How to Transfer PF Online & Offline Process: A Complete Guide

Managed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Provident Fund (PF) is a retirement savings scheme for Indian employees. It was introduced in India by the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act in 1952.

While changing jobs, you need to transfer PF from your previous employer to your current employer. Let us read more about the PF Transfer process both online and offline in detail.

What is a Provident Fund (PF)?

In the Provident Fund (PF) scheme, both employer and employee contribute a certain percentage of salary towards the fund. PF is deducted from the monthly salary of the employee. The deposited amount in the PF gets fixed interest defined by the EPFO each year.

Eligibility Criteria for PF Transfer

For PF transfer, you must meet the below eligibility criteria:

1. UAN must be activated and linked to your mobile number.
2. E-KYC must be approved by the employer.
3. Both previous and current employers should have digitally registered their authorized signatures with the EPFO.
4. The PF number of both current and previous employers must be updated correctly.

Documents Required for PF Transfer 

Below are the documents required for the PF Transfer:

• UAN (Universal Account Number)
• PF account number
• ID Proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving licence)
• Bank account details
• Establishment number
• Current and old PF account details
• Current employer’s details

How to Transfer PF Online? 

You can transfer PF online by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Log in to the EPFO website.
• Step 2: Select “One Member - One EPF Account (Transfer Request)” under the “Online Services” tab.
• Step 3: Check your eligibility to transfer the PF balance to another account.
• Step 4: Fill in the details of your previous employer, including the employer's name, PF account number, and the registered state of the company.
• Step 5: Confirm the details.
• Step 6: Fill in the details of your current employer, including the employer's name, PF account number, and the registered state of the company.
• Step 7: Confirm the details.
• Step 8: Click the “Get OTP” button.
• Step 9: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
• Step 10: Click on the “Submit” button.

To track the transfer status, a tracking ID will be generated. Once the transfer is done, the PF balance will be updated in your current employer’s name.
 

How to Transfer PF Offline? 

You can transfer PF offline by following the below steps:

• Step 1: Print Form 13, fill in the details, and submit it to the current employer.
• Step 2: The current employer will submit the form to the EPF office.
• Step 3: The application is sent to previous employers for verification and attestation.
• Step 4: Upon verification from the previous employer, the EPF office initiates the transfer.

How to Check PF Transfer Status?

You can check PF Transfer status by following the below steps:

• Step 1: Log in using your UAN and password.
• Step 2: Click on ‘Track Claim Status”, under the ‘Services’.
• Step 3: Enter the reference number of your PF transfer request.

Your current status of PF transfer will be displayed.

Benefits of Transferring PF

Here are some of the benefits of transferring PF:

• EPF is a long-term investment that the government supports.
• PF can be used in case of emergency.
• It is tax-free if the PF is transferred within 5 years.
• EPFO provides compound interest on PF contributions. The interest would be reduced if the PF amount is withdrawn instead of transferred.

Online vs. Offline PF Transfer – Key Differences

Below are the key differences between online PF transfer and offline transfer:

Things to Consider While Transferring PF 

Here are a few things to consider while transferring PF:

• You can transfer your PF only between PF accounts.
• You must ensure your previous and current employers are linked to UAN with their ECR data.
• You must ensure all the bank account details and KYC documents are updated to your UAN.
• You can track your status online and follow up if required.