The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a savings scheme designed to help salaried employees in India build a retirement corpus. Managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the scheme allows employees to save a portion of their salary each month, with matching contributions from their employers. Over time, these contributions accumulate, earning interest, and can be withdrawn under certain conditions, such as retirement, unemployment, or specific financial needs like education or medical emergencies.
When you submit a claim to withdraw funds from your EPF account, it’s natural to want to know the status of your claim. Tracking your EPF Claim Status is crucial because it provides you with information about the progress of your withdrawal request, ensuring that you’re informed at every step of the process. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about checking your EPF claim status, from the different types of claims to the various methods of tracking your application.
Types of EPF Claims
Before diving into how to check the status of your EPF claim, it’s essential to understand the different types of claims you might file. These include:
- Final Settlement Claim:
- This is typically filed when an employee retires or resigns from their job. It involves withdrawing the entire EPF balance.
- Partial Withdrawal Claim:
- Also known as an advance, this claim is filed when you need to withdraw a portion of your EPF savings for specific purposes like home renovation, medical expenses, or higher education.
- Pension Withdrawal Claim:
- If you’re eligible for the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), you can file this claim to withdraw your pension benefits.
- Transfer Claim:
- This claim is filed when you change jobs and want to transfer your EPF balance from your old employer to your new employer’s EPF account.
Methods to Check EPF Claim Status
There are several ways to check the status of your EPF claim. These include using the EPFO’s online portal, the UMANG app, SMS, or by calling the EPFO customer care. Let’s go over each of these methods in detail.
1. Checking EPF Claim Status Online via EPFO Portal
The EPFO’s official website provides an easy way to track your claim status. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Member Portal
- Go to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/.
Step 2: Log In with Your UAN and Password
- Enter your Universal Account Number (UAN), password, and the captcha code to log in to your account.
Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ Section
- Once logged in, go to the ‘Online Services’ section and click on ‘Track Claim Status.’
Step 4: View Your Claim Status
- You will be able to see the current status of any claims you have filed, including whether they are in progress, settled, or rejected.
2. Checking EPF Claim Status via UMANG App
The Government of India’s UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app also allows you to check your EPF claim status. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install UMANG App
- If you haven’t already, download the UMANG app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Step 2: Open the App and Search for EPFO
- Open the app and search for ‘EPFO’ in the services section.
Step 3: Select ‘Employee Centric Services’
- Under EPFO, select ‘Employee Centric Services’ and then tap on ‘Track Claim.’
Step 4: Log In Using Your UAN
- Enter your UAN and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 5: Check Claim Status
- You can now view the status of your EPF claim on the app.
3. Checking EPF Claim Status via SMS
If you prefer not to use an app or website, you can check your EPF claim status through SMS. Here’s how:
Step 1: Send an SMS
- Send an SMS to 7738299899 in the following format:
EPFOHO UAN <Preferred Language Code>
For example, to receive updates in English, you would send:
EPFOHO UAN ENG
Step 2: Receive Status Update
- You will receive an SMS with your claim status. This service is available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali.
4. Checking EPF Claim Status via Missed Call
Another simple method to check your EPF claim status is by giving a missed call.
Step 1: Give a Missed Call
- From your registered mobile number, give a missed call to 011-22901406.
Step 2: Receive Status Update
- You will receive an SMS with the status of your claim. Make sure that your UAN is linked to your mobile number, Aadhaar, and PAN to use this service.
Understanding EPF Claim Status Updates
Once you’ve checked your EPF claim status, you might see different types of updates. Here’s what they mean:
- Under Process:
- This means that your claim has been received by the EPFO and is currently being processed. It might take a few days for the status to update further.
- Claim Settled:
- This indicates that your claim has been successfully processed and the amount has been credited to your bank account. You should receive a confirmation message or email.
- Rejected:
- If your claim is rejected, it means there was an issue with your application. This could be due to incorrect details, missing documents, or other discrepancies. You will need to correct the issue and reapply.
- Payment Sent via NEFT:
- This means that the payment has been processed and is on its way to your bank account. It typically takes 2-3 business days for the amount to reflect in your account.
- Settled and Payment Under Process:
- Your claim has been approved, but the payment is still being processed. It should be credited to your bank account soon.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While the process of checking your EPF claim status is straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:
1. Incorrect UAN or Password
- If you’re unable to log in to the EPFO portal, double-check that you’re entering the correct UAN and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it using the ‘Forgot Password’ option.
2. Mobile Number Not Linked
- Services like SMS updates and missed calls require that your UAN is linked to your mobile number. If you haven’t done this, update your mobile number in your EPF account by logging into the EPFO portal.
3. Claim Rejected
- If your claim is rejected, carefully read the rejection reason provided by EPFO. Common reasons include incorrect details, incomplete forms, or missing documents. Correct the issue and reapply.
4. Delay in Status Update
- Occasionally, there might be a delay in updating the claim status on the portal. If this happens, wait for a few days and check again. If the issue persists, you can contact your employer or EPFO for assistance.
Tips for a Smooth EPF Claim Process
To ensure that your EPF claim is processed smoothly and without delays, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Ensure KYC Details are Updated
- Before filing a claim, make sure that your KYC details (Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account) are updated and approved in your EPF account. This reduces the chances of rejection or delays.
2. Double-Check Application Details
- When filing a claim, double-check all the details you’ve entered to ensure accuracy. Incorrect information can lead to delays or rejections.
3. Keep Documents Ready
- If you’re filing a partial withdrawal claim for specific reasons (e.g., medical, education), make sure you have the required documents ready. This can include medical certificates, admission letters, etc.
4. Use the Online Portal
- Whenever possible, file your claims online through the EPFO portal or UMANG app. This is faster and allows you to track the status in real-time.
5. Contact EPFO for Assistance
- If you encounter issues that you cannot resolve on your own, don’t hesitate to contact EPFO’s customer service or visit the nearest EPFO office for assistance.
Conclusion
Tracking your EPF claim status is an essential step in managing your EPF account, ensuring that you’re always informed about the progress of your withdrawal requests. With multiple methods available, including the EPFO portal, UMANG app, SMS, and missed call services, checking your claim status is now easier than ever.
By understanding the different types of claims, knowing how to check the status, and troubleshooting common issues, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when dealing with your EPF withdrawals. Regularly monitoring your claim status and following the best practices outlined in this guide will help you stay on top of your EPF account and make the most of the benefits offered by the EPFO.