The EPFO has introduced a helpdesk for employees' provident fund account holders to settle inoperative accounts. An account becomes inoperative when the balance is not withdrawn for more than 36 months after the amount standing to its credit becomes payable. The facility allows inoperative accounts to be closed or merged with an operative account.

Registration for UAN

It is a good idea to first get a Unique Account Number (UAN) for EPF before initiating the process. The procedure to obtain a UAN has been explained at uanmembers.epfoservices.in. Access the helpdesk

Second, access the EPFO Inoperative Account Helpdesk at http:www.epfindia.com at Home Page >> Inoperative AC Helpdesk.Once we enter the helpdesk menu, one needs to click on the tab "First time User" to register the query.

Query registration

The tab opens into a form asking for problem details. The query has to be explained in not more than 1,000 characters. After writing the query and clicking on the "Next" button, the form asks for details like PF account number, establishment details, date of joining and reason for leaving. Contact and KYC details such as aadhaar, PAN, bank account numbers and IFSC code has to be entered.

PIN verification

Once all details are submitted, a PIN is generated. The member's mobile number is verified through the PIN sent on the mobile.Once this verification is done, a reference number is sent as a text message to the member for future reference.

Call from EPFO helpdesk

Once the registration process is carried out successfully, the member will soon get a call from the EPFO helpdesk in order to address and resolve the query and to settle the inoperative EPF account.

Interest is not credited to the EPF account once it becomes inoperative.

Providing a valid mobile number is compulsory so that the help desk can contact the subscriber to resolve the issue.