How to Withdraw PF Online in India?

The citizens in the US and other developed countries enjoy social security.

The concept of social security is simple. If you are unemployed or face economic hardship, the government steps in to help you.

However, as a developing country, India cannot afford to provide such a vast security net.

So what does the government do?

Incentivise citizens to become financially free. This way, citizens can take care of themselves. People do not become a liability to the government.

One of the best incentives the government offers today is a PF account. The employer and the employee contribute a maximum of 12% of (basic salary + DA), each to the EPF. And the entire amount if tax-free.

Investing money is good. But you need access to money when you need it. That’s why, EPFO, the organization in charge of PF in India, allows you to withdraw money in times of need.

You can withdraw the full or partial amount if you meet specific criteria.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria and steps to withdraw money from your Provident Fund account.

Withdrawing Full PF Amount

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) allows you to withdraw the entire amount if you meet the following criteria.

#1: On Retirement

If you have reached the age of 58, you can claim the whole EPF amount tax-free. Early retirement can be considered if you are 55 years old.

#2: Currently unemployed

If you are unemployed, you can withdraw your PF amount.

A maximum of 75% withdrawal is allowed if you are unemployed for a month. 100% withdrawal is allowed if you are unemployed for two months or more.

The two-month exemption is waived off for women who are leaving the service to get married.

Partial Withdrawals From Your PF Account

If you are not retired, there are provisions to withdraw a partial amount from your account.

#1: Medical Purposes

You can withdraw money for treating self, children, spouse, or parents.

The maximum withdrawal allowed is the least of:

1. Six month’s basic wages and DA
2. Total employee’s share plus interest

Membership Duration Requirement:

For medical treatment, there is no requirement for continuous employment.

Proof required:

You need to submit a medical certificate signed by your employer and a doctor.

#2: Marriages

Partial withdrawal allowed for the marriage of self, children, brother, or sister.

The maximum withdrawal allowed is 50% of total employee contribution with interest.

Membership Duration Requirement:

You need to be a member of EPFO for a continuous period of seven years.

Proof required:

Declaration from the member.

Note: During the entire duration of your EPFO membership, a maximum of three claims is allowed for withdrawals related to marriage.

#3: Post-Matriculation Education of Children

Withdrawals are permitted to fund the education of your children. Matriculation in India refers to the final year of the 10th class.

The maximum withdrawal allowed is 50% of the total employee’s share of contribution with interest.

Membership Duration Requirement:

Continuous EPFO membership for a minimum of seven years.

Proof required:

A certificate detailing the course of study and the estimated expenses from the head of the institution.

During the entire duration of your EPFO membership, you can make a maximum of three claims for educational purposes.

#4: Purchase of Plot/Land

If you are planning to purchase a piece of land to build a residential house, you can request for early withdrawal.

The maximum withdrawal allowed is the least of:

1. 24 month’s basic wages plus DA
2. Total of employee and employer share along with interest
3. Total cost (Actuals)

Membership Duration Requirement:

Continuous EPFO membership for a minimum of five years.

Proof required:

Member declaration while submitting the form.

#5: Purchase or Construction of a House

If you want to buy or construct a house, you can take out money from your PF account earlier.

The maximum withdrawal allowed is the least of:

1. 36 month’s basic wages + DA
2. Total of employer and employee share + accumulated interest
3. Actual cost incurred

Membership Duration Requirement:

Continuous EPFO membership with active contributions for a minimum of five years.

Proof required:

Declaration from the member while submitting the claim form.

The house must be in the name of the member, spouse, or held jointly.

#6: Home Loan Repayment

If you want to repay your home loan, you can request for early withdrawal.

The maximum amount allowed for withdrawal is the least of:

1. 36 month’s basic wages + DA (if applicable)
2. Total of employer share, employee share, and interest
3. Total outstanding principal and interest

Membership Duration Requirement:

You have to be a member for a minimum of ten years.

Proof required:

Certificate from your loan provider indicating home loan details along with outstanding principal and interest.

The property for which you have availed the loan should be held in the member’s name, spouse’s name, or held jointly.

#7: Home Renovation

If you want to renovate your home, you can take out money from your PF account before you retire.

You can withdraw a maximum amount which is the least of:

1. 12 month’s basic wages + dearness allowance
2. Total of employee share, employer share, along with accumulated interest
3. The actual cost of renovation

Membership Duration Requirement:

You can request withdrawal twice:

1. The first time, after five years of completion of the house
2. The second time, after ten years of availing the previous withdrawal benefit

Proof required:

Member declaration when you submit Form 31.

#8: Pre-Retirement

You can withdraw up to 90% of the corpus one year before your retirement.

You can request withdrawal based on which of the following happens later:

1. You are 54 years or older
2. Within one year of retirement/superannuation

#9: Damage of Property Due to Natural Calamities

If due to a natural calamity, your property was damaged, you can claim relief. No documentation is required for withdrawal under this option.

#10: Electricity Disconnection

If your electricity got disconnected due to non-payment of bills, you could request a maximum of Rs 300 for bill payment.

#11: Purchase of Handicap Equipment

If you are physically disabled, you can withdraw money from your PF account to buy handicap equipment.

You can withdraw a maximum amount which is the least of:

1. 6 month’s basic wages + DA
2. Total credit amount in the account + interest
3. Equipment cost (actuals)

Proof required:

Doctor’s note.

#12: Investment in Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana

If you are above 55 years, a maximum of 90% balance of both Employer and Employee share can be withdrawn to fund Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana.

#13: Special Cases

Under exceptional circumstances, EPFO might introduce the ability to withdraw money from your PF account.

In April 2020, EPFO introduced a new advance under “Outbreak of Pandemic (COVID-19).”

You can claim a maximum amount, which is the lowest of:

1. 3 Months of basic and dearness allowance
2. 75% of the credit balance in the account

As and when required, EPFO will amend the rules to introduce new PF advance options.

Steps to Withdraw PF Online From Your Account

Step #1: Go to the UAN Portal

Step #2: Enter your UAN, Password, and Captcha to login.

Step #3: Verify if your KYC details are in order

You’ll need to link your bank account, aadhaar, and PAN to withdraw money from your PF account successfully.

To check eligibility, click on “Manage” in the top navigation. Then click on “KYC.”

If any of the details are missing, add the information using the “Add KYC” section.

Step #4: Navigate to “Online Services” in the top navigation bar. 

Click on the “Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)” link from the dropdown.

Step #5: Review your claim form

The claim form shows a preview of the details you have entered. If everything looks correct, go ahead and enter your bank account number. Once done, click on “Verify.”

If the account number you entered matches the EPFO records, you will see a pop-up.

You will receive the requested withdrawal amount in your account on file.

Step #6: Agree to the certificate of undertaking

The pop up shows a self-declaration. Click on “Yes” to proceed.

Step #7: Provide the requested details

Depending upon your eligibility/requirement, select one of the appropriate options under “I want to apply for.”

• Full EPF Settlement
• PF Advance (Form-31)
• Pension withdrawal

Now, fill up the remaining details on the form.

Depending on your purpose, you might have to upload supporting documents.

Step #8: Accept and submit the claim

Select the checkbox and submit your claim after verifying Aadhaar OTP.

That’s it. Your claim will now be forwarded to the concerned parties. If approved, you will receive the money in your bank account within 20 working days.

FAQ