Changing jobs often comes with many responsibilities, but there’s one that many often forget to undertake. This is to transfer the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) balance from the previous organisation to the current one. 

As an EPF member, one has the option to submit one’s claim either through the present employer or the previous one. One can fill all such claim requests with ease and the employer can verify/correct the member's details, approve, and submit the requests online through the portal. 

After completing the transfer claim request, one has to take the printout of the submitted online claim application, sign it, and submit it to the employer, previous or present, depending on the option one has chosen while submitting the online claim.  RBI Grants UPI Access To Full-KYC PPIs In Third-Party Apps: What It Means For Customers

Let’s understand how you can apply for the transfer of your EPF claims online. However, before you dive into the process, there are a few prerequisites to tick off, such as;

- First, you need to make sure your Universal Account Number (UAN) is active. UAN acts as an umbrella for the multiple member IDs allotted to an individual by different employers. It enables linking of multiple EPF accounts (member Id) allotted to a single member and offers a bouquet of services like dynamically updated UAN card, and updated PF passbook including all transfer-in details, facility to link previous members’ PF ID with present PF ID, facility for auto-triggering transfer request on change of employment, etc.

- Ensure your Know Your Customer (KYC) details, including Aadhaar, Permanent Account Number (PAN), and bank account information are updated and verified on the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) portal.

- Check with your employer to confirm that their digital signatures are registered with EPFO. This ensures the claim can be authenticated smoothly. EPF Interest To Be Paid Till The Date Of Final Settlement

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file your EPF balance transfer claim online.

Step 1: Log In To Your Member Portal

Go to the EPFO Member Portal on the EPF India website.

Once there, log in using your UAN and password. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to register first. The system will guide you through a simple registration process, which includes verifying your mobile number and setting up login credentials.

Step 2: Go To ‘Online Transfer Claim Portal’

Once you are logged in, look for the online services message tab on the homepage and click on the option that reads ‘Online Transfer Claim portal (OTCP)’. Once you are inside this portal, following options will appear on the screen;

(a) Check Eligibility for filing an Online Transfer Claim

(b) Detailed Instructions (On clicking on the “Detailed Instructions”, the following options would appear:

- Important guidelines

- Process flow for filing Online Transfer Claim

- Process flow for registration on the Member Portal

(c) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It’s a good idea to review the “Detailed Instructions” and FAQs if you are new to the process.

There is a link on the top to log in to file an Online Transfer Claim Application.

Step 3: Check Eligibility

Before proceeding further, you will need to confirm that you are eligible to file an online transfer claim. 

For this, first, click on ‘Check Eligibility’ and enter your previous and current EPF account numbers. The system will cross-check these details and let you know if you’re eligible.

If you are eligible, you will see options to either log in and file the claim directly, or register on the member Portal if you have not done so already.

Step 4: Process To File The Transfer

After you are logged in, go to the ‘CLAIM’ tab menu bar that will be visible on the new screen. Here, select ‘Request for Transfer of Account’. This will open up the online claim form, which is divided into three sections;

- Part A of the form requires you to enter your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and contact information.

- Part B will require you to provide the details of your previous EPF account. Here, you have to enter the account number and click ‘Get Details’. The system will automatically fetch details like the name of your previous employer, their address, and your joining and exit dates. 

If you find any mandatory details missing in any of the columns, make sure to file them manually.

- Part C will require you to enter your current EPF account number. After this click on the ‘Get Details’ option and similar to Part B, the system will auto-update your current employer’s details.

Step 5: Choose The Employer For Verification

Here comes a critical step; you must choose the employer who will attest your claim. In this process, you can opt for either your previous employer or your current one. 

Typically, members choose the employer who has an active and registered digital signature on the file with EPFO.

Step 6: Review And Submit

Before submitting your claim, click on the ‘Preview’ button and review all the details you have entered in the processes above. If you notice any mistakes, edit the form by clicking on ‘Change Application Data’.

Once everything looks good, type in the CAPTCHA code and click ‘Get PIN’. You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP and agree to the declaration by selecting ‘I Agree.

After you are through with all the above, click ‘Submit’ to complete the process.

Step 7: Print And Submit Form 13

After submitting the claim, the system will generate a printable PDF version of Form 13. Save this form, take a printout, sign it, and submit it to the employer you selected for attestation.

Step 8: Track Your Claim

After submitting your claim, you can track its status through the member portal. Navigate to the ‘Track Claim Status’ option under the ‘Online Services’ tab. It would require you to log in to portal and will display the status of your transfer request.

By following the steps outlined above you can file your EPF balance transfer claim online. These Insurers Have Highest 'Claims Paid Ratio': Know Why It Matters