Published by: PEAK Business Consultancy Services | Website: www.ourtaxpartner.com
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Who is Eligible to Claim EPF After Leaving a Job?
- 2. Types of EPF Claims You Can Make
- 3. Documents and Details Required for EPF Claim
- 4. Step-by-Step Guide to Claim EPF Online
- 5. Offline Method (Manual EPF Withdrawal)
- 6. Tax Implications on EPF Withdrawal
- 7. How to Track EPF Claim Status
- 8. Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
- 9. EPFO Regional Offices in Kerala
- Conclusion
Introduction
If you’ve recently left a job in Kerala and are wondering how to claim your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), you’re not alone. EPF is a retirement savings scheme maintained by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), and the amount accumulated can be withdrawn after you leave employment. This detailed guide walks you through every step, requirement, and precaution to ensure a smooth withdrawal process.
1. Who is Eligible to Claim EPF After Leaving a Job?
- You must have exited employment (resigned, terminated, or retired)
- Minimum 2 months gap from the last working day (for full withdrawal)
- Partial withdrawals allowed under specific conditions (marriage, illness, education)
- Your Universal Account Number (UAN) must be activated and KYC-compliant
2. Types of EPF Claims You Can Make
- Final Settlement (Form 19): For full withdrawal after 2 months of unemployment
- Pension Withdrawal Benefit (Form 10C): For withdrawing EPS balance before 10 years of service
- Partial Advance (Form 31): For house construction, education, medical expenses, etc.
3. Documents and Details Required for EPF Claim
- Activated UAN
- Aadhaar card (linked with UAN)
- PAN card (mandatory if service < 5 years and withdrawal > ₹50,000)
- Bank account details (must be linked with UAN)
- Cancelled cheque or passbook copy (in some cases)
- Registered mobile number linked to Aadhaar
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Claim EPF Online
- Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal: unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in
- Login using UAN and password
- Go to “Manage” > “KYC” – ensure Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are verified
- Go to “Online Services” > “Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C)”
- Enter last 4 digits of your bank account to verify
- Choose the type of claim – Full EPF Settlement / EPS Withdrawal / Partial Advance
- Enter your address and other required details
- Agree to the terms and click “Submit”
- Track the claim using “Track Claim Status”
5. Offline Method (Manual EPF Withdrawal)
If your KYC is not updated or you are unable to use the online portal, you can submit a physical form:
- Download Form 19, Form 10C from the EPFO website
- Fill out and sign the forms manually
- Attach:
- Copy of Aadhaar
- PAN card
- Cancelled cheque
- Submit to the nearest EPFO regional office (Kerala list below)
- Ensure the employer’s signature/seal if KYC not completed
6. Tax Implications on EPF Withdrawal
- No TDS: If withdrawal amount is less than ₹50,000
- No tax: If continuous service is more than 5 years
- 10% TDS: Applicable if PAN is provided and service is less than 5 years
- 30% TDS: If PAN is not submitted
To avoid tax deductions, file ITR and show the reason for withdrawal.
7. How to Track EPF Claim Status
- Login to UAN Member Portal
- Go to “Online Services” > “Track Claim Status”
- Enter UAN and select the relevant claim
- Status will show as “Under Process”, “Approved”, “Settled”, or “Rejected”
You can also use EPFO Passbook Portal to check updates.
8. Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
- Mismatch in name or date of birth: Update via UAN portal or employer
- KYC not approved: Contact employer to verify PAN/Aadhaar
- Claim rejected: Check rejection reason in claim status and reapply
- OTP not received: Ensure Aadhaar mobile is active and not on DND
- Bank account mismatch: Update and re-verify bank details in UAN
9. EPFO Regional Offices in Kerala
- EPFO Kochi: Kaloor, Kochi – 682017
- EPFO Thiruvananthapuram: Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
- EPFO Thrissur: Kanjani Road, Thrissur – 680004
- EPFO Kozhikode: Eranhipalam, Kozhikode – 673006
- Customer Service: 1800-118-005 (EPFO toll-free helpline)
Conclusion
Claiming your EPF after leaving a job in Kerala is a straightforward process if your UAN is active and your KYC is in order. Always opt for the online method for faster processing, and ensure that your details are accurate to avoid delays or rejections. Your EPF is your right—don’t leave it unclaimed.
Need assistance in withdrawing your EPF or resolving errors in your account? Contact PEAK Business Consultancy Services today for expert help in EPF services, compliance, and filing support across Kerala.
