EPF is like your retirement savings account. It is great for building up your nest egg, but life happens! Sometimes, you need money before you retire, right? That is where EPF withdrawal Form 31 comes in. It lets you take out some of your savings for specific reasons. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about filling out Form 31 and getting your money, whether you prefer doing it online or the old-fashioned way.
How to Download EPF Form 31?
If you are in an emergency and have no option available then requesting money from your EPF account, you should know how to download and fill Form 31. You can download EPF Form 31 from the official EPFO website. Alternatively, you can directly submit the claim online through the EPFO member portal using your UAN and password without downloading the physical form.
Apart from this, you should also know what details you need to fill in your Form 31
Details to be Filled in by the Employee
When filling out EPF Form 31, employees need to provide specific details to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of the essential information required:
- Mobile Number: The employee’s mobile number for any communication regarding the EPF claim status.
- Purpose for Withdrawal: Clearly state the reason for the withdrawal, such as medical treatment, education, or house renovation.
- Name of the Member: The employee’s full name as per EPF records.
- Advance Amount Required: The amount of money being requested from the EPF account.
- Husband’s Name: For married women, the husband’s name needs to be included.
- PF Account Number: The Provident Fund account number.
- Monthly Basic Wages Plus DA: The monthly basic salary along with Dearness Allowance.
- Signature of Applicant: The employee’s signature.
- Full Postal Address: The employee’s complete postal address.
- Savings Bank Account Number: The account number where the amount will be transferred.
- Name of the Bank and Branch: The name and branch of the bank.
- IFSC Code: The IFSC code of the bank branch.
- Copy of a Cancelled Cheque: To verify the bank account details.
- Marriage Date and Address: If the advance is for wedding expenses, the details of the wedding date and address of the daughter/sister/son/brother who is getting married need to be provided.
Details to be Filled in by the Employer
Employers also play a crucial role in the EPF Form 31 submission process. Here are the details they need to fill out:
- Signature of Employer: The employer’s signature to authenticate the claim.
- Designation of Signing Official: The designation of the official signing the form.
- Employer’s Seal and Stamp: The company’s seal and stamp for verification.
- Date of Signing: The date when the form is signed by the employer.
Details to be Filled in by the EPF Commissioner
Once the form is submitted, it is reviewed by the EPF Commissioner, who fills out the following details:
- Date of Receipt: The date when the EPF office receives the form.
- Verification Status: The verification status after checking all the details and documents.
- Approval Status: The final approval status and remarks, if any.
- Date of Approval: The date when the form is approved.
- Signature of the EPF Commissioner: The commissioner’s signature for final authentication.
- Documents Req
Documents Required Along with EPF Form 31
Depending on the purpose of the withdrawal, various documents need to be attached to Form 31. Here is a list of common scenarios and the required documents for Form 31:
- Medical Treatment: Medical certificate from a doctor.
- Education: Bonafide certificate from the educational institution.
- Marriage: Marriage certificate.
- House Repair/Alteration: Proof of need for repair or an alteration form.
- Purchase of Plot: Purchase agreement.
- Housing Loan Repayment: Signed declaration.
- Natural Disasters: Certificate from the concerned authority.
- Power Supply Issues: Statement from the state government.
- Lockout of an Establishment: Declaration.
Procedure of Filing for Withdrawal through EPF Form 31
The filing procedure for withdrawal through Form 31 in EPFO includes various steps you need to follow to apply for taking out some of your EPF savings.
This involves filling out the necessary forms, providing the required documents, and submitting the application to the appropriate authorities. You can do this either by filling out a physical application form or through an online platform.
Submission of Physical Application Through Form 31
- Obtain the Form: Download the latest Form 31 from the EPFO website or collect it from the regional EPF office.
- Fill the Form: Complete all the necessary details as mentioned above.
- Attach Documents: Attach the required documents relevant to your withdrawal reason.
- Submit to Employer: Submit the filled form to your employer for verification and signature.
- Submission to EPFO: After the employer’s verification, submit the form to the regional EPF office.
- Receive Acknowledgment: Get a receipt of the submission from the EPF office.
- Claim Settlement: Wait for the EPFO to process and settle your claim.
Submission of Online Application for Withdrawal from EPF
- Login to EPFO Member Portal: Use your UAN and password to log in to the EPFO member portal.
- Navigate to Online Services: Click on “Online Services” and select the claim section.
- Fill in Details: Complete the online form with all the required details.
- Verify Information: Double-check all the entered information for accuracy.
- Proceed for Online Claim: Click ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ and select PF ADVANCE (FORM 31) from the list.
- Select Withdrawal Reason: Choose the reason for withdrawal, such as education, buying a house, or medical treatment.
- Enter Address and Amount: Provide your address and the amount required.
- Sign Disclosure Form: Complete the online disclosure form.
- Get Aadhaar OTP: Click on ‘Get Aadhaar OTP’, and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Submit the Claim Form: Validate the OTP and submit the claim form. EPF form 31 claim status can be checked on the same platform.
FAQs on EPF Form 31
1
Who is eligible to use EPF Form 31 for withdrawal?
EPF Form 31 is for active EPF members who meet specific criteria like minimum service period and withdrawal reasons (e.g., marriage, higher education, house purchase).
2
What are the common reasons for EPF withdrawal using Form 31?
Common reasons include marriage, higher education, house purchase, construction or renovation, medical emergencies, and natural calamities.
3
Is there a limit on the amount that can be withdrawn using EPF Form 31?
Yes, the withdrawal amount is capped based on the reason for withdrawal. For instance, there’s a limit for marriage expenses, education costs, and home loan repayments.
4
How long does it take for the withdrawal amount to be credited to my account after the claim is approved?
The credit time varies, but generally, it takes 2-3 working days after claim approval for the amount to be reflected in your bank account.
5
Can I track the status of my EPF withdrawal application?
Yes, most EPFO offices provide online portals or mobile apps where you can check the status of your withdrawal claim.
6
What should I do if my EPF withdrawal claim is rejected?
If your claim is rejected, you’ll receive a reason for rejection. Correct the issues and resubmit the claim within the stipulated time, or appeal the decision if necessary.
Amit Raje is an experienced marketer who has worked in various Fintechs and leading Financial companies in India. With focused experience in Digital, Amit has pioneered multiple digital commerce in India. Now, close to two decades later, he is the vice president and head of the D2C business department. He masters the skill of strategic management, also being certified in it from IIMA. He has challenged his challenges and contributed his efforts in this journey of digital transformation.
Reviewed By :
Prasad Pimple
Prasad Pimple has a decade-long experience in the Life insurance sector and as EVP, Kotak Life heads Digital Business. He is responsible for developing user friendly product journeys, creating consumer awareness and helping consumers in identifying need for life insurance solutions. He has 20+ years of experience in creating and building business verticals across Insurance, Telecom and Banking sectors