A PF Claim Reference Number (or Claim ID) is a unique acknowledgment number generated by the EPFO portal whenever a member submits an application to withdraw funds (Form 19, 31, or 10C) or transfer their Provident Fund. It is the only way to track the progress of your request.
When you ask “what is PF Claim Reference Number,” you are looking for the ID that proves you have applied for your money. It allows you to see if the claim is with the Field Officer, approved, or rejected.
What Does PF Claim Reference Mean?
It acts as a ticket number. It contains details of:
- Member ID: Who applied.
- Form Type: What was applied for (Advance, Settlement, Pension).
- Date: When it was submitted.
Why PF Claim ID is Important
- Status Tracking: You can check if the money has been dispatched to your bank.
- Grievance: If the claim is pending for more than 20 days, you need this Claim ID to file a complaint on the EPF i-Grievance Management System (EPFiGMS).
- Rejection Reason: If rejected, the remarks are logged against this specific Claim ID.
Where is PF Claim Reference Used?
- UAN Member Portal: Under “Track Claim Status”.
- UMANG App: To view claim history.
- SMS Alerts: EPFO sends an SMS: “Claim with ID [Number] submitted successfully.”
How to Find or Check PF Claim Reference
Step 1: Login
Visit the UAN Member Portal.
Step 2: Track
Go to “Online Services” > “Track Claim Status”.
Step 3: View ID
The table will list all your applications. The column “Tracking ID” or “Claim ID” is what you need. It usually starts with the region code (e.g., PYBOM…).
Example of PF Claim Reference
Format: Region / Office / ID
Example: MH/BAN/12345678 (Maharashtra/Bandra)
Common Problems or Errors
- Claim Settled but Money Not Received: If status says “Settled” against the Claim ID but bank has no money, wait 3 working days. If still nothing, check if the bank account details seeded in UAN were correct.
- Claim Rejected: Use the ID to check the reason. Common reasons include “Name Mismatch” or “Cheque Unclear.”
Important Things to Remember
- Keep a screenshot of the Claim ID immediately after submission.
- Do not submit multiple claims for the same purpose; wait for the first Claim ID to be processed.
- For employer details linked to the claim, see what is PF Establishment Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does it take to settle a PF claim?
EPFO typically settles claims within 7 to 20 days. COVID-19 advance claims are often settled faster (within 3 days).
Can I cancel a PF claim using the Reference Number?
No, once submitted, you cannot cancel a claim online. It will either be approved or rejected by the officer.
What is Form 31 reference?
It is the Claim ID generated specifically for “PF Advance” (partial withdrawal) for reasons like illness, marriage, or housing.
How do I check claim status without login?
You can use the link “Know Your Claim Status” on the EPFO website homepage, but you will need your UAN and the specific Member ID (Establishment ID).
What does ‘Under Process’ mean?
It means your application has been received and is currently being verified by the EPFO officials. No action is needed from your side.