The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has revised its policy regarding the requirement of uploading a validated bank passbook or cheque leaf in certain situations during the claim submission process.
Verification Methods by EPFO
To ensure the accuracy of claims, the EPFO has introduced alternative verification methods, including:
- Online Bank KYC Verification: Banks or the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will directly verify KYC details online.
- Employer Verification via DSC: Employers can verify bank account details using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- Aadhaar Number Seeding Verification: Bank account Aadhaar numbers will be validated by UIDAI.
Purpose and Impact
This update aims to streamline the online claim settlement process and reduce claim rejections due to missing document uploads.
The relaxation of document requirements applies to eligible cases based on specified validations.
Eligibility Criteria Clarification
EPFO may not have specified explicit eligibility criteria. Potential outcomes include:
Validated Bank Data: No documentation may be required if bank data is already verified through KYC or other methods.
Claim Sum Threshold: Relaxation may apply to claims below a certain sum.
Document Requirements for EPF Claims
Cancelled Check: For accounts with cheque book functionality, an original cancelled check with member details and IFSC code is ideal.
Authenticated Bank Passbook Copy: If your account lacks cheque book functionality, an authenticated passbook copy with bank manager’s stamp and signature, containing account number and IFSC code, is accepted.
Online Claim Submission Process
- Eligibility Requirements: You must possess a valid Universal Account Number (UAN) and be a registered member with seeded and validated Aadhaar and bank account details.
- Claim Filing Steps:
Log in to the EPFO member portal using UAN and password. Navigate to the “Claim” section and select the type of claim. Verify pre-filled KYC details and update if necessary. Depending on circumstances, online verification techniques may replace document uploads.
In some cases, scanned document copies may still be required. Monitor claim progress through the portal.
Additional Information and Assistance
Keep a copy of your filed online claim for future reference .Contact EPFO helpdesk for assistance during the claim submission process.
Following these steps will facilitate a smoother online claim submission experience. Visit the official EPFO website for the latest updates and information.
