EPFO has issued a circular to simply the transfer claim process to handle overlapping service period. The circular addresses the issue of rejection of EPF transfer claims due to overlapping service periods in member employment histories and aims to simplify the process to ensure genuine claims are not denied unfairly.Key Instructions
Avoid Rejections Based on Overlaps Alone:
- Overlapping service periods in employment records should not be treated as a disqualification per se for EPF transfer claims.
- Such overlaps often occur due to genuine reasons (e.g., delays in updates, dual employment) and do not automatically warrant rejection.
Clarification-Only if Needed:
If a genuine need exists to clarify the overlapping of service, only then should the Transferor (Source) Office seek clarification before processing.
Mandatory Processing by Source Office:
- All Transfer Claim Requests must be processed by the Transferor (Source) Office, even in cases of overlapping services.
- Claims should not be returned or rejected merely due to overlaps.
Emphasis on Verification:
- The Source Office must verify all member details thoroughly to ensure error-free transfers.
- This reiterates earlier instructions emphasizing accurate data validation.