EPF Form 31 - Partial PF Withdrawal Online & Offline
EPF Form 31: A Comprehensive Guide to Partial Withdrawal
EPF Form 31 serves as the gateway for individuals seeking partial withdrawal from their Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). As a government-backed savings avenue, the EPF empowers salaried individuals to build a robust financial cushion for their post-retirement needs. Navigating the intricacies of EPF Form 31 is crucial for those facing specific financial exigencies. Let's delve into the details to understand when and how EPF funds can be withdrawn, the reasons for withdrawal, and the step-by-step process of filling and submitting the form.
Understanding EPF Fund Withdrawal Criteria:
EPF funds can be withdrawn partially or in full under certain circumstances:
Retirement:
When an individual retires from employment.
Unemployment:
If an individual is unemployed for more than 2 months (certified by a gazetted officer).
Partial Withdrawal:
Individuals can utilize EPF Form 31 for partial withdrawal under specific conditions, as outlined below.
Conditions for Partial Withdrawal Using EPF Form 31:
Education: Up to 50% of EPF contribution. Service Criteria: 7 years. Purpose: Financing further studies or the education of children post 10th standard.
Marriage: Up to 50% of EPF contribution. Service Criteria: 7 years. Purpose: For the marriage of self, brother or sister, son or daughter.
Land Purchase/Construction:
Land: Up to 24 times monthly wages.
House: Up to 36 times monthly wages.
Service Criteria: 5 years.
Conditions: Land or house should be under the name of the individual, spouse, or jointly.
Home Renovation: Up to 12 times monthly wages. Service Criteria: 5 years. Conditions: Home to be renovated should be registered under the employee’s or spouse’s name.
Home Loan Repayment:
Up to 90% from both employee and employer's share.
Service Criteria: 1 year.
Conditions: Property purchased should be registered under the individual’s, spouse’s, or joint ownership. The amount can be withdrawn if proper documents for home loan repayment are furnished. Corpus must be above Rs. 20,000.
Before Retirement:
Up to 90% of the accumulated corpus with interest.
Service Criteria: After reaching 57 years.
Purpose: To cover financial expenses.
How to Download EPF Form 31:
Accessing EPF Form 31 is a straightforward process:
Login to EPFO Member Portal: Use your UAN and password.
Navigate to Online Services: Under the 'Online Services' menu, select 'Claim.'
Proceed for Online Claim: Verify personal details and choose 'PF Advance (Form 31)' from the drop-down menu.
Fill in Details: Specify the purpose of the advance, amount, and current address.
Authenticate with Aadhaar OTP: Receive and enter the OTP to validate and submit the claim form.
Submitting EPF Form 31: Offline and Online Procedures:
Offline Submission:
Download Form 31 from the EPFO website.
Fill in the requisite details.
Submit the form physically to the jurisdictional EPFO office after employer attestation.
Online Submission:
Log in to the UAN portal.
Verify and update KYC details.
Access 'Online Services' and choose 'Claim Form 31.'
Fill in the details and complete the verification process.
Accept the certificate of undertaking and proceed.
Apply for PF withdrawal, providing the necessary details.
Submit the claim form online.
Note: After submission, wait for employer approval and subsequent fund transfer. Check the EPF Form 31 claim status on the official EPFO website.
Empower yourself with the knowledge and processes outlined above to navigate the intricacies of EPF Form 31 for a seamless withdrawal experience.
Disclaimer: Procedures are subject to change. Verify details through official sources for the latest information.