For millions of salaried people, the provident fund (PF) is supposed to be a safety net for the future, money you can count on when you leave a job or retire. But when it’s time to claim it, many people run into unexpected hurdles that slow things down or even stop the money from reaching their bank account.

So, what makes claiming your own PF so complicated? IndiaToday.in spoke to Siddharth Maurya, Founder and Managing Director, Vibhavangal Anukulakara Private Ltd., to find out where things go wrong and what employees can do to avoid common traps.

SMALL ERRORS, BIG DELAYS

It all starts with tiny mistakes. A spelling error in your name, a mismatch in your date of birth, or an old bank account number can be enough to freeze your claim.

“Incomplete documentation, incorrect name, date of birth, ID number or bank account number mismatch, employer verification, outdated KYC, these small discrepancies trigger outright rejection and delays,” Maurya explained.

The EPFO system checks your details against Aadhaar, PAN, and other records. Even a small mismatch can cause the process to get stuck.

WHY INCOMPLETE KYC STOPS EVERYTHING

Many people don’t realise how important proper KYC (Know Your Customer) is. If your KYC isn’t verified, your claim can get stuck for months. Without KYC and full identity verification, all processes stop. Your claim stays frozen in limbo until KYC issues are resolved,” says Maurya.

Even if your paperwork is fine, if your bank details do not match the EPFO records, your claim might be rejected automatically.

ARE EMPLOYERS ALSO RESPONSIBLE?

It’s not always just the paperwork that causes trouble. Employers can also delay claims, knowingly or unknowingly. According to Maurya, “Employers are active participants. If they don’t update your exit date or don’t respond properly to EPFO, your claim may get stuck.”

Sometimes, pending dues or errors in monthly submissions can add to the mess, leaving employees helpless until things are fixed.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID THESE PROBLEMS?

There are simple steps you can take to make sure your PF claim does not get stuck. First, keep your personal details like Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account updated and matched everywhere. Always verify your KYC on the EPFO portal.

“Keeping personal details like Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account updated across all systems is a must. After leaving a job, make sure your employer updates your exit date. Prefer online filing, check your claim status often, and don’t wait too long to raise a grievance if there’s an unexplained delay,” Maurya advised.

DOES THE ONLINE SYSTEM HELP OR HURT?

The EPFO’s online system has made claims faster and more transparent, but it can confuse people who are not used to filing things online.

“The online system has definitely made things faster and more transparent, but for those not comfortable with technology, it is puzzling. Verified KYC and matching documents greatly impact a person’s claim, which many people seem unaware of,” Maurya said.

So, keep your documents clear and verified. Always double-check your details. If you do this, your hard-earned money will reach you without unnecessary stress. Your PF money is yours, make sure small mistakes don’t keep you away from it.

– Ends