Difficulty In Getting The PF Claim Settled

Hi

I have been facing a very crucial problem with regards to my dad's pension which my mom and sisters were suppose to receive. My dad passed away on duty on 29th Sep 2009, he was working at Zuari Industries in Goa, the company personnel asked us to submit all the documents which we readily submitted, different forms were also signed, since nothing was happening we took matters in our hands and we personally went and inquired in the PF office to which they said that they haven't received any documents in my dad's name claiming for pension. So we submitted the whole documents again along with the EPF number. But after sumtym the form came back rejected stating some documents were not in order, while some required signatures from my dad's employer. so we did all the necessary changes as per the letter and sent them back, but we recently received an sms stating the form is being rejected again. I went and required again in the PF office as to why the form got rejected again, but they said to come with the letter and the rejected form that i will be receiving. Till now we haven't received any intimation. the staff the company too aren't cooperative at all. Can you just help me out as to whats the next step I should be taking. its been 3 years now since my dad left and I have seen my mom struggling to get this things done but nothing is happening fast.

Hi
You should not blame the employer regarding this issue. Their duty is just to submit the documents to PF department.
Most of the time it happens with PF Department. It is better you approach the Case worker and the PF enforcement officer/Commissioner. If you keep meeting SRO who will be collecting the documents it will not be help full. Even after rejection of the letter many times it will be lying with caseworkers for weeks together. After that they will send the same to dispatch section and even after it will be held for few days with that section & later it will be given to post. So that you receive any letter form them it will take ages together.

hi,
It would be better to approach directly PF Commissioner. he will listen & hope fully resolve your issue.

Thanks Jeevarathnam and Isgaur really appreciate your reply. I will try and talk to the PF commissioner and see if things can be sorted out by him. Thanks again.

Dear,
I agree with the suggestions given above. One thing would like to add is that before you approach Regional PF Commissioner (generally of Asst. Commissioner's rank) of the Region in which jurisdiction the matter relates, you should carry with you the details of Pension/PF claim sent to PF Office for settlement viz. the dispatch diary reference number & date, any token of receipt (if sent through peon) or No. & Date of Postal Dispatch, if possible a xerox copy of claim papers, PF A/c No., an application from the beneficiaries stating they have not received the settlement amount till date giving Bank Account details, copy of a Cancelled Cheque (in case there is a system of ECS). If you carry the above documents with you, perhaps your representation will be better heard and resolved by the Authorities.
If even then your matter is not resolved, you may go for information regarding delay under RTI Act or write to PF Commissioner.
Best wishes.
AK Jain
HR Personnel, NCL/CIL

Hi
I have photocopies of all the documents i.e. the PF forms duly filled in, bank account details of beneficiaries, and the letter that was received previously when my form was rejected. After the changes the form was sent back again, Now again when the form is rejected I have only received an sms and m still waiting for the letter but apart from that I do not have any other details.

I will suggest as follows-:
Wait for document to come. Read carefully the objections raised, get the required things done, meet the PRO of the nearest EPF office, get these documents checked up from him and if completed , send the case through the office of that PRO who will put the Stamp of Death Case- To be dealt on Priority.
Wait for 10 days, if no response , either meet RPFC of ur nearest area, personally OR file complaint with Head Office of EPFO by name to ACC (CSD)
Or to file a complaint in the Consumer Forum of your area.
All death claims are supposed to be dealt on Priority and to be settled or returned back for want of completing documents with in 30 days if not in seven days as stipulated by the EPFO
AK Chandok
RPFC (Retd.)
<link no longer exists - removed>

Dear,

As you have mentioned that your form has been rejected twice, it is presumed that the PF/Pension settlement department of the establishment where your Dad was working is not cooperative for some ulterior motives. It happens so. We the claimants are not acquainted with the intricacies of prescribed forms and the persons specially deputed for the purpose to check the forms in its entirety often do not discharge their duties sincerely for some gratifications. In any case, as suggested earlier, it would be best to meet HR Manager or Unit CEO and get the forms duly filled in and checked properly. Some PF Offices have issued a check list to ensure correct filling in of forms. I am sure the HRM or Unit Head will due the needful. You can also meet Reg. PF Commissioner in this regard who will certainly help you in correct filling of form. Pl make double sure before submission of form this time that the form is filled in properly because now you might have understood that receiving, scrutiny and raising objection, this cycle takes almost 4 to 6 months, if not promptly pursued. As per latest policy of PF Department, the claim is to be settled in advance or at the most within 30days of filing claim in prescribed format provided there is no default in the form, whatso-ever.

Now follow my way, I would suggest you not seek legal assistance untill you are left with no option. I am saying this because as you have told your claim has been rejected twice for default in form. Hence no Law will ask to settle the claim in lack of requisite papers.

AK Jain

HR Personnel

NCL,CIL

Sir,
I had visited the EPF Office when my claim was first rejected; it was duly checked by them. we did whatever was directed us to do and before submitting the form too it was checked by the staff and than it was processed still the form was rejected again. Also it has been more than 2 weeks since we received the sms about the second rejection but no letter has been received yet. I inquired in the PF office too but they said they cannot do anything until I have the letter and the form.

Dear,
I am extremely sorry to hear all this. I strongly feel that instead of approaching here and there, you should meet the Regional PF Commissioner and explain him the state of affairs. You have not mentioned about his approach. If he too is a party to the same i.e. he is not giving ear to your suffering, you should file an application under RTI Act, 2005 seeking information about the reasons for settlement of claim. One more thing you have not clarified, even indirectly as to whether there is some demand of gratification for settlement or not. If yes, don't reveal but you can get the culprit trapped red handed, how - you know better.
Best wishes for an early settlement of your claim. Pl also convey your PF region, PF No., name of your deceased father and name(s) of Nominees who have filed the claim. Let me see if I can do anything.
AK Jain
HR Personnel
NCL/CIL.