After filing a PF withdrawal claim (Form 19 for full settlement, Form 10C for pension scheme withdrawal, or Form 31 for partial advance), the next step is tracking it until the money reaches your bank account. Claims go through several stages, and understanding what each status means helps you know whether to wait patiently or take immediate action.
Understanding the Three Claim Forms
Before tracking, make sure you filed the correct form. Filing the wrong form is a common reason for rejection.
| Form | Purpose | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Form 19 | Full and final PF settlement | You have left your job and do not plan to transfer PF to a new employer. You must be unemployed for at least 60 days. |
| Form 10C | Withdrawal of pension (EPS) | Withdraw the employer's pension contribution. Filed along with Form 19 if your pension service is less than 10 years. |
| Form 31 | Partial advance withdrawal | Withdraw a portion of PF while still employed, for specific reasons like medical emergency, home purchase, marriage, or education. |
Step 1: Log in to the EPFO member portal
- Open the EPFO member portal.
- Enter your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password.
- Complete the CAPTCHA and log in.
If you do not remember your UAN password, use the "Forgot Password" option with your Aadhaar-linked or registered mobile number.
Alternative: You can also use the UMANG app (download from Play Store or App Store). Navigate to EPFO services > Track Claim Status.
Step 2: Open Track Claim Status
- After logging in, go to Online Services in the top menu.
- Select Track Claim Status.
- You will see a list of all claims you have filed, with their current status and a Remarks column.
Understanding Claim Status Messages
| Status Message | What It Means | Action Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Claim Submitted | Your claim has been filed and is in the EPFO queue. No officer has looked at it yet. | Wait. This stage typically lasts 2-5 days. |
| Under Process | A field officer at your regional EPFO office has picked up your claim and is reviewing it. | Wait. This is normal and can last 5-15 days depending on the office workload. |
| Settled | The officer has approved your claim and the payment instruction has been sent to the bank. | The money should hit your account within 2-3 working days via NEFT. |
| Payment Under Process | The NEFT transfer has been initiated by the EPFO's bank but has not yet been credited to your account. | Wait 1-2 working days. Check your bank statement. |
| Rejected | The claim was denied by the field officer. | Read the "Remarks" column carefully for the exact reason, fix the issue, and re-file. |
| Returned to Employer | The claim was sent back to your employer for verification, correction, or attestation. | Contact your employer's HR department immediately. |
NOTE
If your status shows Settled, do not panic if the money is not immediately in your bank. The NEFT transfer takes an additional 2 to 3 working days after the settlement date shown on the portal.
Expected Timelines
| Claim Type | Typical Timeline | Peak Season (March-April) |
|---|---|---|
| Form 19 (full PF withdrawal) - online | 7 to 20 working days | 20 to 35 working days |
| Form 10C (pension withdrawal) - online | 10 to 20 working days | 20 to 35 working days |
| Form 31 (partial advance) - online | 5 to 15 working days | 15 to 25 working days |
| Physical claim (submitted at EPFO office) | 30 to 45 working days | 45 to 60 working days |
TDS Rules on PF Withdrawal
Many employees are surprised when the credited amount is less than expected. Here is when TDS applies:
| Condition | TDS Rate |
|---|---|
| Service of 5+ years (continuous) | No TDS |
| Service less than 5 years, withdrawal above Rs 50,000, PAN linked | 10% TDS |
| Service less than 5 years, withdrawal above Rs 50,000, PAN NOT linked | 20% TDS (higher rate for missing PAN) |
| Withdrawal below Rs 50,000 | No TDS regardless of service period |
| Submitted Form 15G/15H (income below taxable limit) | No TDS |
TIP
If your total annual income (including the PF withdrawal) is below the basic exemption limit, submit Form 15G (for individuals below 60) or Form 15H (for senior citizens above 60) along with your withdrawal claim to avoid TDS deduction entirely. You can upload this form on the member portal during the claim filing process.
Step 3: Fix Rejected Claims
If your claim is rejected, the "Remarks" column will explain why. Common rejection reasons and their fixes:
| Rejection Reason | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Bank account details mismatch | Update your bank account on the member portal. The account must be in your name (primary holder) and linked to your UAN via KYC. Wait for employer approval and bank verification (green tick). |
| KYC not approved | Ensure Aadhaar, PAN, and Bank are all verified (green tick) on the portal. See our EPF KYC pending fix guide. |
| Incomplete service period (60 days) | For Form 19, you must be unemployed for at least 2 months (60 days) after your last working day. If you joined a new company before 60 days elapsed, your claim will be rejected. Wait until 60 days are complete and re-file. |
| Wrong form type | You filed Form 19 (final settlement) but are still employed according to EPFO records. Your employer needs to mark your exit date on the employer portal first. Or use Form 31 if you want a partial advance. |
| PAN not linked | Link your PAN on the member portal and wait for verification. Without PAN, TDS is deducted at 20% and some offices reject claims outright. |
| Name mismatch between UAN and bank | Your name on UAN must match your bank account name exactly. Correct either via the member portal (Joint Declaration Form with employer) or at your bank branch. |
| Exit date not updated | Your employer has not updated your last working date on the employer portal. Contact HR and ask them to update it. Claims cannot be processed without an exit date for Form 19. |
After fixing the issue:
- Wait for employer approval (if KYC or exit date changes were needed).
- Wait for verification to complete (green ticks).
- Re-file the claim on the member portal.
Other Ways to Track Your Claim
Via SMS
Send an SMS with your UAN to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number. You will receive a reply with your basic claim status.
Via Missed Call
Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile. You will receive an SMS with your PF balance and recent claim status.
Via EPFO Helpline
Call 1800-118-005 (toll-free) for claim status enquiries. Keep your UAN and claim reference number ready. Lines are busiest between 10 AM and 1 PM; try calling after 3 PM for shorter wait times.
When to File a Grievance
If your claim has been "Under Process" for more than 20 working days with no movement, or if it was rejected for a reason you have already fixed:
- Visit epfigms.gov.in (EPFO Grievance Management System).
- Register or log in with your UAN.
- File a grievance with:
- Your UAN
- Claim reference number (visible on the Track Claim Status page)
- Establishment code of your employer
- Brief description of the delay or issue
- You will receive a grievance ID for tracking. Grievances are typically addressed within 7-15 working days.
Common Mistakes
- Filing Form 19 before 60 days of unemployment: The system automatically rejects it. Count 60 days from your last working day (not your resignation date).
- Not checking the exit date: Many claims get stuck because the employer never marked the exit date on their portal. Always confirm with HR that they have updated it.
- Filing during March-April: The financial year-end creates a massive backlog at every EPFO regional office. If possible, file your claim in May or June for faster processing.
Related Guides
- How to Withdraw PF Online
- Fix EPF KYC Pending Status
- How to Check PF Balance Online
- Activate UAN and Login to EPF
Need more help?
For more information, check out our Retirement guides or try our PF Calculator. See also the EPF Help hub for related guides.