joint account in EPF withdrawal form?
    Ans:- From July 2012, joint account with spouse is made acceptable for the purpose of EPF withdrawal. Before this, only single bank account were acceptable. Read the related circular.

  3. I have resigned from previous company and have not withdrawn since. Could it be that my account has been closed? Can I withdraw even now, after so many years?
    Ans:- If there is no contribution to the EPF account and it remains idle for 36 months, the account becomes inoperative. No interest is paid on such accounts after 36 months. But you can withdraw/transfer anytime even from the inoperable account. The withdrawal/transfer procedure remains the same as of a normal account.

  4. What to do if my previous company has been shut down or if I don't have good terms with the previous employer?
    Ans:- There are cases when the previous employer has shut shop or the exit was unceremonious enough that you don’t want to interact with the employer again. In such cases, its not possible to get attestation from the previous employer. So what you can do is - fill up Form 19 and get it attested from the branch manager of your bank instead. It is easy for a Bank Manager to attest signature of a person who has bank account with him. Once attested, you can submit the form with the regional provident fund manager in which the employer maintains or maintained the account.

    EPFO says, “We will accept attestation by the branch manager of the bank to which the EPF money goes. Since we recognize employees through employers, in the absence of the employer we would need someone to verify the identity of the claimant. Once the banks attests the identity we will have details such as father’s name and date of birth to further authenticate the identity.” (Source: Livemint.com)

  5. How long should I wait before applying for EPF withdrawal?
    Ans:- According to the law, you can apply for EPF withdrawal only if you are not employed for two months after leaving the previous job. So, don’t send your application immediately after quitting; it could be rejected. Wait for two months.

  6. I don't have a cheque book of my bank account which I have mentioned in withdrawal form. Can I attach some other document in place of cancelled cheque?
    Ans:- EPFO uses the bank account details of cheque in payment process in order to avoid wrong payment and also for the verification of account details. If in case you don't have a chequebook, the photo copy of the pass book should work.

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