How to Navigate EPF Form 31: A Guide for Withdrawals

EPF Form 31: An Essential Guide for Partial Withdrawal

Interested in making a partial withdrawal from your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)? EPF Form 31 is your gateway to access funds from this government-backed savings plan tailored for ensuring financial security post-retirement for salaried individuals. Understanding EPF Form 31 can aid you in managing financial challenges effectively. Dive into the circumstances, justifications, and a detailed guide on completing this form.

Eligibility Criteria for EPF Withdrawal:

Withdrawals can be either partial or full, depending on specific conditions:

• Retirement: At the time of retiring.
• Unemployment: If unemployed for over 2 months, with attestation from a gazetted officer.
• Partial Withdrawal: Permitted via EPF Form 31 in the following scenarios:

Situations for Partial Withdrawal Using EPF Form 31:

• Education: Up to 50% of EPF after 7 years for personal or children's education beyond Class 10.
• Marriage: Up to 50% of EPF after 7 years for the marriage of self, siblings, or children.
• Land Purchase/Construction:
  • Land: Up to 24 times monthly salary.
  • House: Up to 36 times monthly salary post 5 years of service, provided the property is owned individually, with a spouse, or jointly.
• Home Renovation: Up to 12 times monthly salary after 5 years, if owned by the employee or spouse.
• Home Loan Repayment: Up to 90% from both contributions, after 1 year of service, with proof for repayment exceeding Rs. 20,000. Joint or individual property registration with spouse.
• Pre-Retirement: Up to 90% of the corpus with interest for financial needs at 57 years.

How to Access EPF Form 31:

1. Log in to the EPFO Member Portal: Use your UAN and password.
2. Select 'Online Services': Opt for 'Claim' from the menu.
3. Online Claim Submission: Verify details and select 'PF Advance (Form 31)'.
4. Enter Details: Specify the purpose, amount, and address for withdrawal.
5. Authenticate with Aadhaar OTP: Enter the OTP for validation and submit.

Procedures for Submitting EPF Form 31:

Offline Submission:

• Download the form from the EPFO website, complete it, and submit at your local EPFO office with employer attestation.

Online Submission:

1. Log into the UAN portal.
2. Verify and update your KYC details.
3. Select 'Claim Form 31' under 'Online Services'.
4. Fill in the details, verify, and accept the undertaking certificate.
5. Submit the application with necessary details.
6. Submit the form online and await employer approval and fund transfer.

Note: After submission, wait for employer approval and funds to be transferred. Track your EPF Form 31 claim status via the EPFO portal.

Utilize this guide for a hassle-free EPF Form 31 withdrawal process.

Disclaimer: Procedures may change over time. Always refer to official channels for the latest information.

Abbreviations: [UAN] Universal Account Number, [EPF] Employees Provident Fund, [KYC] Know Your Customer, [OTP] One Time Password.