EPF withdrawal claim: How long does it take to process Employees’ Provident Fund account claim?

EPF withdrawal claim: When it comes to claiming withdrawals from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), many members are finding the process slower than expected, states an ET report. Members have had problems after submitting withdrawal claims from their EPF accounts. Some are concerned because they haven't received any updates since filing their claims, the report claimed.

Some EPF members used social media to ask questions and complain to get the EPFO's attention.In response to most questions about claim updates, the EPFO's official account stated, “Dear member, normally it takes 20 days to settle a claim or release the PF amount.”

If your EPF claim isn't settled within 20 days, you should file a complaint with the EPFO. The EPFO explained in response to a tweet from an EPF subscriber, “Dear member, kindly register your grievance on http://epfigms.gov.in and you can track your grievance status at http://epfigms.gov.in”
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To avoid delays, make sure to:
1. Select the right form: Choose the appropriate form for your type of claim. The paperwork for EPF account transfer is different from that for EPF withdrawal.
2. Check eligibility criteria: Ensure you meet the requirements for EPF withdrawal. Different rules apply for different types of claims, such as PF advances, final settlements, and other reasons.
3. Complete the form accurately: Fill out the form carefully and ensure all information is correct. Attach any required documents, like a cancelled cheque, ID proof, address proof, or other relevant documents.
4. Update your KYC information: Make sure your Know Your Customer (KYC) data, such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details, are up-to-date and linked to your EPF account.
5. Check nomination and member profile: Confirm that your nomination information is current and your member profile is updated.

Before you file an EPF claim, ensure that you've checked and resolved the following:
- Correct mismatch in name
- Correct mismatch in date of birth
- Use the correct application form
- Complete KYC
- Avoid joint bank accounts
- Correct bank account errors
- Verify the date of joining and leaving
- Link UAN with Aadhaar
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You can withdraw from your EPF account either entirely or in parts. After you retire or if you're unemployed for over two months, you can take out all of your EPF savings. However, you can also make partial withdrawals under specific conditions. According to the EPFO, you won't lose any interest because it's calculated according to the policy.
This means that EPF members will not lose any interest due to the withdrawal process. The interest is calculated from when it's due until the day you withdraw your money. If you withdraw before the interest is officially credited, it will still be added to your account.