EPF Claim Rejected Because of EPS? Top Reasons and Proven Fixes (India 2025 Guide)
- Harsh Jain
- 3 days ago
- 14 min read
EPF claim rejected due to EPS issue? Discover the top reasons, pension rules, and actionable fixes. Avoid delays and get your EPF approved faster.
Introduction: Why Your EPF Claim May Get Rejected—And What EPS Has to Do With It
“Over 8–10 lakh EPF claims are rejected every year—many due to hidden EPS issues.”
Applied for your EPF withdrawal or transfer and got rejected? You're not alone—and the reason might not be your EPF at all. One of the most common but confusing reasons behind claim rejection is a problem with your EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) record.
Most employees don’t realize that EPS, which manages your pension, is closely tied to your EPF account. So even when your EPF balance is correct, your claim can be denied because of:
Missing or incorrect EPS contributions
Untransferred pension service history
Conflicts in employer records—especially after a job change
This guide explains why your EPF claim gets rejected due to EPS issues, what the error messages mean, and exactly how you can fix them—quickly and correctly.
EPF claim rejected due to EPS issue? Discover the top reasons, pension rules, and actionable fixes. Avoid delays and get your EPF approved faster.
What Is EPS and Why Does It Affect Your EPF Withdrawal?
The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) is a pension benefit program maintained by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). It runs alongside your EPF account but plays a very different role: while EPF helps you build a lump sum through contributions, EPS is meant to provide you with monthly pension income post-retirement.
Here’s the catch:
Even though you’re applying for a Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal, errors in your EPS record—like missing contributions, incorrect service periods, or unverified transfers—can lead to a complete claim rejection.
Why Does EPS Cause EPF Withdrawal Rejections?
✅ Shared service history: Your EPS and EPF are linked to the same UAN and work history. Missing or mismatched EPS data can flag inconsistencies in your tenure or eligibility, causing your full EPF claim to be denied.
✅ Default validations: When you file for a final settlement or transfer, EPFO checks for EPS contribution and service continuity before processing your EPF. If they can't verify it—rejected.
✅ Hidden errors: You might not see EPS issues in your passbook, but when EPFO processes your claim, they uncover gaps: missing EPS transfers (Annexure K), misreported salary, or broken service periods.
What This Means Practically:
Even if you're not claiming a pension, your PF claim can still be blocked because the system looks at EPS records first.
It's one of the most confusing and frustrating reasons for PF claim rejections—especially when everything else seems fine. If your claim was rejected and the reason mentioned EPS—this guide will help you fix it.
EPS Contribution Rules: What Changed and Why It Matters in 2025
Many EPF claims are rejected today because of outdated or incomplete EPS contribution records. Here’s a fast breakdown of the EPS rules that affect your claim.
Before 2014
EPS applied on salaries up to ₹6,500/month.
Employer contributed 8.33%, capped at ₹541/month.
Higher contributions required a joint option form.
After September 1, 2014
Salary cap raised to ₹15,000/month.
Max EPS contribution = ₹1,250/month.
Anyone who joined after this date with salary > ₹15,000 is not eligible for EPS, unless they opted for “higher pension” with proper paperwork.
What's Happening in 2025
EPFO is cracking down on bad EPS data—especially in high-volume zones like Mumbai and Chennai.
More claims are being rejected for errors like:
Gaps in EPS contribution
Missing Annexure K
Inconsistent service history
Unclear or invalid EPS eligibility
Why This Matters
You may apply for an EPF withdrawal or transfer, but the entire claim can be blocked if:
You’re ineligible for EPS but contributions were made in error
Your EPS service records aren’t linked properly
Employers didn’t file the required forms when your salary changed or during job switch
Tip: If your EPF claim was rejected due to EPS:
Check if you crossed ₹15,000 salary post-2014
Confirm if you opted for a higher pension
Get any missing Annexure K from your past employer
Use EPFO’s grievance portal to escalate
Your guide through EPF or PF, to know more about EPFO.
Top Reasons Your EPF Claim Was Rejected Due to EPS Issues
Every week, thousands of EPF claims are denied—not because your main PF account is wrong, but due to hidden errors in your EPS (Employees’ Pension Scheme) record. Here’s what to look for:
1. Missing EPS Contributions
Your employer skipped or failed to deposit the 8.33% EPS share for some service months.
Portal message: “EPS contribution not available.”
Fix: Request employer to file arrears and submit fresh ECR
2. Service Period Mismatch
Total years of service reported is short (e.g., 9 years 11 months instead of 10), often due to wrong dates or gaps between jobs.
Error: “EPS service less than 10 years”
Fix: Get employers to correct joining/exiting dates
3. Exit Date Missing or Wrong
No exit date shown for a past job—blocking both PF and EPS settlement.
Error: “Exit date not available”
Fix: Contact employer to immediately update exit date in EPFO portal
4. Multiple UANs / Gaps in Service
Two or more UANs (usually after job change) mean your service and EPS records are split.
Error: “UAN mismatch” or “Service gap detected.”
Fix: Merge all UANs and ask employers to update service history
5. Employer Didn’t Submit Form 10C or 3A
Crucial forms showing EPS withdrawal (10C) and annual contributions (3A) are missing from EPFO records.
Error: “Form 10C not submitted” or “Contribution details unavailable”
Fix: Ask past employer to upload missing forms and resubmit claim
6. Wrong or Missing Claim Form
Only Form 19 submitted, not 10C—or vice versa. Both are vital for complete PF + EPS settlement.
Error: “Incorrect form submitted”
Fix: Submit both Form 19 (PF) and 10C (EPS) when required
7. Ineligible for EPS (Short Service Under 6 Months)
System flags ineligible applicants, but still expects EPS data—leading to confusion.
Error: “EPS ineligible due to service less than 6 months”
Fix: Only file Form 19, skip Form 10C if tenure <6 months
Act Fast: Most EPS Errors in EPF Claims Are Fixable
Check all PF records, confirm forms and service history, merge UANs, and stay in touch with each employer. If you hit a wall, escalate through the EPFO grievance portal for fastest resolution.
Read this if you are facing other rejection reasons: Real solutions for common PF problems
5. Extended List: Common EPS-Related Claim Errors (And How to Fix Them)
It’s common for EPF claims to fail because of errors in your EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) record, not just in your main Provident Fund details. Below is a concise, expert-driven table outlining each error, its typical cause, and the proven steps you should take to resolve them—keeping you efficient, compliant, and stress-free.
Reason | What It Means | What to Do/Fix |
epf claim rejected due to eps | Rejection linked to invalid/missing EPS data (common umbrella reason) | Check EPS passbook, service history; file grievance & correct via employer |
eps contribution not available | Employer didn’t contribute or declare pension share | Ask employer for Form 3A; file revised ECR + joint declaration |
missing eps contribution | Gaps in EPS share for one or more jobs | Contact employer, get salary slips; request missed month re-submission |
eps service less than 10 years | Service period (as per EPS record) is <10 years—even if actual is more | Check date of joining/leaving across jobs; correct in EPFO via employer |
form 10c rejected | Form submitted incorrectly, service <6 months, or mismatch in EPS history | Refile with updated info only if eligible (6+ months EPS) |
multiple uan in epf | Two or more UANs = split service data = EPS mismatch | Merge UANs through EPFO or employer; update service details |
eps not declared in form 11 | EPS membership not declared when joining new job; current EPS blank | Submit revised Form 11; employer files correct ECR and pays arrears |
annexure k missing epf transfer | EPS service isn’t transferred between jobs without Annexure K | Ask old employer to upload Annexure K; then re-initiate transfer |
uan mismatch considered as new joinee | UAN not linked across jobs, treated as new EPS case again | Merge accounts, correct UANs in PF portal |
epfo exit date missing | No exit date updated for old job—blocks both EPS and PF withdrawal | Request employer to update DOE (Date of Exit) in EPFO portal |
epf claim rejected due to wrong form | Filed only Form 19; forgot Form 10C; or submitted both when service <6 months | Refile correctly: Only 19 (PF) for <6 months; 10C for EPS if eligible |
eps ineligible due to salary above 15000 | Joined after Sep 2014 with salary > ₹15k, and didn’t opt form for higher EPS | Talk to employer; excess EPS must be reversed to EPF |
eps contribution more than 1250 | EPS can’t exceed statutory cap (₹1,250/month without higher pension option) | Employer must revise ECR and pay excess into EPF, not EPS |
eps claim rejected service <6 months | Auto-rejection for short service (below EPS minimum requirement) | Don't file 10C; claim only EPF using Form 19 |
service not showing in uan | Employment not mapped to EPS section of UAN account | Employer to update joining/leaving in portal + send joint declaration |
Pension not showing in pf passbook | EPS balance not visible; usually by design (EPS doesn’t show directly in passbook) | Verify contributions through 3A or service history only; EPS is not itemized |
eps error code 009 / 010 / 012 | Invalid EPS share entry: wrong amount, blank, exceeds limit | Employer must fix data in ECR submission |
gps data mismatch in eps | Incorrect joining/leaving dates = GPS/TCS uploads fail | Employer corrects dates in PF system + resubmits |
reason of leaving not entered/faulty | Mandatory “reason for leaving” (code C, S, R, etc.) left blank triggers rejection | Employer updates reason in EPFO/UAN portal |
esp pension eligibility rejected | System flags salary/cap/service mismatch for pension eligibility check | Confirm eligibility; file higher pension option if applicable |
6. How to Diagnose Your EPS Contribution Problem (Checklist)
A rejected EPF claim often points to hidden issues in your EPS (Employees’ Pension Scheme) record. Use this step-by-step diagnosis checklist to quickly identify—and prepare to resolve—any EPS contribution problems that may block your PF withdrawal, transfer, or pension claim.
Step-by-Step EPS Contribution Diagnosis
✅ 1. Log in to Your EPFO Passbook & Review EPS Entries
Access the EPFO passbook portal using your UAN and password.
For each employer listed, scan “Deduction Details”: Check if the “EPS” column has consistent entries for eligible months.
Red Flags: Missing EPS entries for some periods or a sudden drop to zero can indicate employer non-compliance or eligibility errors.
✅ 2. Check “Service History” for Pensionable Duration
On the UAN Member Portal, select “View –> Service History”.
Confirm that all jobs are listed in sequence and the total “Pensionable Service” matches your actual tenure.
Look for gaps, overlaps, or missing months—these can trigger the error “EPS service less than 10 years” regardless of your real service length.
✅ 3. Confirm Employers Updated Exit Dates
Still on the Service History page, verify “Date of Exit” is filled for every previous employer.
An absent or incorrect exit date will freeze both your EPF and EPS processing.
If missing, contact your past HR or payroll and request immediate update via EPFO portal; attach proof if needed.
✅ 4. Check If Form 10C Was Ever Filed (and Approved/Rejected)
In the EPFO portal, navigate to “Track Claim Status”.
Look for recent Form 10C submissions (for claiming EPS withdrawal benefit or pension).
If “Rejected,” click the rejection ref no. for the actual error message (e.g., “EPS contribution not available,” “Service less than 6 months,” etc.).
If never filed, ensure eligibility: Only eligible employees with >6 months of EPS service can withdraw using Form 10C.
✅ 5. Raise a Query on EPFiGMS Portal If Unsure
If previous steps don’t make the issue clear, submit a complaint at the EPFiGMS Grievance Portal.
Attach payslips, appointment letters, service certificates, and any proof of contributions.
The EPFO field office will respond with specific instructions or clarifications for your case.
🔎 Pro Tip: EPS Diagnosis Table
What to Check | What to Look For | Next Action If Problem Found |
EPS column in Passbook | Consistent deduction every eligible month | Contact employer to file arrears/joint declaration |
Service History – Pensionable Years | Continuous, correct total tenure | Have employers correct dates, merge UANs if split |
Exit Date for Each Employer | Present and matches actual job leave date | Ask employer to update immediately |
Form 10C Status | Approved, rejected, or never filed? | Refile correctly, correct service/KYC data |
Grievance Response (if escalated) | Specific error code or officer advice | Follow their guidance for supporting docs |
By following this diagnosis checklist, you’ll pinpoint the actual EPS contribution or service issue holding back your EPF claim—so you can move quickly to fix it and secure your rightful benefits.
7. How to Fix an EPS-Linked Rejection: Proven Methods
When your EPF claim is rejected due to EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) errors—like missing contributions, service period mismatches, or incomplete documentation—take the following structured steps to resolve the issue and secure your provident fund settlement:
1. File a Joint Declaration with Your Old Employer
Prepare a Joint Declaration form to correct service details (name, dates of joining/leaving, or EPS data).
Attach evidence such as appointment/relieving letters, payslips, or previous UAN statements.
Submit it to your former HR/payroll; they must attest and forward it to the EPFO office for record correction.
2. Request Submission of Form 3A for Missing EPS Years
Ask your employer to provide Form 3A, which summarizes yearly PF and EPS contributions.
This form is vital to prove continuous pensionable service and fill in any gaps in your EPS record.
If service for certain years is missing, request the employer to file revised ECRs for those periods.
3. Ensure Proper Submission of Form 10C If Eligible
Submit Form 10C for EPS withdrawal or settlement if your service exceeds six months and you’re not eligible for pension.
If previously skipped or rejected, refile after correcting all service/KYC details.
Track claim status for Form 10C and address any new errors immediately.
4. Raise a Complaint on EPFiGMS for Persistent EPS Errors
If employer is unresponsive, data is still missing, or rejection cause is unclear:
Log a grievance at the EPFiGMS Grievance Portal.
Select reasons like “EPS error,” “service period mismatch,” or specific error codes/messages from your claim status.
Attach all relevant proof: salary slips, forms, correspondence, and prior claim rejections.
5. Wait 15–30 Days, Then Follow Up (Including RTI, If Needed)
Standard response/rectification time for EPFO is 2–4 weeks.
If you receive no update or unsatisfactory resolution, file a Right to Information (RTI) application to escalate with the EPFO office—this often triggers faster, formal answers.
6. Reapply Your EPF Claim on the EPFO Portal
Once service history, EPS contributions, and exits are corrected and reflected in your UAN/EPFO portal:
Re-submit your EPF withdrawal or transfer claim online with all supporting documentation.
Monitor status for further communication or additional requirements.
Quick Reference Checklist
Step | Purpose | Who to Contact |
Joint Declaration | Fix service/data/KYC/exit/EPS details | Former employer + EPFO |
Form 3A | Summarize and prove EPS contributions each year | Employer/Payroll Dept |
Form 10C | Official EPS withdrawal/settlement application | Self, with employer as needed |
EPFiGMS Complaint | Escalate unresolved errors or non-cooperation | Online via EPFO portal |
RTI Application | Legal information request if no/slow response | EPFO regional office |
Reapply Claim | Fresh submission post-correction | EPFO/UAN Portal |
Essential Tips
Always maintain digital copies of every submitted form and EPFO correspondence.
Push employers for timely electronic updates; delays often stem from slow HR response.
When filing grievances or RTI, be clear, concise, and include all supporting documents.
After reapplication, check your claim status weekly and respond swiftly to any additional requests.
By following this process, you can resolve most EPS-related EPF claim rejections with minimal delay and reclaim your rightful retirement savings.
8. Real Story: How Ramesh from Bengaluru Finally Got His EPF—With Kustodian.life’s Help
Ramesh, an employee from Bengaluru, spent two frustrating years battling EPF claim rejections. Every time he filed, he saw the dreaded message: “EPS contribution not available”—a result of one past employer failing to deposit his pension share, and a missing exit date in the EPFO portal. Despite repeated calls, emails, and even visits to the HR department and local EPFO office, Ramesh got nowhere. His hard-earned ₹3.6 lakh remained out of reach.
Desperate, Ramesh turned to Kustodian.life. Their team immediately reviewed his case, identified the missed EPS years, and guided him to secure Form 3A from his employer while facilitating prompt corrections to his exit date through a joint declaration. With Kustodian’s step-by-step support—crafting emails, handling calls, and pushing both employer and EPFO for action—Ramesh was finally able to reapply with complete, accurate documentation.
From the moment he partnered with Kustodian.life, the blocking errors were resolved and his full EPF claim was approved in just 2 months—after waiting in limbo for two years.
For anyone facing endless EPF claim rejections linked to EPS issues, Ramesh’s story shows: targeted, expert help can mean the difference between years of financial stress and fast, successful resolution.
9. Actionable Tips to Avoid EPS-Related Rejections
Avoid unnecessary delays by following these sharp, proven steps to keep your EPF claim from being blocked due to EPS issues.
Must-Do Checklist
Check EPS Service Before You Apply
Log in to the UAN portal and review your “Service History.” Carefully confirm that all jobs, joining and exit dates, and pensionable service are accurately recorded. Any missing entry or gap can put your claim at risk of rejection.
Merge UANs After Every Job Change
If you've worked for different employers and have multiple UANs, your EPS records may be split or incomplete. Merge UANs immediately through the EPFO portal to ensure a unified and complete service history.
Ensure Employer Marks Exit Date
If your previous employer does not update the Date of Exit correctly in the EPFO portal, your claim may get stuck. Always confirm that the exit date for your last employment is properly updated and matches your actual departure month.
Keep All Key Documents Handy
Maintain copies of Form 3A (annual statement), Form 10C (EPS claim), and your latest UAN passbook. These records are crucial for resolving errors, proving service, or filing grievances if issues arise.
Track Using UMANG and File on EPFiGMS
Regularly monitor your service and claim status using the UMANG app or the EPFO member portal. If you notice any inconsistencies or issues, promptly raise a support request through the EPFiGMS grievance portal for quick and official resolution.
Quick Fix Table
Action | Prevents |
Review service and EPS history | Pensionable service errors |
Merge UANs | Split or missing EPS records |
Confirm exit update | Rejection due to blank exit date |
Save forms and documents | Lack of proof in resolving issues |
Use UMANG/EPFiGMS | Early detection and fast action |
One inaccuracy in your EPS record can block your EPF claim. Stay proactive: review, merge, update, and submit your claim with full confidence.
FAQs: EPF Claim Rejection Due to EPS Issues
Can I get EPF if EPS is less than 10 years?
Yes—you can withdraw your entire EPF balance even if your EPS (pension) service is under 10 years. For EPS, you get a lump sum (Form 10C), but not a monthly pension.
What is Form 3A in EPFO?
Form 3A is your annual statement summarizing monthly EPF and EPS contributions by both employee and employer. It serves as proof of service and contributions for every financial year.
How do I know if my EPS contribution is missing?
Check your EPFO e-passbook or UMANG app for “EPS” entries. If months are missing, ask your employer for Form 3A and compare with your payslips. Gaps mean missing contributions—file a grievance if not fixed.
Why was my EPF claim rejected due to EPS?
Your claim may be rejected if EPS contributions are missing, service history is incomplete, or transfer documents like Annexure K are not submitted.
What does "EPS contribution not available" mean?
It means your employer failed to deposit the 8.33% EPS share; claims get blocked until arrears are paid and the record is corrected.
How do I fix “service less than 10 years” error?
Ask your employer to correct joining/leaving dates or update service history in the EPFO portal. If your actual service is 10+ years but error persists, submit a joint declaration.
Why is my claim rejected after job change?
It’s often due to missing service transfer or Annexure K from your previous employer, especially after switching from a trust to direct EPFO coverage. Always get Annexure K for every transfer.
What does UAN mismatch mean in EPF claims?
Multiple UANs split your EPS service record, causing errors and rejections. Merge all previous UANs under your main account to ensure full credit and smooth claims.
10. Resources and Useful Links
Get fast, official answers from the sources that matter:
EPFO Member Portal:
https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/
Track claims, view passbook, update KYC, and review service history.
EPFiGMS Grievance Portal:
File complaints, upload documents, monitor grievance status.
EPFO Form 10C Info:
https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_en/For_Employees.php?id=sm2_index
Official details and instructions for EPS withdrawal/settlement.
UMANG App (Official):
https://web.umang.gov.in/landing/
Mobile access to EPF services, claim tracking, and record management.
11. Conclusion: EPS Might Be the Hidden Reason Your EPF Is Stuck — But It’s Fixable
If your EPF claim is rejected, and the reason mentions "EPS contribution" or "service mismatch," you’re not alone. Thousands of employees face claim delays every month due to small but critical EPS-related issues—missing contributions, incorrect exit dates, or incomplete service history.
The good news? Most EPS-based rejections are fixable.
With the right documentation—Form 3A, joint declarations, corrected exit dates or UAN merges—and timely follow-up via the EPFiGMS portal, your claim can be successfully approved. Tools like the UMANG app and official EPFO platforms make it easier than ever to track and resolve claim issues.
And if you’re stuck or unsure where to start, let the experts take over.
Kustodian.life has helped people across India clear confusing rejections, coordinate with employers, and unlock their rightful PF and pension payouts—quickly and with confidence.
Don’t let an EPS error delay what you’ve earned. Be proactive, be informed, and get help when needed. Your money. Your right. Your move.👉 Need support? Connect with Kustodian.life for expert help now.
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