PF Withdrawal and Advance: When You Can Apply and Step by Step Process

Who needs this service?

  • Unemployed Individuals: Those who have lost their job and want to withdraw funds for survival (75% after 1 month, 100% after 2 months).

  • Employees in Need (Advance): Current employees facing emergencies like illness, marriage, or buying a house.

  • Retirees: Individuals retiring from service (after age 58) for full settlement.

pf withdrawal and advance when you can apply and step by step process


Eligibility Criteria (Quick Check)

Before applying, ensure you fall into one of these categories:

1. For PF Advance (Partial Withdrawal while working):

  • Medical Emergency: Anytime (No minimum service).

  • Marriage (Self/Child/Sibling): After 7 years of service.

  • Education (Post-Matriculation): After 7 years of service.

  • Home Purchase/Construction: After 5 years of service.

  • Home Renovation: After 5 years of service.

2. For Full Withdrawal (Final Settlement):

  • Retirement: On attaining 58 years of age.

  • Unemployment:

    • 75% Withdrawal: Allowed if unemployed for 1 month.

    • 100% Withdrawal: Allowed if unemployed for 2 months or more.


Required Documents

Keep these ready in digital format (JPG/PDF, max 500KB) before logging in:

  • Universal Account Number (UAN): Must be activated.

  • Aadhaar Card: Must be linked with UAN and mobile number.

  • Bank Account Details: Account number and IFSC code must be seeded in the portal.

  • Cancelled Cheque or Passbook: Scanned copy showing Name, Account Number, and IFSC clearly.

  • PAN Card: Mandatory if service is less than 5 years and withdrawal amount is > ₹50,000 (to avoid high TDS).

  • Form 15G/15H: If service < 5 years and amount > ₹50,000, but total income is non-taxable (upload pdf to save tax).


Online Application Process (Step-by-Step)

This process applies to both PF Advance (Form 31) and Final Settlement (Form 19/10C).

1. Login to the Unified Member Portal

2. Verify KYC Details

  • On the top menu, click ManageKYC.

  • Ensure your Aadhaar, PAN, and Bank details are status “Approved by Employer/DSC“.

  • If not approved, you must contact your employer first.

3. Initiate the Claim

  • Go to Online Services (top menu) → Select Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).

  • The screen will show your details (Name, DOB, Father’s Name).

  • Bank Verification: Enter the last 4 digits of your registered bank account number in the box provided and click Verify.

  • Click Yes on the “Certificate of Undertaking” pop-up.

  • Click Proceed for Online Claim.

4. Select Claim Type

  • “I want to apply for”: Select the relevant option from the dropdown:

    • PF Advance (Form 31): If you are currently working.

    • Only PF Withdrawal (Form 19): For final settlement (unemployed/retired).

    • Only Pension Withdrawal (Form 10C): For withdrawing pension fund (if service > 6 months & < 10 years).

5. Fill Details (For Advance/Form 31)

  • Select Purpose: Choose the reason (e.g., Illness, Natural Calamity, Purchase of Dwelling House). Note: You will only see options you are eligible for.

  • Amount Required: Enter the amount you wish to withdraw (subject to eligible limits).

  • Address: Enter your current address.

6. Upload Documents

  • Click Browse to upload the scanned copy of your Cheque/Passbook.

  • Important: The image must be clear/readable, or the claim will be rejected.

7. Final Authentication

  • Check the declaration box at the bottom.

  • Click Get Aadhaar OTP.

  • Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

  • Click Validate OTP and Submit Claim Form.

Success! You will see a message: “OTP has been verified, e-KYC updated and PF Claim Form submitted successfully on Unified Portal.”


How to Check Status

You do not need to visit the office to check if your money is processed.

  1. Unified Portal:

    • Log in to unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in

    • Go to Online ServicesTrack Claim Status.

    • It will show statuses like “Submitted to Portal”, “Under Process”, or “Settled”.

  2. Passbook Portal:

  3. UMANG App:

    • Open App → EPFO → Employee Centric Services → Track Claim.


Offline Process (If Online is Not Possible)

Use this only if your Aadhaar is not linked or you have biometric issues.

  1. Download the Composite Claim Form (Non-Aadhaar) from the EPFO Website.

  2. Fill in your details manually.

  3. Important: This form must be attested (signed/stamped) by your employer.

  4. Attach a Cancelled Cheque and self-attested copies of PAN/Aadhaar.

  5. Submit it physically to the EPFO Regional Office where your account is maintained.


Common Problems and Solutions

1. Error: “Date of Exit is not updated”

  • Problem: You cannot apply for Form 19/10C (Final Settlement) because the system thinks you are still working.

  • Solution: Login to Portal → ManageMark Exit. Select your employer, choose the “Date of Exit” (usually last working day), select reason “Cessation (Short Service)”, and verify via Aadhaar OTP. You can do this 2 months after leaving the job.

2. Claim Rejected: “Cheque/Passbook not clear”

  • Solution: Re-apply immediately. This time, take a high-quality photo or scan where your Name, IFSC, and Account Number are perfectly readable. The file must be a JPG/JPEG between 100KB and 500KB.

3. Claim Rejected: “Name Mismatch”

  • Problem: Your name in PF records is “Ramesh K” but in Bank/Aadhaar it is “Ramesh Kumar”.

  • Solution: You must file a Joint Declaration Form (offline) signed by your employer to correct the name in PF records to match Aadhaar exactly.

4. Error: “Service less than 6 months”

  • Solution: If your total service is less than 6 months, you can only withdraw the Employee Share (Form 19 or 31). You generally lose the eligibility for Pension withdrawal (Form 10C).

5. Delay in Credit

  • Standard Time: Claims usually settle in 3 to 20 days.

  • Solution: If it is stuck “Under Process” for >20 days, lodge a grievance at epfigms.gov.in.


Official Helplines

If you are stuck, use these official government channels:

  • Toll-Free Helpline: 14470 (7:00 AM to 9:00 PM)

  • Missed Call Service: Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile (To get balance/status via SMS).

  • SMS Service: Send EPFOHO UAN ENG (or HIN for Hindi) to 7738299899.

  • Grievance Portal: epfigms.gov.in (For official complaints).


This information is from official sources as of January 2026. Always verify on the official EPFO portal for the latest updates.

Next Step: Would you like me to guide you on how to fill the “Mark Exit” date yourself if your employer is refusing to do it?

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Blogarama - Blog Directory