How to Raise EPF-related Complaints or Grievance on EPFO Portal?

EPF, or the Employees’ Provident Fund, has been a critical component of social security for millions of working employees in India who need retirement savings. However, issues such as late withdrawals, discrepancies in balance, and claim denial are quite common and troubling to EPF members and participants.  To  resolve such issues promptly, EPFO provides a comprehensive grievance redressal system EPFiGMS. The system allows members to lodge as well as view the status of their EPF complaints without the need to visit an EPFO office.

In this article, we will guide you through the EPF grievance redressal process, including how to file  EPF complaints, track their status, and take further steps for unresolved issues.

EPFO Grievance Management System (EPFiGMS)

EPFiGMS (EPF i-Grievance Management System) is a specialised  portal developed by the EPFO to handle grievances related to its services efficiently. It facilitates the filing of grievances by members, pensioners, and employers from anywhere in the country. It ensures that the grievance is addressed by the appropriate EPFO head office in New Delhi or in any of the 135 field offices across the nation. 

The system offers several advanced features to streamline the complaint process. Users can log in securely with OTP verification and file grievances online, and the relevant EPF office will be identified automatically. Moreover, complaints can be submitted for more than one PF number linked to a single UAN to make the process easier for those with more than one account.

Steps to Register a Grievance on EPFiGMS

The EPFiGMS platform is designed to handle various EPF complaints, ranging from withdrawal delays to fund transfer issues. Here’s how to register a complaint effectively:

1. Navigate to the EPFiGMS Portal

Find the option labeled "EPF i-Grievance Management System" on the official EPFO website. You can go to the register grievance menu on top.

2. Register Your Complaint

Before submitting a complaint, you will need to provide key details such as

• Universal Account Number (UAN)
• PF account number or establishment number (for employers)
• Personal information  like your name, mobile number, and email ID

Once these details are entered, the system will verify your credentials before allowing you to proceed.

3. Choose the Relevant Grievance Category

Select the grievance category that best describes your issue. Common categories include:

• Claim Settlement Issues: Choose this if your PF withdrawal request is delayed or if the amount hasn’t been credited to your account.
• Transfer Problems: This category is for issues related to the rejection or delay of your PF transfer requests.
• Incorrect EPF Balance: Select this option if you find discrepancies in your EPF balance or if it hasn’t been updated correctly.
• Pension-related Queries: If you have any concerns regarding your Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), such as missing or incorrect pension details, this is the category to choose.

4. Enter the Complaint Details

Clearly describe the nature of your complaint. Provide as much detail as possible, including dates, reference numbers, and prior attempts to resolve the issue.

You can also upload supporting documents, such as:

• Screenshots of claim submissions
• Bank statements (if applicable)
• Acknowledgment receipts from previous communications

5. Submit Your Complaint and Track It

Once you submit your grievance, you will receive a unique grievance registration number via email. This number is essential for tracking the EPF grievance status in the future.

The EPFiGMS system ensures that your complaint reaches the correct EPFO office, whether it is the regional field office or the head office. You will also receive periodic email notifications regarding updates on your complaint.

Tracking and Managing Your Grievance

After submitting your grievance, you must track its progress to ensure that it is resolved on time. Here's how to check the progress of your EPF complaint online.

1. Log In to the EPFiGMS Portal

You will first need to visit the EPFiGMS login portal, where you will need to input your UAN or grievance registration number to gain access to the system.

2. Locate the ‘Check Status’ Option

You now need to find the ‘Check Status’ option in the ‘Grievances’ or ’Complaints’ section and click it.

3. Enter Your Grievance Registration Number

Fill in the specific grievance number for your complaint and select ‘Submit’. The current status of your complaint will be displayed, allowing you to know where your problem is within the resolution timeframe. Here’s what each status means:

• Under Process: Your grievance has been received by EPFO and is being reviewed by the concerned department.
• Action Taken: The EPFO has acted upon your complaint and taken necessary steps to resolve the issue.
• Resolved: Your problem has been thoroughly addressed and resolved satisfactorily.
• Pending Additional Information: In order to resolve the grievance, EPFO needs more details or documents. In this case, there is a chance that additional information may be requested from you to complete the process.

You will also receive email updates regarding the status of your grievance.

Additional Support Channels

If your EPF complaint is not resolved within a reasonable time limit, you may take additional steps to speed up the process.

1. Contact the Regional EPFO Office

Your first escalation step should be to contact the Grievance Redressal Officer at your regional EPFO office. They can provide updates on your grievance and offer solutions.

2. Use the EPF Customer Care Helpline

EPFO provides a dedicated customer care helpline where members can directly express their issues. The contact information is provided on the EPFO website.

3. Follow Up via Email

If your grievance remains unresolved, consider sending an email to the EPFO Helpdesk with your complaint details and grievance registration number.

4. Use Central Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

As a final option, you may raise your complaint to CPGRAMS, the Indian government's grievance redressal system.

In conclusion, the EPFiGMS portal is a very helpful tool for EPF members to resolve grievances concerning their accounts, claims, transfers, and even pension issues. By following the simple steps to lodge and track your complaint, you can ensure that your issues are addressed promptly and transparently. If you encounter unresolved issues, EPFO's additional support channels, such as  contacting the regional office or customer care, can help expedite the process.