Case Study: Rajendra Bisht, 61, Kolkata

Rajendra Bisht’s case sheds light on how missing documentation and discrepancies can lead to complications in EPF claims. Despite having a PF corpus of ₹14 lakh, Bisht has been unable to access his funds or pension due to multiple issues.

His Problem:

Withdrew PF Corpus After First Job: When he left his first job, he withdrew the entire PF corpus without obtaining an EPS certificate.
Missing Employer Records: Subsequent employers did not maintain or update his records accurately.
EPS Transfer Failure: The failure to transfer his EPS account created further roadblocks.

“I have been running in circles for months, trying to resolve these issues,” Bisht states. He continues to battle with the system to retrieve his retirement savings.

Paralysed IT System: A Major Hurdle for EPFO

One of the core issues plaguing EPFO is its outdated and unstable IT infrastructure. Several years ago, the EPFO launched an online system for claim processing, but it has not been able to keep up with rising demands. The frequent glitches and downtimes make it extremely challenging for subscribers to track or withdraw their funds efficiently.

With Aadhaar and PAN linking becoming mandatory for EPF accounts, discrepancies in linking or mismatches between records often arise, leading to rejection or delays in claims.

Over the years, users have reported frequent outages, system crashes, and data inconsistencies, which have become common occurrences. This instability has eroded user trust and has created a backlog of unresolved claims. The EPFO’s grievance system, though active, is often inundated, causing delays in processing.

How to Avert an EPF Disaster

Here are some preventive measures subscribers can take to avoid facing EPF claim rejections and delays:

Update Personal and Employment Information Regularly: Ensure that your personal details, employment history, and bank account information are up-to-date and consistent across all documents.
Link UAN with Aadhaar and PAN: This will help avoid discrepancies when filing claims.
Maintain Copies of All Documents: Keep copies of all claim forms, employer communications, and related documents for future reference.
Use the EPFO Grievance Portal: For unresolved issues, raise complaints through the EPFO grievance portal.

Final Thoughts

While EPFO has been making efforts to improve its system, many subscribers still face significant challenges. As demonstrated by the experiences of Rajender Bisht, being proactive and vigilant is essential when dealing with EPF claims.

“After investing years of service, my retirement savings are stuck,” says Bisht. His story highlights the importance of maintaining accurate records and being persistent in resolving claim issues.

With the right approach, employees can successfully navigate the complexities of EPF claims and ensure a smoother retirement process.