PF Account Update: For employees working in any government or private organization, the Universal Account Number (UAN) has become the most important identification. This 12-digit unique number is issued by the EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation). UAN was introduced in 2014 so that when an employee changes jobs, their PF accounts are not scattered across different companies, and all accounts remain linked to this single number. Before 2014, employees only received a company-specific PF number, which was different for every new job.
According to people’s questions, if their PF number is 15 years old and the company no longer exists, how can they find it and withdraw the accumulated amount? Let’s find out the easy way.
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Ways to find your old PF number
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If the PF account is 15 years old, it is difficult to find it directly on the EPFO portal using the UAN, as the UAN was introduced in 2014. In such a case, there are a few options to find the old PF number. First, if you remember the name of your old company, go to the EPFO website and perform an Establishment Search. Once you find the company code, you can contact HR to find your old PF number.
If your UAN has already been created (during a new job), go to the EPFO website and select the Know Your UAN option. Enter your registered mobile number and verify it via OTP. If your old PF account is linked, you will receive your UAN after filling in your name, date of birth, Aadhaar, or PAN number.
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Another method is to visit the nearest EPFO office. Carry your Aadhaar, PAN, old company name, joining and leaving dates, or any old documents with you. The office will search for your old PF number in their database.
The third method is to file an online complaint. File a complaint under Inoperative/Old PF Account Details on epfigms.gov.in. EPFO will assist you after you provide your company details and your Aadhaar number.
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How to withdraw money from a 15-year-old PF account
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After leaving a job, a PF account is considered active for 36 months, after which the account becomes inactive. However, this doesn’t mean the interest will stop accruing. According to EPFO rules, interest continues to accrue even after leaving a job, until the employee reaches the age of 58 or withdraws the entire amount.
Even if your old company has closed down, your PF money remains safe with an EPFO regional office. First, visit the EPFO office to find out your old PF number. After that, get a UAN (Universal Account Number) and link your old PF account to the UAN.
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There are two ways to withdraw your PF. The first is the online method: Log in to the EPFO portal, select Online Services > Claim (Form 31, 19, 10C), fill in the required information, and have the amount transferred directly to your bank account.