Table Of Content
What Does “EPFO Claim Status Under Process” Mean and Is It Normal?
When EPFO claim status shows “Under Process”, it means the Provident Fund office has received your claim and is currently verifying it internally. At this stage, the claim has not been approved or rejected, and payment has not yet been released. This is a procedural status, not a decision.
In most cases, this status appears after successful submission of an online claim through the EPFO member portal or Unified Member Portal. It confirms that the claim has entered the EPFO’s backend workflow and is awaiting scrutiny by the dealing assistant and approving officer.
It is normal for a claim to remain under process for a limited period. EPFO follows a multi-level verification system involving employer confirmation, KYC validation, and fund availability checks before settlement.
Key points users must understand:
- “Under Process” does not mean the claim is stuck
- It indicates document and data verification is ongoing
- No action from the member is required initially
- Payment cannot be tracked until status changes to “Settled”
However, if this status continues beyond the prescribed time limit, it signals a delay that needs attention, which is addressed in later sections.
How Long Can EPFO Claim Remain Under Process (Actual Time Limits Explained)
As per EPFO’s internal service standards, most PF claims are expected to be settled within a defined timeframe, provided documents and KYC details are correct. The “Under Process” status usually appears during this verification window.
Typical processing timelines:
- Online PF withdrawal claims: 7 to 15 working days
- Final settlement after exit: up to 20 working days
- Pension-related claims: 20 to 30 working days
These timelines apply only when:
- Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are verified
- Employer has approved exit details
- No discrepancies exist in service records
Delays occur when the claim crosses 15 working days without movement. At that point, it is no longer considered routine processing and indicates an internal issue at the EPFO office level.
Important clarification for users:
- Weekends and public holidays are excluded
- Status does not auto-update daily
- SMS/email alerts may be delayed
- Claims handled by field offices vary in speed
If the claim remains under process beyond the standard timeline, the user must start tracking the cause rather than waiting indefinitely.
Why EPFO Claim Gets Stuck Under Process (Top Real Reasons Faced by Users)
An EPFO claim does not remain under process randomly. In most delayed cases, there are specific, identifiable reasons that stop the file from moving forward. These reasons are procedural and administrative, not technical errors by the user alone.
The most common verified reasons include:
- Employer has not digitally approved exit details
- Mismatch in Aadhaar, PAN, or bank account data
- KYC status showing “Pending” or “Not Verified”
- Signature or name mismatch in bank records
- Multiple PF accounts not properly merged
Another major cause is internal backlog at the concerned EPFO regional office. Claims are processed manually at certain verification stages, and workload imbalance often leads to files being parked under process without escalation.
Additional practical causes users face:
- Previous employer marked incorrect date of exit
- Pension contribution requires manual scrutiny
- System flags claim for audit verification
- Old service records not digitized properly
In many cases, EPFO does not proactively inform the member about the exact reason. The status remains generic as “Under Process,” leaving users confused unless they actively investigate or escalate through proper channels.
Understanding the reason is critical because no claim moves forward unless the specific blocker is resolved. Waiting without action after the normal timeline often results in prolonged delays.
What to Do If EPFO Claim Is Under Process for Too Long (Step-by-Step Action Plan)
If your EPFO claim remains “Under Process” beyond 15 working days, you should not wait passively. Delays beyond this period usually indicate a verification block or administrative hold that requires user intervention.
Start by verifying your claim details directly on the EPFO member portal. Confirm that your bank account, Aadhaar, PAN, and exit date are correctly updated and approved. Any mismatch at this stage prevents automatic processing.
Immediate actions you should take:
- Check KYC status shows “Approved”, not pending
- Confirm employer has approved date of exit
- Verify bank account is active and seeded with Aadhaar
- Ensure name spelling matches Aadhaar and bank records
If all details are correct and status remains unchanged, escalate the matter. Delays are often resolved only after official follow-up. Keep screenshots of claim status and submission details for reference.
Do not submit multiple claims for the same purpose. Duplicate claims create confusion and often push the file back into manual review, causing further delay instead of faster settlement.
How to Raise EPFO Complaint or Grievance for Delayed Claim Status
When a claim is delayed beyond the prescribed timeline, raising a grievance through the EPFO Grievance Management System (EPFiGMS) is the most effective step. This creates a formal record and assigns accountability to the concerned EPFO office.
While raising the grievance, clearly mention:
- UAN number
- Claim ID and submission date
- Current status shown as “Under Process”
- Number of days delayed beyond standard timeline
Key points to ensure effectiveness:
- Keep the grievance factual and concise
- Avoid emotional language or assumptions
- Attach supporting screenshots if available
- Select the correct regional EPFO office
Once submitted, EPFO is required to respond within a defined time frame. In many cases, claims move forward within a few days after grievance registration because the file is reviewed by a senior officer.
If the grievance response is generic or unresolved, users may escalate further by filing a reminder or approaching higher EPFO authorities. Formal escalation is often the trigger that breaks long-standing processing delays.
When EPFO Claim Is Rejected After Being Under Process and How to Respond
Sometimes, after remaining under process for several days, the EPFO claim status changes to “Rejected.” This does not mean the claim is permanently denied. Rejection usually occurs due to correctable issues.
Common verified rejection reasons include:
- Bank account closed or incorrect IFSC
- Name mismatch between Aadhaar and PF records
- Employer exit date not approved
- Incomplete KYC verification
- Pension eligibility discrepancies
The first step after rejection is to read the rejection remark carefully. EPFO usually mentions a short reason. Do not reapply without correcting the specific issue mentioned in the remark.
Corrective action steps:
- Update KYC details and get them approved
- Ask employer to correct and reapprove exit details
- Update bank details with active account
- Merge multiple PF accounts if applicable
Once corrections are made, submit a fresh claim with updated details. Refiled claims, when corrected properly, are usually processed faster because the system recognizes resolved discrepancies.
If rejection reasons are unclear or repeated despite corrections, escalate through grievance mechanisms. Persistent rejections without clarity may indicate backend record issues that require manual intervention by EPFO officials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many days can EPFO claim remain under process?
An EPFO claim usually remains under process for 7 to 15 working days. If it exceeds this period, it indicates a delay that requires verification or escalation.
2. Is “EPFO claim under process” a rejection?
No. “Under Process” means the claim is still being verified. It is neither approved nor rejected until the status changes.
3. Why is my EPFO claim under process for more than 15 days?
Common reasons include pending employer approval, KYC mismatch, incorrect bank details, or internal EPFO backlog at the regional office.
4. Will EPFO automatically settle my claim if it is under process?
Only if all records are correct and verified. If discrepancies exist, manual follow-up or grievance filing is required to move the claim forward.
5. What should I do if EPFO claim is under process for too long?
Verify KYC and exit details first. If the delay continues, raise a grievance through EPFiGMS with your claim ID and supporting details.
