Why EPF Claims Get Rejected and How Employees Can Avoid It

For salaried employees, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is meant to provide financial security during retirement or emergencies. However, many employees face delays and frustration when their EPF withdrawal claims are rejected due to avoidable errors.

According to officials and industry experts, most rejections are not due to ineligibility but stem from documentation mismatches, incomplete details or technical lapses in the filing process with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation.

Here are the most common reasons why EPF claims get rejected — and how employees can prevent them.

Incomplete or Incorrect KYC Details

One of the leading causes of EPF claim rejection is incomplete or unverified KYC information. Aadhaar, PAN and bank details must be correctly updated and approved by the employer on the EPFO portal. If any of these are missing or unverified, the claim is likely to be rejected.

Mismatch in Personal Information

Even minor discrepancies in personal details can lead to rejection. Differences in name spelling, date of birth or gender between Aadhaar records and EPFO data are common triggers.

Such issues can be resolved by submitting a Joint Declaration Form through the employer, clearly explaining the mismatch and requesting correction.

Wrong or Outdated Bank Details

Incorrect bank account numbers or IFSC codes are another frequent reason for rejection. EPFO does not allow joint bank accounts for claims, except those held with a spouse.

Claims may also fail if the linked bank account is inactive or if the IFSC code has changed following a bank merger. In such cases, bank KYC must be updated and re-approved by the employer.

Aadhaar Not Linked With UAN

Linking Aadhaar with the Universal Account Number (UAN) is mandatory. If Aadhaar is not linked and verified, EPFO will not process the withdrawal request.

Inactive or Unregistered UAN

Claims filed using an inactive or unactivated UAN are rejected. Employees should ensure their UAN is active, registered and linked to their current employment before filing a claim.

Incorrect Reason for Withdrawal

EPF withdrawals are permitted only under specific conditions. Selecting an incorrect or ineligible reason for withdrawal can result in claim rejection.

Service Period Mismatch

If the service period mentioned in the claim form does not match EPFO or employer records, the claim may not be approved. Accurate service history is essential, especially for pension-related claims.

Pending Dues or Employer Verification Issues

Claims may be held or rejected if there are pending dues, incomplete employer verification or unresolved compliance issues. Technical glitches during online submission can also occasionally lead to rejection.

What Employees Should Do If an EPF Claim Is Rejected

• Review details carefully: Recheck personal information, bank details and eligibility before reapplying

• Submit correct forms: For pension-related claims, filing Form 10C and Form 19 together can reduce errors

• Track claim status: Regularly monitor claim status on the EPFO portal to identify issues early

• Seek assistance: Employees can approach their employer or the nearest EPF office if clarification is needed

In most cases, EPF claim rejections are caused by small and fixable mistakes. Keeping KYC details updated, ensuring accurate records and double-checking information before submission can help employees avoid delays and receive their PF savings without unnecessary stress.