My employer isn't depositing my PF. How do I check and complain?

Simple answer

Check your PF passbook online with your UAN. If your salary slip shows a PF deduction but there is no deposit, complain to EPFO on the EPFiGMS portal. EPFO can recover the dues with damages, and not depositing a deducted share is a punishable offence.

Real-life examples

Lakshmi's salary slips in Chennai show ₹1,800 deducted as PF every month, but her passbook shows nothing for 8 months. She filed a complaint on EPFiGMS with her slips. EPFO can assess the dues and recover them from the employer, with damages.

Rahul works at an Indore shop with 12 staff and has no PF account. The PF chapter generally applies to establishments with 20 or more employees, so his employer is not breaking PF law by not enrolling him.

What should you do?

1Activate your UAN on the EPFO member portal or the UMANG app and download your passbook.
2Match each month's PF deduction on your salary slip with the deposits shown in the passbook.
3Ask HR in writing for the missing deposits and proof of payment (challan receipts).
4File a complaint on EPFiGMS with your UAN, salary slips and employer details.
5If not resolved, write to or visit the Regional PF Commissioner's office for your area.

Exceptions & limits

If you earned more than the wage ceiling (now ₹15,000 a month) when you joined and were never a PF member, your employer may not have to enrol you.
Some companies run their own exempted PF trust. Complain to the trust first, then to EPFO.

Official legal reference

Code on Social Security, 2020 — Sections 15, 16
PF, pension and insurance schemes; employer and employee each contribute 10% of wages, raised to 12% for notified establishments.
Earlier: Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, Sections 5, 6Read the official text
Code on Social Security, 2020 — First Schedule
The PF chapter applies to every establishment with 20 or more employees.
Earlier: Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, Section 1(3)Read the official text
Code on Social Security, 2020 — Section 128
EPFO can levy damages on an employer who defaults on contributions, up to the amount of arrears, after a hearing.
Earlier: Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, Section 14BRead the official text
Code on Social Security, 2020 — Section 133
Not depositing the employee's share deducted from wages is punishable with jail (generally 1 to 3 years) and a ₹1 lakh fine.
Earlier: Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, Section 14Read the official text

Where to get help

EPFO Grievance Portal

Complain if your PF is not deposited, transferred or settled.

epfigms.gov.in

Source & status

Applies to: All of India
Law in force since: 21 Nov 2025
Legal review: Draft — awaiting lawyer review

Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.