Your Provident Fund (PF) account is meant to be secure, growing over time and offering support in times of need. But what if one day, your PF balance turns negative, making future withdrawals impossible? That’s exactly what happened to Bhavin, a software developer, who found himself in this unimaginable situation due to a glitch in EPFO’s claim processing.
It all started during the COVID-19 pandemic when EPFO introduced a relief scheme allowing employees to withdraw up to three months’ wages or 75% of their PF balance, whichever was lower. Like many others, Bhavin withdrew funds under this scheme. However, his PF passbook wasn’t updated in real time. A few months later, when he needed funds again, he saw he had sufficient balance, and withdrew once more.
Then came the shock. EPFO suddenly updated his records all at once, and his balance dropped to -₹1.35 Lakhs — a figure that should never exist in a PF account. But the nightmare didn’t stop there.
Let’s uncover the full case, And more importantly, could this happen to you?
The Case
Bhavin had applied for a PF withdrawal under the COVID-19 relief scheme in August 2022. He successfully withdrew ₹4.45 Lakhs, and the amount was credited to his bank account.
What Went Wrong?
After the first withdrawal, the system didn’t deduct the withdrawn amount
When Bhavin needed funds again in October 2022, he checked his PF balance and saw ₹7.53 Lakhs. Unaware that the system hadn’t updated, he assumed he was still eligible for withdrawal and applied for ₹4.45 Lakhs again under the same scheme.
Since the incorrect balance was still reflecting in the system, EPFO processed the second claim as well. However, after settling the second withdrawal, the system finally updated both transactions at once.
The actual balance dropped from ₹7,53,307 to (-₹1,35,845)
The Hidden Consequence: A Chain Reaction
A year later, when he switched jobs, a PF transfer was initiated automatically as per the new rules. As a result, the negative balance from the previous company carried forward to the new company.
When EPFO noticed the discrepancy, they attempted to rectify it by adjusting the negative balance from the previous company against the PF balance in the new company.
The current PF balance also turned negative (-₹6,766). Future withdrawals were impacted, as the system wouldn’t allow claims until the shortfall was settled. In 2025 when he was trying to withdraw the full amount. The claim was rejected stating “explain the negative balance”.
This meant that despite the employee having years of PF contributions, their balance showed negative due to a system delay in reflecting previous withdrawals.
Key Takeaways: How to Avoid This Costly Mistake?
1. Check your EPFO passbook balance – Always verify recent transactions before making another withdrawal. System delays can cause outdated balances to be displayed.
2. Keep track of previous claims – If you have recently withdrawn money, cross-check the transaction history in your EPF claim status before making another request.
3. Verify the transfer amount when switching jobs – If your balance is negative due to a system error, it will affect your new employer’s PF account, delaying future withdrawals.
4. Use ‘Check My PF’ to Avoid Issues Before Filing a Claim – FinRight’s AI-powered tool, Check My PF, is India’s first tool that provides real-time insights into your PF account.
Conclusion
This case highlights the need for vigilance in managing PF withdrawals. Simple oversights can lead to negative balances, blocked withdrawals, and financial stress. Staying informed and proactively monitoring your PF account can help you avoid costly mistakes and secure your hard-earned savings.
At FinRight, we specialize in helping employees avoid such issues by ensuring that their PF claims are processed correctly, balances are verified, and transfers happen without unexpected deductions. Try CheckMyPF today—India’s first AI-powered tool that provides complete insights into your EPFO account, withdrawal eligibility, and potential claim issues before you apply.
