For salaried employees in India, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is one of the most important long-term savings instruments. Over the years, many people have switched jobs multiple times, often leaving behind old PF accounts linked to previous employers. If your PF account is more than 10 or even 15 years old, finding and withdrawing the money may seem complicated.

The good news is that EPF funds never expire. With the help of the Universal Account Number (UAN) and EPFO’s digital services, you can still locate and withdraw money from an old PF account, even if your employer no longer exists.

Here is a complete and easy-to-follow guide.

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique number issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Introduced in 2014, UAN acts as a single identity for all PF accounts linked to an employee across different jobs.

Before UAN was introduced, PF accounts were created separately by each employer. As a result, employees who changed jobs frequently ended up with multiple PF accounts. Today, UAN allows all these accounts to be linked together, making tracking, transfers, and withdrawals much easier.

If you can link your old PF account to your UAN, withdrawing funds becomes a smooth online process.

Even if your PF account is over 15 years old, there are several ways to trace it.

If you remember your previous company’s name, visit the EPFO website and use the Establishment Search option. Once you find the establishment code, EPFO officials can help trace your PF account linked to that employer.

If you already have a UAN from a later job, log in to the EPFO portal and use the “Know Your UAN” or account linking feature. By verifying your mobile number and entering details such as Aadhaar, PAN, date of birth, or name, your old PF account may get automatically linked.

If online methods fail, visiting the EPFO office is highly effective. Carry documents such as:

• Aadhaar card and PAN

• Old employer’s name and address

• Approximate joining and exit dates

• Salary slips or old PF statements, if available

EPFO officials can trace your PF account using historical records.

You can also file a request through the EPFiGMS grievance portal for old or inoperative PF accounts. Provide employer details and identity proof, and EPFO will respond with assistance.

Yes, absolutely. There is no time limit to withdraw your PF money.

• A PF account becomes inactive after 36 months of unemployment.

• Even inactive accounts continue to earn interest as per EPFO rules.

• Your money remains completely safe with EPFO until you withdraw it or reach retirement age.

Even if your old company has shut down, your PF balance is securely held by the EPFO regional office.

Once you retrieve your old PF number, link it to your existing UAN. This step is mandatory for online withdrawal.

• Log in to the EPFO member portal using your UAN and password

• Go to Online Services > Claim (Form 19, 10C, 31)

• Choose the correct claim type (final settlement or pension)

• Submit the form

The amount will be credited directly to your bank account.

If online submission is not possible, submit a Composite Claim Form at the EPFO office along with ID proof and bank details.

• Always keep your UAN active and updated

• Ensure Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are linked

• Merge old PF accounts whenever you change jobs

• Download your PF passbook regularly

Recovering money from an old PF account, even after 15 years, is no longer difficult. With UAN, online portals, and EPFO support systems, employees can easily trace and withdraw their hard-earned savings. Staying proactive and keeping your PF details updated will help you avoid future hassles and ensure financial security.