Managing Old PF Accounts: Transfer vs. Withdrawal Insights

I have three PF accounts.

1. First in Baroda (Gujarat) from July 2006 to Dec. 2008.
2. Second in Pune (Maharashtra) from Dec. 2008 to June 2011.
3. Third in Pune (Maharashtra) from July 2011 till date.

I have neither withdrawn nor transferred any of the older accounts.
As there is a state change (Gujarat to Maharashtra) in the case of the first account, what is advisable? Withdraw or transfer?
Second and third accounts are in Maharashtra. Shall I transfer my second PF account into the current one?

Please guide me on what best can be done with my old PF accounts.

Thank you.
Mannan

If you withdraw, you will be losing the service. Because of this, you will have a problem with the pension part. Hence, it's better to transfer all into the present account. Withdrawing the PF amount while you are continuing to work is also against the law. There might be a time delay, but it is better to transfer because you have been contributing for the last 4 1/2 years.

Regards,
Kamesh

Mannan,

If you are planning for a pension, then transfer the last two accounts to the current one. Transferring within the state will happen smoothly, but when it comes to interstate transfers, I am not sure. If you don't want to take a risk, then apply for PF withdrawal benefits in Gujarat and transfer the second employer's account to the present one.

Regards,
Madhan