EPF Form 13: PF Transfer Online & Offline (How to Fill, PDF, Status)
- Buragadda Praneet
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Unsure about EPF Form 13? Discover when a PF transfer is necessary, how to apply online or offline, reasons for transfer delays, and how to track Form 13 status in India.
Quick Summary
EPF Form 13 is used to transfer your Provident Fund when you switch jobs.
PF is often auto-transferred under One Member One EPF, but this isn't always the case.
Transfers can be hindered by employer delays, incorrect exit dates, or trust-managed PFs.
You can apply online via the EPFO portal or UMANG, and offline in certain situations.
If your transfer is delayed beyond typical timelines, it's crucial to check your service history before escalating.
Introduction: Why PF Transfer Causes So Much Anxiety
Switching jobs is already stressful. Additionally, realising that your PF hasn't transferred to your new account can be overwhelming.
Many assume PF transfer is automatic, while others file Form 13 without knowing if it's necessary. Months later, the status may still show “Pending with Employer” or “Under Process” without a clear reason.
This guide aims to reduce that confusion. We’ll clarify what EPF Form 13 truly means, when it’s needed, when it’s not, and the practical steps to take within the Indian EPFO system today.
What Is EPF Form 13?
EPF Form 13 is the official request form used to transfer your Provident Fund balance from your previous employer’s PF account to your current one.
Why it matters
Your PF is linked to your service history, not just your balance. Incorrect or incomplete transfers can impact:
Interest credit
EPS (pension) eligibility
Withdrawal or settlement later in life
A seamless PF transfer ensures continuity, which is particularly important if you change jobs frequently.
PF Transfer Stuck? What ‘Pending with Employer’ Really Means
Not every job transition requires the manual filing of Form 13.
Auto-transfer typically applies when:
Your UAN remains the same across jobs.
Aadhaar and KYC are verified.
The exit date is accurately updated by the previous employer
Form 13 is necessary when:
PF is handled by an exempted trust.
The old employer hasn’t updated the exit date.
Multiple UANs exist
You joined before the One Member One EPF initiative became standard
Before filing Form 13, it is beneficial to check if your PF is already qualified for auto-transfer.
Before submitting any request, many individuals find it helpful to review their PF service history to prevent unnecessary rejection. Kustodian offers a Free EPF Audit to help avoid rejections.
Form 13 vs One Member One EPF
Aspect | Form 13 | One Member One EPF |
Process | Manual request | System-driven |
User action | Required | Minimal |
Failure points | Employer, trust, data mismatch | KYC, exit date |
Applicability | Legacy & special cases | Most modern jobs |
How to Apply for EPF Form 13 Online
Most transfers are now initiated online.
Via EPFO Member Portal
Log in using your UAN and password.
Select One Member – One EPF Transfer Request
Verify previous and current employment details.
Choose the employer for attestation.
Via UMANG App
Log in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Go to EPFO services
Start the transfer request.
Typical processing time: 15–45 days, depending on the employer's response.
If your request is delayed beyond the usual timelines, checking the employer approval status early can prevent extended delays. If issues persist, reach out to Kustodian by booking a free call with us!
Offline Form 13: When Online Isn’t Enough
Offline Form 13 is required in certain situations:
Exempted PF trusts
Company closures
Legacy manual records
In these instances, Form 13 must be submitted via the employer or the regional EPFO office.
Offline transfers generally take more time and need more diligent follow-up.
How to Fill EPF Form 13 Offline (Quick Guide)
Form 13 is used to transfer your PF balance from your old EPF account to your new one when you change jobs.
Documents Required
UAN
Previous & Current PF Numbers
Aadhaar
PAN
Bank details
Employer details
Cancelled cheque (if asked)
Steps to Fill Form 13 (Offline)
Enter Employee Details - Name, Father/Husband Name, DOB, Mobile, UAN, Address
Fill Previous PF Account Details- Old employer name, establishment code, PF number, date of exit
Fill Present PF Account Details- New employer name, establishment code, PF number, date of joining
Select Transfer Option- Tick “Transfer entire EPF balance (employee + employer share)”
Sign the Form- Attach Aadhaar/PAN copy and cancelled cheque (if required)
Get Employer Verification- Submit to current employer HR for sign & stamp
Submission to EPFO- Employer forwards it to the EPFO regional office
Common Reasons PF Transfer Gets Stuck
If your Form 13 status hasn’t changed for several weeks, it’s often due to one of the following reasons:
1. Exit date not updated
Without an exit date, EPFO cannot finalise your previous service period.
2. Employer approval delay
Many requests remain pending because HR has not approved them.
3. Mismatch in personal details
Discrepancies in name, date of birth, or Aadhaar hinder processing.
4. Trust-managed PF complications
Trusts conduct internal verification before involving EPFO.
Checking these basic issues before escalating to EPFO or filing grievances can save a lot of time.
How to Verify PF Transfer Status
You can monitor your Form 13 request through:
EPFO Member Portal
UMANG App
Typical Status Interpretations
Status | What it means |
Pending with Employer | Employer approval awaited |
Accepted by Employer | Sent to EPFO |
Under Process | EPFO verification |
Completed | PF transferred |
When Waiting Is Normal — And When It’s Not
Normal waiting
Within 30–45 days
Status updates are progressing.
Action needed when:
Status unchanged for over 60 days
Employer is unresponsive
Errors are apparent in the service history.
Escalation should always be measured and documented, not aggressive.
FAQs
1. Is EPF Form 13 mandatory for every job change?
No. Many transfers happen automatically if UAN, Aadhaar, and exit details are correctly updated. Form 13 is needed when the auto-transfer fails.
2. Can I withdraw PF instead of transferring it?
Yes, but withdrawal may break EPS service continuity and affect future pension eligibility. Transfer is usually recommended for long-term benefits.
3. How long does PF transfer usually take?
Typically, 15–45 days after employer approvals. Delays are common due to KYC issues, exit dates, or employer inaction.
4. Does Form 13 also transfer EPS (pension)?
Yes. While money isn’t transferred, your EPS service years are carried forward to maintain pension eligibility.
5. What if my previous employer has closed?
PF transfer is still possible through EPFO-assisted or offline routes. Additional documents may be required, and timelines can be longer.
6. Can I submit Form 13 online?
Yes. Most members can submit Form 13 through the EPFO portal using UAN login and Aadhaar-based authentication.
7. What happens if my exit date is not updated?
The transfer request will fail or remain pending. The previous employer must first update the exit date on the EPFO portal.
8. Is PAN mandatory for PF transfer?
PAN is not mandatory for transfer but is required for tax-free withdrawals. Keeping PAN updated avoids future complications.
9. Can PF be transferred from an exempted trust?
Yes, but the process may involve manual verification and coordination with the PF trust, which can take longer.
10. What are common reasons PF transfers get rejected?
Name mismatches, inactive UANs, missing exit dates, or incomplete KYC are the most frequent causes of rejection.
Does Form 13 transfer EPS?
Yes, While money is not transferred, Form 13 carries forward your pensionable service years to maintain EPS continuity.
Is PF transfer automatic?
PF is auto-transferred only if UAN, Aadhaar, and exit dates are correctly updated. Otherwise, Form 13 is required.
Final Guidance: Effective Solutions
Most PF transfer issues stem from data or employer-related problems rather than form issues.
Problems such as a missing exit date, a mismatched name, an inactive UAN, or an unresponsive previous employer can halt a valid transfer. Repeatedly filing requests or escalating complaints without tackling these fundamental issues usually results in more frustration rather than a quicker resolution.
Before proceeding, it's beneficial to pause and review your PF and EPS history comprehensively, checking service continuity, contribution records, and employer updates. This broader perspective often uncovers the actual point of delay in the process.
If you're uncertain whether your PF is eligible for auto-transfer, delayed due to employer issues, or requires Form 13, a simple PF health review can guide you to make the right decision calmly and accurately.
Clarity at this stage saves time, effort, and unnecessary stress later.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Rules may vary based on individual records and EPFO processing.
Comments