When you switch jobs, managing your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account is crucial. Many employees wonder, “What happens to my PF account when I change my job?” The good news is that transferring your PF balance from one employer to another is now easier than ever, thanks to the Unified Member Portal (UAN) introduced by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
Transferring your PF account ensures that your savings remain intact and that you continue earning interest on your accumulated balance without any break. In this guide, we will discuss:
✔️ The complete process of transferring your PF account.
✔️ Documents required for a smooth transfer.
✔️ How UAN helps in PF transfer.
✔️ Important things to keep in mind during the transfer.
Why Should You Transfer Your PF Account?
Many employees make the mistake of withdrawing their PF amount when they change jobs instead of transferring it. However, transferring is a better option because:
✅ Continuous Interest – If your PF account remains active, you continue earning interest on your savings.
✅ Tax Benefits – PF withdrawal before 5 years of continuous service attracts tax deductions.
✅ Retirement Corpus Growth – A single PF account with a longer contribution history helps in building a strong retirement fund.
✅ Hassle-Free Management – Managing multiple PF accounts is complex; transferring makes it easy.
If you don’t transfer your PF, your old account might become inactive after a few years, and you may face difficulty in claiming the amount later.
Step-by-Step Process to Transfer PF Online
The EPFO has made the PF transfer process online to make it more convenient for employees. Follow these steps to transfer your PF account when you switch jobs:
Step 1: Activate Your UAN (Universal Account Number)
- The UAN is a unique number assigned to every employee with a PF account.
- It remains constant throughout your career, no matter how many jobs you switch.
- If you haven’t activated your UAN, visit the EPFO member portal (https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/) and activate it using your PF number and mobile number.
Step 2: Check KYC and Update Details
Before initiating the transfer, make sure:
✅ Your Aadhaar card, PAN, and bank details are updated on the EPFO portal.
✅ Your previous employer has verified your KYC details.
Without proper KYC verification, your PF transfer request may get rejected.
Step 3: Log in to the EPFO Portal
1️⃣ Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal.
2️⃣ Log in using your UAN and password.
3️⃣ Click on “One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)” under the Online Services tab.
Step 4: Select the Employer for Attestation
- You will be asked to choose whether the transfer request should be verified by the previous employer or the current employer.
- It is advisable to select your current employer, as they are more likely to process the request faster.
Step 5: Enter Previous PF Account Details
- Provide your previous PF account number linked to your old employer.
- If your previous employer has already linked your UAN to your PF account, then details will automatically appear.
Step 6: Verify and Submit Request
- After entering all the details, verify everything carefully.
- Click on “Get OTP”, and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Submit the PF transfer request.
Step 7: Employer Approval
- Once submitted, your current employer or previous employer will verify and approve the request.
- After approval, EPFO will process the PF transfer, and you will receive a confirmation message.
⏳ Processing Time: The PF transfer request usually gets processed within 7-30 days, depending on employer verification.
Documents Required for PF Transfer
Although the process is online, you may need the following documents for verification:
📌 UAN (Universal Account Number)
📌 Old and New Employer’s PF Account Details
📌 Aadhaar Card (Linked to UAN)
📌 PAN Card
📌 Bank Account Details (Linked to UAN)
📌 Salary Slips from Previous Employer (if required for verification)
What If Your PF Transfer Is Not Processed?
If your PF transfer request is not completed, it could be due to the following reasons:
❌ Mismatch in KYC details (Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details not updated).
❌ Previous employer has not approved the request.
❌ Technical issues on the EPFO portal.
💡 Solution: If you face issues, contact your HR department or raise a grievance on the EPFO Grievance Portal.
How Does UAN Help in Seamless PF Transfer?
With UAN (Universal Account Number), the PF transfer process has become much simpler:
✔️ You don’t need to open a new PF account every time you switch jobs.
✔️ Your new employer can directly link the existing PF account with your UAN.
✔️ Auto-transfer of PF is possible if KYC is fully updated.
Things to Keep in Mind While Transferring PF
✅ Do Not Withdraw PF Before 5 Years: If you withdraw before 5 years of continuous service, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) may be applicable.
✅ Check PF Balance After Transfer: Once the transfer is completed, verify that the correct balance has been transferred to your new account.
✅ Update KYC Regularly: Ensure that your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are always updated in the EPFO portal.
✅ Keep Your UAN Active: Your UAN helps track your PF details in one place.
Final Thoughts
Transferring your PF account when switching jobs is a straightforward process if your UAN and KYC details are updated. Instead of withdrawing your PF amount, it’s better to transfer it to continue earning interest and avail tax benefits. With the EPFO online portal, the process has become seamless, ensuring that employees can manage their retirement savings hassle-free.
