To withdraw money from your PF (Provident Fund) account, you typically need to apply online through the official Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) portal, or in some cases, offline. The online process is generally preferred for its speed and convenience.
Online PF Withdrawal Process
Withdrawing your PF amount online is a streamlined process, provided your Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated and your Know Your Customer (KYC) details, especially your Aadhaar and bank account, are linked and verified with your UAN.
Here's a step-by-step guide to withdrawing your PF online:
- Visit the EPFO Portal: Go to the official EPFO website (member interface).
- Log In: Enter your UAN (Universal Account Number), password, and the displayed captcha code. Then, click on the 'Sign In' button.
- Access Online Services: Once logged in, navigate to the 'Online Services Tab' in the main menu.
- Select Claim Option: From the dropdown menu under 'Online Services', choose the option titled “Claim (Form 31, Form 19, Form 10C and Form 10D)”. This selection takes you to the online claim submission page.
- Verify Bank Account: On the new page, you will be prompted to enter the last four digits of your bank account number that is linked with your PF account. After entering, click on the 'Verify' button.
- Confirm Undertaking: A 'Certificate of Undertaking' will appear. Read the terms and conditions carefully and click 'Yes' to proceed, confirming your agreement.
- Choose Claim Type: Select the type of withdrawal you wish to make from the dropdown menu, such as:
- PF Advance (Form 31): For partial withdrawal during service for specific reasons (e.g., house construction, medical emergencies, education).
- PF Final Settlement (Form 19): For full and final withdrawal of your PF contributions upon retirement or permanent unemployment.
- Pension Withdrawal Benefit (Form 10C): For withdrawing your pension contributions if you have not completed 10 years of service and are withdrawing your PF.
- Fill in Details: Depending on your selected claim type, fill in the necessary details. For example, for a PF Advance, you'll need to specify the reason for withdrawal, the amount required, and your address. You may also need to upload scanned copies of supporting documents.
- Generate OTP: Click on 'Get Aadhaar OTP'. An One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
- Submit Claim: Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click 'Validate OTP and Submit Claim'.
Upon successful submission, your claim will be processed, and the amount will be credited to your linked bank account within a few working days. You can track the status of your claim through the 'Track Claim Status' option under the 'Online Services' tab.
Types of PF Withdrawal Claims
The EPFO portal allows different types of claims based on your eligibility and need:
| Form Number | Purpose | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Form 19 | For full and final settlement of your Provident Fund (PF) contributions. | When you retire from service or remain unemployed for more than two months (60 days). |
| Form 10C | For withdrawing the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) contributions. | If you leave service before completing 10 years of eligible service, or upon retirement if you haven't started receiving a pension. |
| Form 31 | For partial withdrawal (PF Advance) for specific purposes. | During service for specific reasons like marriage, education, medical emergencies, house purchase/construction. |
| Form 10D | For claiming monthly pension benefits. | After attaining 58 years of age and completing 10 years of eligible service. (This is a pension claim, not a lump-sum withdrawal form). |
Eligibility for PF Withdrawal
- Full Withdrawal: You can typically withdraw the full PF amount upon:
- Retirement after 58 years of age.
- Unemployment for more than 60 days (two months).
- Partial Withdrawal (PF Advance): This is allowed for specific reasons while you are still employed:
- Medical emergencies for self or family members.
- Purchase or construction of a house or plot.
- Repayment of home loan.
- Education or marriage of self, children, or siblings.
- Renovation of a house.
- Withdrawal before retirement (within one year of retirement, if age is above 54).
Key Requirements for Online Withdrawal
Before attempting an online PF withdrawal, ensure the following are in place:
- Activated UAN: Your UAN must be activated.
- Aadhaar Linked and Verified: Your Aadhaar number must be linked and verified with your UAN on the EPFO portal.
- Bank Account Linked and KYC Approved: Your bank account details (account number and IFSC code) must be linked to your UAN and approved by your employer.
- Mobile Number Linked to Aadhaar: The mobile number linked to your Aadhaar must be active to receive OTPs.
- Employer's Digital Signature: For some services, your employer's digital signature may be required for authentication, though for direct claims, this is often bypassed if your KYC is fully updated.
Offline PF Withdrawal Process
While online withdrawal is convenient, an offline option is also available:
- Download Form: Download the composite claim form (Aadhaar/Non-Aadhaar) from the EPFO website.
- Fill the Form: Fill in all the required details accurately.
- Attestation: If using the Non-Aadhaar form, it needs to be attested by your employer or a gazetted officer.
- Submit: Submit the filled form along with necessary documents (e.g., cancelled cheque) to the nearest EPFO office.
Important Considerations
- Tax Implications: PF withdrawals before completing 5 years of continuous service are generally taxable. Ensure you understand the tax implications of your withdrawal.
- EPFO Guidelines: Always refer to the latest guidelines and updates on the official EPFO website, as rules and processes can change.
- No Multiple Interpretations: The process described here is the standard method for PF withdrawal.
