Have you filed a claim for your unclaimed shares on the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) portal and are still waiting for a response? You are not alone. Many investors approach us at Deepam Finvest with similar concerns, especially about the time it takes to receive approval for their IEPF claims. In this blog, we shed light on the current timelines and important steps to follow after submitting your claim.
What is the IEPF Claim Process?
The IEPF is an initiative by the Government of India to protect investors’ interests. If you have unclaimed dividends or shares, you can recover them by filing a claim through the IEPF portal. The process involves uploading necessary documents and generating a Service Request Number (SRN), which acts as your unique tracking ID.
Current Timeline for IEPF Approvals
As of July 2025, the IEPF claim process has become quite lengthy. On average, it now takes up to 21 months from the date of submitting your claim for the IEPF authority to approve it. This means that investors who filed their claims back in October 2023 are only now beginning to receive approvals.
The process has understandably led to anxiety among investors. The long waiting period, combined with a lack of communication from IEPF, can be frustrating. However, it is essential to understand that this delay is currently normal and experienced by many investors.
What Happens After IEPF Approval?
Once your claim is approved by the IEPF authority, it is not the end of the journey. The actual crediting of shares into your Demat account takes additional time. On average, it takes another 45 to 60 days after approval for the unclaimed shares to reflect in your account.
So, if you receive approval in July 2025, you should expect your shares to arrive between mid-August and September. Make sure your Demat account is active and all KYC details are up to date with your Depository Participant (DP) to avoid further delays.
Faster Approvals for Senior Citizens
There is some positive news for senior investors. If you were 75 years or older at the time of filing your IEPF claim, your application is given priority. Many senior citizens are seeing their claims processed much faster than the average timeline.
This is a recognition of their unique needs and a step by the IEPF Authority towards a friendlier approach for citizens aged 75 or more.
Does No Communication Mean Rejection?
One of the biggest worries for investors is the silence after submitting a claim. Many expect a quick response or some form of acknowledgment. However, due to the current backlog, IEPF may not send frequent updates or interim status emails.
Remember, no news does not mean your claim has been rejected. As long as you have generated an SRN and have not received any explicit rejection notice from the IEPF, your claim is still under review. Keep checking your registered email, including the spam folder, for any updates from the authority.
Tips for Investors after Filing IEPF Claims
Track Your SRN : Keep your Service Request Number handy. You will need it to track your claim status or respond to any queries.
Monitor Your Email: All important communications from IEPF will come via email. Ensure your contact details are correct and your email inbox is monitored regularly.
Stay Patient : Given the current processing timelines, patience is key. Avoid sending repeated follow-ups, as it does not speed up the process.
Seek Expert Help : If your claim has gone unusually overdue or you receive a rejection notice, consult experts like Deepam Finvest for guidance on the next steps.
In Summary
The IEPF claim approval is experiencing unprecedented delays in 2025, with processing times now stretching to nearly two years. While this wait can be stressful, the process is moving, and claims are being settled in batches. Keep your documents ready, check your emails regularly, and rest assured that the system is working through the backlog. For more guidance on the IEPF claims process—or any shareholder services—contact Deepam Finvest. We are here to help you reclaim your rightful assets.
