One of the main reasons for EPFO rejecting the EPF withdrawal claim is incomplete KYC. Therefore, to avoid rejection by the EPFO, it is important to ensure that your EPF account is KYC compliant, before making any request.
It is important that your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) account is KYC compliant. If the EPF account is not KYC compliant, then you will not be able to avail various services online on the Employees Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) Member e-Sewa Portal. Some of these services include filing withdrawal claim, transfer of account, making nomination etc.
If your EPF account is not KYC compliant, then the EPFO can reject the service request raised by you and ask you to first make your account KYC compliant.
Here’s how you can check and complete the KYC process for your EPF account.
Checking KYC compliance in EPF account
There are three ways to check if your EPF account is KYC compliant. The first way is by checking your UAN card. UAN stands for Universal Account Number.
A. KYC Status via UAN card
Step 1: Log in to your account on the Member e-Sewa Portal.
Step 2: Select ‘UAN card’ tab under the ‘View’ tab.
If the KYC in your EPF account is completed, then the UAN card will show ‘Yes’ in front of KYC information row.

B. Documents that are approved under KYC tab
Another way to check if your EPF account is KYC compliant is by checking the documents that are approved and verified in the EPFO records. This can be checked in the ‘KYC’ option under the ‘Manage’ tab on the Member e-Sewa Portal. The EPF account holder can check the documents under the ‘Digitally Approved KYC’ tab.
The tab will show the list of documents that are approved and verified. For instance, for any online claim submission Aadhaar is mandatory. Therefore, one must ensure that Aadhaar is mentioned and verified in the list of documents. Similarly, bank account and IFSC details shown in the documents must be correct for timely credit of the EPF funds.
C. By checking on EPF India website
The third way to check if EPF account is KYC compliant is by visiting this website: https://iwu.epfindia.gov.in/eKYC/. Here, click on ‘Track EKYC’ option. After this, you will be asked to enter your UAN and captcha code.
If your account is KYC compliant, then the following message will appear on your computer screen: “Dear Member, Your Aadhaar Details XXXX XXXX against UAN XXXX XXXX has successfully been verified. Online EPFO services linked with Aadhaar can be availed.”

However, if the KYC is not completed in your EPF account, then you will have to complete the KYC process.
How to complete the KYC process
Step 1: Visit https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/

Step 2: Select ‘KYC’ option under the ‘Manage’ tab.

Step 3: Select the documents that you are going to upload. Do keep in mind that it is mandatory to link to your Aadhaar to UAN to be eligible for online claim submission. Similarly, PAN is also mandatory if the number of service years is less than five years at the time withdrawing the funds. Also, your bank account with correct IFSC must be linked to your UAN for the timely credit of EPF withdrawal.
Step 4: Enter the document number, name as per document and other details (see image) in the respective fields. For instance, after selecting document type ‘bank’, you will be required to enter your savings bank account number in the document number area, name as per the bank records in the name as per document filed and IFSC in other field.

Similar steps have to be taken in case of PAN and Aadhaar. The documents required to be uploaded will depend on what is missing from the documents required i.e. Aadhaar, PAN or bank account details etc.
The EPFO portal allows the following documents to be uploaded as proof for the purpose of KYC:
a) Bank
b) PAN
c) Aadhaar
d) Passport
e) Driving License
f) Election Card
g) Ration card
h) National population register.
Step 5: Once the documents of your choice are uploaded on the EPFO portal, click on save.
The status of your KYC will be shown under the ‘KYC Pending for Approval’ tab. Remember you will be required to submit the document proof to your employer. The EPFO will update your KYC details in your account only after your employer has verified your documents.
As per the FAQs mentioned on EPF website, the system will also trigger SMS on the individual’s registered mobile number once the KYC update is appoved by an employer.
One your KYC is approved, the status of the documents that were uploaded and submitted by you to your employer will be shown in the ‘Digital Approved KYC’ section under the KYC option. The documents will be shown as ‘approved by establishment’ and ‘online verification status’.
In case your employer is not appoving KYC details, you can directly approach administration or HR department with request. If it is taking more time you can escalate it to higher authority in the organisation. If no one is responding to your request you can approach EPF grievance via http://www.epfigms.gov.in/ as per the FAQs.
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.