Switching Jobs? Here's How To Transfer Your EPF Effortlessly

Transferring EPF: One of the key concerns for employees revolves around the transfer of their Employee Provident Fund when switching jobs. Here's a step-by-step guide to transferring your EPF

Transferring EPF: Job-hopping employees seeking better growth opportunities now face an unexpected challenge, managing their Provident Fund (PF) accounts. While frequent job changes can boost career advancement, it has created complexities, especially in the corporate sector.

One of the key concerns for employees revolves around the transfer of their Employee Provident Fund (EPF) when switching jobs. The most common queries include: What will happen to my existing PF account? Should I wait for a new Universal Account Number (UAN)? How do I transfer the existing PF balance? Is withdrawal of my EPF balance an option?

Managing EPF When Switching Jobs

The primary question employees face is what happens to their accumulated EPF balance after leaving a job. Upon switching employers, individuals have the option to either withdraw their PF amount or transfer the balance to a new PF account.

Experts recommend transferring the existing EPF balance to the new account. It’s crucial to remember that an employee’s UAN remains the same, even though a new EPF account will be created under the same UAN with the new employer.

If you are looking to transfer your EPF, here are the methods to do so:

Online EPF Transfer Process

Visit the official EPF website and log in using your UAN number and registered password.

Under the 'Online Services' section, select 'One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)' from the dropdown menu.

Verify the details of your current PF account, including personal information, bank account details, UAN, establishment name, and date of joining.

To view details of your previous employment’s PF account, click the ‘Get Details’ button.

Choose your previous or current employer to attest the claim form using their Digital Signature.

Generate an OTP, which will be sent to your registered mobile number, and enter it to proceed.

A tracking ID will be provided to monitor the request status. Submit a self-attested copy of the online PF transfer request within 10 days for employer approval. Once approved, the balance will be transferred to your new PF account.

Offline EPF Transfer Process

Alternatively, employees can follow these offline steps:

Complete the Composite Declaration Form (F-11) with details of the old PF account and UAN.

Submit the form to your new employer.

The new employer will upload the information to EPFO’s employer portal.

If your UAN is linked to Aadhaar and verified by the previous employer, the system will automatically initiate the transfer.

You will receive an SMS confirming the transfer process.

Once the first EPF instalment from the new employer is reconciled, the transfer is completed. An SMS will confirm the successful transfer.

The transfer process generally takes around 20 days but can vary depending on the previous employer's response time.

Documents Required for EPF Withdrawal

Depending on the reason for submitting a withdrawal claim, different documents are required:

Buying a House: Declaration and registration certificate of the property.

Repayment of Loan: Outstanding principal and interest certificate from the lending agency.

Cash Advances: Certificate from the current employer.

Medical Reasons: Certificate from both employer and doctor.

Marriage: Declaration in Claim Form 31.

Treatment of Physical Disability: Certificate from the consulting doctor.

Withdrawal Before Retirement: Declaration by the member.

Understanding the process and documentation required can help make PF management smoother during job transitions.