Can I Withdraw PF While Switching Jobs?

The withdrawal and transfer process of Provident Fund (PF) has been made quick and hassle free by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). As per the declaration made by Central Provident Fund Commissioner on 20th September, 2019, an employee does not have to initiate a transfer request anymore, nor does he/she have to withdraw the accumulated PF amount at the time of switching jobs. It automatically gets transferred from the previous to the new employer when the new employee submits certain essential information. These details are uploaded on the official website of the EPFO by the new employer. The new PF account gets activated on receiving the first transfer from the new employer.

EFP Withdrawal Procedure

You can withdraw your EPF by following these simple steps:

Visit the UAN portal and enter your UAN and registered Password, followed by the Captcha as displayed on the screen.
Select the ‘Manage’ option and then click on the KYC tab to ensure that the registered personal details like PAN card number, number, bank details, etc. are accurate and verified.
Next, take your cursor to the ‘Online Services’ tab and click on the ‘Claim’ option from the dropdown menu.
You will be able to view your KYC and other personal details.
Select the ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ option.
Select the option related to EPF withdrawal under the ‘I Want to Apply For’ category. In case you are unable to view the EPF withdrawal option, it implies that you are not eligible for it.

EPF Withdrawal: Processing Time

The time taken to process an EPF withdrawal claim made through the offline mode varies from 20 days to 30 days. Irrespective of whether the claim has been made online or offline, the transfer of the EPF amount is done through NEFT. The NEFT process gets completed within 2 to 3 days after the NEFT date that appears on the EPF official website.

How to Transfer Your PF Balance Online?

Here is the online transfer process for PF balance:

Login to EPF’s official website with your UAN number and registered Password.
Take the cursor on the ‘Online Services’ tab and select ‘One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)’ from the dropdown menu.
Take a thorough look at the information related to your PF account for the current employment – name, preferred bank account details, UAN, establishment name, date of joining, member name, and name of father/spouse.
To view the PF account details of your previous employment, you have to select the ‘Get details’ option.
You can choose either your previous employer or current employer for attesting the claim form based on the authorized signatory for Digital Signature. Enter the Member UAN/ID and the source of your attestation accordingly.
Select the ‘Get OTP’ option to generate an OTP, which will be sent to the mobile number that you have registered with UAN.
Enter the OTP correctly and then click on the ‘Submit’ option.

Documents Needed to Fulfill the Claims Procedure

The documents required during the withdrawal process is determined by the reason behind making the claim:

Purchasing a house – Declaration and Registration certificate of the property
Loan repayment - Outstanding principal and interest certificate by the lending agency
Cash advances - Certificate from the current employer
Medical conditions - Certificate from the employer and the doctor
Marriage - Declaration in Claim Form 31
Treatment for physical handicap - Certificate from the consulting doctor
Withdrawal before retirement - Declaration by the member

FAQs on Withdraw PF While Switching Job

Can I withdraw my PF when I change my job?

When you switch jobs, you needn’t withdraw your PF. It gets automatically transferred from your existing employer to the new employer. In case you want to opt out of PF in your new organisation, you can withdraw from it.

How can I withdraw my PF from previous employer?

You do not need to withdraw your PF when you change jobs. Now, it gets auto-transferred from the current to the new company after your current employer makes its first contribution.

Can I withdraw my PF while working?

You can withdraw from your PF account for certain specific reasons:

Purchasing a house
Repayment of loan
Advances due to certain emergencies
Certain medical illnesses
Treatment for physical handicap
Wedding
Withdrawal before retirement on or after the age of 58 years
Death before the retirement age of 58 years
Unemployment for at least 2 months

Can I withdraw my pension contributions in PF account?

Yes, one cannot withdraw the pension amount if less than ten years of service period is completed.