The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a key savings tool that helps individuals build long-term financial security. However, many employees wonder if they can withdraw their PF balance when they do not have a Universal Account Number (UAN). The good news is that it is possible.
While UAN makes managing and tracking PF easier, there are offline processes that allow you to withdraw funds without it. Here is a simple guide on how to withdraw PF money without a UAN.
Steps to Withdraw PF Amount Without a UAN
If you do not have a UAN, you can still claim your PF through the offline route. The process may go as follows:
Step 1. Visiting the nearest EPFO regional office.
Step 2. Requesting for, and filling out, Form 19 (for final settlement) and Form 10C (for pension withdrawal).
Step 3. Attaching a cancelled cheque or copy of your bank passbook, identity proof, and a letter from your employer confirming your identity and service details.
Step 4. Submitting the forms at the EPFO office.
If you have recently left your job, this process may also be applicable when you want to withdraw PF after leaving your job.
Getting Help from Employers
You can also reach out to your employers to trace your PF account with your old PF number (from salary slips or Form 16). Their certification may help speed up the verification process.
While you now know how to get PF money without a UAN number, it is important to note that the offline process takes longer than online claims.
How to Activate UAN Online?
Although you can learn how to get PF money without a UAN number, activating your UAN makes things much simpler. UAN allows you to check balances, transfer accounts, and file claims online without delays.
Steps to activate UAN on the EPFO portal:
Step 1. Visit the EPFO UAN portal and click on ‘Activate UAN’.
Step 2. Enter your UAN or PF member ID, Aadhaar, name, date of birth, and mobile number.
Step 3. Verify details, enter the OTP, and confirm activation.
Once activated, you will receive login details on your registered mobile number.
With UAN activated, you can easily transfer PF using Form 13 for PF Transfer, plan withdrawals as per PPF withdrawal rules, and stay updated on contributions, amongst other things.
Withdrawing PF money is not a complex process. However, one must note that these funds are usually geared towards future financial security. To ensure your PF withdrawals do not affect your future plans, you can consider opting for retirement plans, such as pension products, annuity plans, government schemes, and so on. In the process, consider using tools, such as the PPF calculator and retirement calculator, to make your planning more efficient.