The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has updated the rules for PF claims.
Aadhaar is no longer mandatory for all employees to claim PF, but this relaxation applies only to specific categories of employees.
These employees are exempted from the requirement of linking their Universal Account Number (UAN) with Aadhaar.
This change aims to simplify the process for employees who face difficulties in obtaining Aadhaar or similar documents.
Which employees will be exempt?
International employees registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) are exempted from this rule.
This includes employees who returned to their home country after working in India and could not obtain Aadhaar.
Additionally, Indians who hold foreign citizenship, former Indian citizens who have permanently moved abroad, and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan are also exempt from the Aadhaar requirement.
Alternative Options to Aadhaar
Aadhaar is not required for employees covered under the EPF&MP Act who reside outside India and do not have Aadhaar.
With this update, these employees can also file claims under EPFO. A separate option will be available for them.
You Can Also Use These Documents to Make a Claim
EPFO has allowed employees in these categories to settle their PF claims using alternative documents.
These include verification documents such as a passport, citizenship certificate, or other official ID.
Verification will be done using PAN, bank account details, and other eligibility criteria. For claims over ₹5 lakh, the employer will verify the authenticity of the member.
What is the rule for claim?
EPFO’s rule states that every claim must be thoroughly reviewed by officials.
After the review, approval must be given through the e-office file by the Approval Officer-in-Charge (OIC).
Employees are also advised to keep the same UAN number or transfer their previous service record to the same UAN. This helps in processing the claim more easily.
