Changing jobs is a big step. You update your resume, meet new people, and take on new roles. But in the middle of all that change, one thing often gets left behind your old Provident Fund (PF) account. If you didn’t transfer or withdraw your PF after switching jobs, that money could be sitting unclaimed. The good news? You can recover it easily.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to claim unclaimed PF amount, when you might need documents like a Waris Certificate, and how the probate of will procedure may come into play in special situations. Let’s get started.
💼 What Is an Unclaimed PF Amount?
When you leave a job and don’t transfer or withdraw your PF (Provident Fund), that money stays in your old PF account. Over time, if it’s not touched for more than 36 months, it is marked as unclaimed. It doesn’t disappear—your money is still safe. It even earns interest for some time. But you need to follow the right steps to claim it.
🔍 Why Do PF Amounts Go Unclaimed?
There are a few reasons:
- You didn’t transfer PF to your new employer
- You forgot to withdraw after retirement
- You changed your phone number or email and missed notifications
- The employer didn’t update your exit date
- The account holder passed away, and the nominee didn’t know how to claim it
No matter the reason, you can still recover your unclaimed PF with some simple steps.
📝 How to Claim Unclaimed PF Amount Online
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made the process easier through their Unified Portal. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Activate Your UAN
Make sure your UAN (Universal Account Number) is active. You can do this at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/.
Step 2: Log In to the EPFO Portal
Go to https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/, log in using your UAN and password.
Step 3: Check Service History
Click on ‘View’ > ‘Service History’ to see details of all your past PF accounts. Confirm that your old job’s PF account is visible.
Step 4: Submit an Online Claim
- Go to ‘Online Services’ > ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)’
- Enter the last 4 digits of your bank account
- Fill in the form to request PF Withdrawal or Transfer
Step 5: Track Your Claim
After submission, you’ll get a reference number. You can track your claim under ‘Track Claim Status’.
⏳ Claims are usually processed in 7-10 working days.
🧾 What if the Employee Has Passed Away?
If the person who owned the PF account has passed away, their legal heir or nominee can claim the PF amount.
In such cases, you may need:
✅ Waris Certificate (Legal Heir Certificate)
This certificate proves who the rightful heir is. You can get it from your local municipal office or tehsildar. It’s needed when there’s no registered nominee.
✅ Death Certificate
Issued by the municipal authority. It’s mandatory to submit this.
✅ ID Proof of Claimant
You’ll need to submit your Aadhaar, PAN, or any government ID.
🏛️ When Do You Need a Probate of Will?
If the PF account holder has left a will, and someone other than the nominee claims the PF amount, then the probate of will procedure becomes important.
What Is Probate of Will?
It’s a legal process to confirm that the will is valid. A probate is issued by a district or high court, especially when there is a dispute among heirs or when large sums are involved.
Steps in the Probate Procedure:
- File a petition in civil court with the will and death certificate
- Notify all heirs—they can agree or challenge the will
- Court examines the will and hears both sides
- If all is clear, the court issues a probate certificate
- You can use this certificate to claim the PF
🧠 Tip: If there is no will, apply with a Waris Certificate and support from other heirs, or file a succession certificate in court.
📎 Documents You May Need to Claim PF
Here’s a quick checklist:
- UAN number
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Bank account details
- Form 19 (for final PF settlement)
- Form 10C (for pension withdrawal)
- Waris Certificate (if the person is deceased and no nominee is listed)
- Death certificate (if claiming on behalf of a deceased)
- Probate of Will or Succession Certificate (if applicable)
✅ Tips to Avoid PF Going Unclaimed in the Future
- Always update your nominee in the EPF portal
- Transfer PF when you change jobs
- Keep your UAN active and contact details updated
- Let your family know about your PF account and UAN
🙋 Need Help? You’re Not Alone
Sometimes, claiming PF can get tricky, especially if the employer is unresponsive, or the account is too old. In such cases, you can:
- Visit the nearest EPFO office
- Use the EPFiGMS grievance portal at https://epfigms.gov.in/
- Talk to a professional service that deals with unclaimed shares and PF recovery—they can make the process smoother
📌 Conclusion
Your Provident Fund is your money, earned with hard work over the years. Whether you forgot to claim it, changed jobs, or are claiming on behalf of a loved one, the process is now more transparent and online.
Just follow the steps above, keep your documents ready, and get back what’s rightfully yours.
