How to Close a PF Account Permanently?

Can You Permanently Close Your PF Account Online?

It is possible to close your PF account only under two conditions:
 

• Retirement or Job Change: You can choose to close your PF account once you are retired and have withdrawn the entire EPF amount. Further, if you have left your employment, then also you can shut your account after the final settlement.
  
  
• The demise of the Employee: In case of the death of the PF account holder, their accumulated PF amount will be given to their nominee, and the account will be closed permanently.
  
  

Note that closing a PF account is not as easy as it sounds. With UAN (Universal Account Number) being issued for every salaried employee, it is tricky to permanently close the PF account. The reason behind this is every employer asks the new joinee for their UAN number as it helps them to transfer their EPF to the new employer.

So, if you are thinking of closing your PF account due to a job change, you can consider transferring it to your new employer instead.

Terms and Conditions for EPF Account Closure Online

If you are withdrawing your PF amount due to a job change, there are certain terms and conditions you need to follow. These are as follows:
 

• Service Period of 10 Years: If your age is between 50-58 and you have completed 10 years of continuous service in your company, you are eligible to claim an early withdrawal. In this scenario, you need to fill out Form 10D and Composite Claim Form.
  
  
• Service Period Over 10 Years: If you have completed more than 10 years of service but are less than 58 years of age, then you are not eligible to withdraw your EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) amount. You will only receive the pension after your retirement.
  
  
• Service Period Less than 10 Years: If you have not completed 10 years of service with a company, you can claim both PF and EPS sum. In this case, you need to fill out the “Composite Claim Form” and opt for “Final PF Balance.”
  
  
• Age 58 and Above: If your age is 58 years or more, you can withdraw your entire EPF amount and can also claim EPS by submitting Form 10D.

How to Make Final EPF Withdrawal?

The process of final EPF settlement is simple and straightforward. You can do so online or offline based on your preferences. Let’s discuss both processes in detail.

Online PF Withdrawal

Here is what you need to do:
 

• Go to the EPFO official website.
• Select Member UAN/Online Service (OCS/OTCP) option.
• Enter the required details, such as your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password. Fill in the captcha and click on “Sign in.”
• Navigate to the “Online Services” option from the menu and click on “Claim (Form-31,19,10D & 10C)”.
• Enter the required details and select “Verify.”
• Click “Yes” to sign the “Certificate of Undertaking”.
• Next, select “Only PF withdrawal (Form 19)” from the drop-down list.
• Enter your correct address. Once done, check the disclaimer and select “Get Aadhaar OTP.” You will receive the Aadhaar OTP on your linked mobile number. Enter it to submit your application.
• A reference number will be generated on a successful submission of the withdrawal application. Copy this number for future reference.
  
  

If done correctly, your complete PF amount will be reflected in your UAN-linked bank account.
 

Offline PF Withdrawal

Here is everything you need to do for offline EPF withdrawal:
 

• Visit the official EPFO website and download the Composite Claim form.
• Fill out the form and submit it to the EPFO in your area. Note that you don’t need your employer’s attestation for the Aadhaar Composite Claim form. But for a non-Aadhaar form, you will need your employer’s attestation.

Documents Required for EPF Withdrawal

Below are the main documents required to make the final EPF withdrawal:
 

• EPF Close Account Form
• Bank account details
• One blank and cancelled cheque with the account number and IFSC code visible
• Identity Proof
• Address Proof
   

For online EPF withdrawal, no additional documents are required. But you must upload a clear scanned copy of your passbook on the EPFO portal. You must ensure that all the required bank details are visible on your uploaded document.

Final Thoughts

EPF is a highly sought-after savings scheme for the financial security it provides to salaried employees post their retirement. It provides them with an accumulated fund that can be used to live their retirement age in a stress-free way.

As we have discussed, an EPF account can be closed permanently mainly under two circumstances: retirement and demise of the account holder.

We have outlined the complete process to close the PF account online. All you need to do is stick to the above-mentioned steps.