Salary account changed after switching jobs? do this immediately or your PF money may get stuck

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): When employees change jobs, they often end up changing their salary bank account as well. This may happen due to company policies, better banking services, or lower charges offered by a new bank. However, many people overlook one crucial detail during this process. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation always transfers PF money only to the bank account linked with your Universal Account Number (UAN). If your old account has been closed or has become inactive, your PF withdrawal claim may get rejected. In most cases, employees realise this problem only when they urgently need money and apply for PF withdrawal.

Check these details on the portal before making any change

Before updating bank details, it is essential to log in to the EPFO Member e-Seva portal and verify which bank account is currently linked with your UAN. Many employees assume that bank details get updated automatically after changing jobs, which is not true. You must also ensure that your Aadhaar and PAN are fully verified. Even a minor spelling mismatch in your name or personal details can lead to rejection of your update request. If any information does not match, get it corrected first before proceeding further on the portal.

How to update your new bank account with EPFO

After logging in to the portal, go to the “Manage” section and click on the “KYC” option. There, you will see your existing bank account details. Carefully enter your new bank account number and IFSC code, as most errors occur during data entry. If required, upload a clear image of a cancelled cheque. Once submitted, the request does not get approved instantly. It is sent to your current employer for approval. If your company’s HR or salary department does not approve it, the bank details will not be updated. Therefore, if the request remains pending, contact your HR department without delay.

Act on time to avoid future trouble

If you file a PF withdrawal claim with incorrect or outdated bank details, EPFO will not process the payment and your claim will be rejected. You will then have to restart the entire process. During emergencies or after leaving a job, delays in PF withdrawal can cause significant stress. Remember, your UAN remains the same throughout your career, and only one bank account can be active under it at any given time. Hence, whenever your salary account changes, updating it on the EPFO portal should be a top priority. This five-minute task can save you weeks of trouble in the future.