The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) manages India’s employee retirement funds. Many employees submit EPFO claims in order to withdraw money, request pensions, or shift accounts. Yet, quite a number of these claims get rejected. With knowledge of such reasons and avoiding them, workers can get their funds without obstacles.

Common Reasons for EPFO Claim Rejections

EPFO claims are denied on account of various reasons. The following are the most common reasons along with their explanations:

1. KYC Issues

Inadequate KYC (Know Your Customer) verification

Mismatched Aadhaar, PAN, or bank information

Failure of employer verification of KYC documents

2. Mismatch in Personal Details

Name, date of birth, or father’s name is not consistent across EPFO, Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account.

Spelling error or discrepancy in employer records

3. Employment Discrepancies

Mistmatch in the service period recorded in EPF records and that of actual work

Lacking previous employer particulars in EPF transfer applications

4. Error in Bank Details

Inactive bank account number

Incorrect IFSC code

Without proper authority in joint accounts

5. Problem in Aadhaar Linking

Aadhaar not registered under UAN (Universal Account Number)

Mismatch in Aadhaar details and the EPFO database

6. Form Submission Miserrors

Properly incorrect claim forms being submitted

Attestation lacking from employer as required

Misfiling in submitting an erroneous form type (e.g., Form 10C where only Form 19 is accepted)

7. Higher Pension Scheme-Specific Issues

According to recent reports, EPFO rejected over 5 lakh higher pension claims in 2025 due to:

Non-compliance with EPS norms (Employees’ Pension Scheme)

Employers not contributing the full 8.33% towards EPS

Expired application renewal periods

Delays in employer verification

Pro Tip: Always check your claim form and ensure all required fields are filled before submission.

Solutions to Avoid Claim Rejection

To prevent your EPFO claim from being rejected, follow these best practices:

1. Make sure Proper KYC Updates

Aadhaar, PAN, and bank information on your EPFO profile should be verified.

Rectify any lacking information and authorize it with your employer.

2. Personal Details Matching Across Documents

Your name, DOB, and father’s name on all documents must be uniformed.

If some corrections are essential, rectify them through EPFO’s Unified Member Portal.

3. Verification of Employment History

See whether your earlier employer has uploaded exit dates in the EPFO database.

For all employers, see that your service records are compounded properly.

4. Verify Bank Account Details

Utilize an active account having a proper IFSC code.

See that the account is not a joint one unless authorized.

5. Correctly Link Aadhaar

Access the EPFO portal and confirm your Aadhaar details.

Make it verified through your employer so that the claim is not rejected.

6. Utilize the Right Claim Form

Form 19 – For complete EPF withdrawal after leaving employment

Form 10C – For withdrawal of pension

Form 31 – For advance withdrawals

Form 13 – For transfer of EPF from one employer to another

Note: In case of applying for enhanced pension, check whether your employer has contributed the right percentage towards EPS.

Step-by-Step Claim Correction Process

In case your EPFO claim is rejected, use the following steps to correct and resubmit it:

Step 1: Check Claim Status

Go to the EPFO portal (https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/).

Log in with your UAN and password.

Click on ‘Track Claim Status’.

Step 2: Identify the Rejection Reason

Note down the precise reason given for rejection.

Compare it with details submitted.

Step 3: Rectify Errors

Correct wrong details through EPFO’s portal.

Seek employer verification if necessary.

Step 4: Resubmit the Corrected Claim

Submit the correct claim form.

Upload the missing or corrected documents.

Obtain employer attestation (if necessary).

Step 5: Track and Follow Up

Keep monitoring claim status online.

If necessary, write to EPFO or regional office.

Case Studies of EPFO Claim Rejections

Case Study 1: Rejected Due to Mismatched Bank Details

Problem: Employee’s bank IFSC code was outdated.

Solution: Provided updated bank details on the EPFO portal and resubmitted the claim.

Outcome: Claim approved within 10 days.

Case Study 2: Higher Pension Claim Rejected Due to EPS Contribution Issues

Problem: Employer had not contributed 8.33% of actual salary towards EPS.

Solution: Employer submitted revised EPS contributions.

Outcome: Claim accepted after verification.

Key Takeaway: Verify all information prior to submission of an EPFO claim to avoid rejection.

Conclusion & Final Tips

EPFO claims are rejected due to a variety of reasons, but the majority of them can be avoided with proper documentation and verification. Always make sure:

KYC is updated with accurate Aadhaar, PAN, and bank information.

Personal information is consistent across all records.

Employer verification is done prior to claim submission.

The proper form is utilized according to your claim category.

You monitor your claim status and move quickly if it is rejected.

By doing this, you can have a smooth EPFO claim process and get your money without any delay.

FAQs: EPFO Claim Rejections

1. Why was my EPFO claim rejected because of KYC issues?

Your KYC information (Aadhaar, PAN, or bank account) might not be the same as your EPFO records. Update them on the EPFO portal and have them verified.

2. How do I rectify a rejected EPFO claim?

Verify your rejection reason, fill in the mandatory details, and resubmit through the Unified Member Portal.

3. What do I do if my employer has not verified my details?

Remind your employer and ask them to verify. If they are slow, contact the EPFO regional office.

4. Can I reapply if my higher pension claim was rejected?

Yes, but only if you are EPS eligible. Make sure your employer has deposited the right percentage before applying again.

5. How long does EPFO take to settle claims?

Generally, 10-30 days, but mistakes can take longer. Monitor your claim status periodically.The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) manages India’s employee retirement funds. Many employees submit EPFO claims in order to withdraw money, request pensions, or shift accounts. Yet, quite a number of these claims get rejected. With knowledge of such reasons and avoiding them, workers can get their funds without obstacles.