Managing Provident Fund (PF) accounts across multiple employers can already feel complicated. But when mistakes by employers or PF trusts pile up, members often find themselves trapped in a web of rejections, incomplete service histories, and delayed settlements. Here’s one such real-life case that highlights the challenges — and the solution.
The Problem
A member’s PF journey spanned three employers:
- First Employer – The PF and pension contributions were deducted and later transferred.
- Second Employer (PF Trust) – Unlike EPFO-managed accounts, PF trusts maintain separate Member IDs: one for EPF and another for EPS. Here, the trust made a critical mistake:
- They transferred the EPF balance using the EPS Member ID.
- When the member later tried to transfer EPS, the system repeatedly rejected the request with the remark: “amount 0 – claim already settled.” But the EPS was never transferred.
- This blocked the amount and the service history of the individual.
- Third Employer – After more than five years of service, the member faced two fresh hurdles
- They were wrongly asked to submit Form 15G, even though it was not applicable.
- Their service record remained incomplete, blocking further consolidation and claims.
Together, these issues left the member unable to carry forward their pension service history or settle their rightful claims.
The Solution
At FinRight, we approached the case systematically:
- Scanned and identified the error
- Verified transfer records and pinpointed the EPS mismanagement by the PF trust.
- Obtained Scheme Certificate
- Since the EPS amount could not be transferred, we facilitated the issuance of a Scheme Certificate to carry forward the member’s pension service years.
- Transferred service history
- Ensured that, while funds could not move from the trust, the EPS service years were successfully transferred via the scheme certificate.
- Updated records with third employer
- Corrected the incomplete service history, ensuring continuity of employment records.
- Filed claims
- Once records were updated, we filed Form 19 (PF Final Settlement) and Form 10C (EPS Withdrawal/Certificate), enabling the member to receive their dues.
Customer Testimonial
A few words from customer.
Key Learnings
- PF Trusts need extra vigilance – Trusts often have dual IDs (EPF and EPS), and mistakes in transfers can cause years of trouble.
- EPS is about service, not just money – Even if EPS funds can’t move, your service years can and must be carried forward via a Scheme Certificate.
- Form 15G is not always required – Misapplication of tax rules can block your claims unnecessarily.
- Documentation is your strongest ally – Annexure K, Scheme Certificates, and passbooks are vital in proving service history.
Conclusion
This case shows how small errors by employers and PF trusts can snowball into big obstacles for employees. But with the right expertise, careful documentation, and persistence, such issues can be resolved.
At FinRight, we ensure members don’t just get their money, but also their full service history — securing both their present claims and future pension.
👉 Have a similar PF story? Don’t let errors keep your money stuck. Contact us at FinRight and we’ll help you fix it.
