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What is EPF Withdrawal Form 31?
EPF withdrawal Form 31, commonly referred to as the PF Advance Form, is a formal application that is used to withdraw funds. Unlike a complete withdrawal, which is permitted only after retirement, resignation, or termination, Form 31 allows partial withdrawals.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) sets eligibility criteria and withdrawal limits depending on the purpose of the request. Access to EPF is limited for predefined purposes.
The process requires proper documentation to substantiate the reason for withdrawal. The application can be submitted either online through the EPFO portal or offline via the employer.
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Written bySumit Narula
Investment Writer
Published 6th November 2025
Reviewed byPrateek Pandey
Last Modified 16th June 2026
Investment Expert
Who Can Apply for EPF Withdrawal Using Form 31?
There are some PF Advance Form 31 rules to keep the integrity of the retirement corpus and still allow members to manage urgent financial needs.
Therefore, to access a partial withdrawal, employees must meet the following eligibility requirements.
1. Be an active member of the EPF with a valid Universal Account Number (UAN)
2. Complete the minimum service period required, which depends on the purpose of withdrawal
3. Have KYC details (Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account) confirmed and connected to the UAN
4. Submit the withdrawal request through the PF Advance Form 31 for defined purposes
5. Adhere to EPFO’s limits and conditions for every withdrawal
When Can You Withdraw EPF Funds Using Form 31?
EPF Form 31 allows a partial withdrawal of funds to meet financial needs without withdrawing all of your retirement corpus. Withdrawals are permitted only under the following approved circumstances:
- 1. Medical emergencies: You can withdraw funds to cover medical treatment for yourself or dependents.
- 2. Education: You can withdraw up to 50% of your contribution for your higher studies or for your children’s higher studies.
- 3. Marriage: Funds can be accessed for marriage-related expenses of the employee, siblings, or children.
- 4. Housing and renovation: EPF allows withdrawals for purchasing land, constructing a house, or renovating an existing home. The ownership should be in the name of the member, spouse, or jointly.
- 5. Home loan repayment: If you want to repay your home loan, you can partially withdraw funds from your EPF account.
- 6. Calamities and unemployment: Special advances are allowed in connection with special circumstances such as natural calamities or long-term unemployment.
Common Mistakes That Cause EPF Claim Delays
Access to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) benefits is essential for timely financial relief. Although you can claim your EPF amount effectively, some common mistakes can cause delay in your claim processing. Check out some of the common mistakes to avoid to ensure that you get your EPF amount without delay:
Incorrect Details
The most common reason for EPF claim delays is incorrect information provided by the applicant. Incorrect details such as name, address, or bank account information, or mismatches of records submitted by the previous and current employer, can slow the process, leading to financial delays.
Inaccurate Bank Details
Improper and incorrect bank account details, such as mismatched account numbers or IFSC codes, can lead to claim rejections and delays. Therefore, it is essential to cross-check your bank information before finalising the claim form.
Delay in Request
It is essential to submit the claim request as early as possible to ensure smooth processing and claim disbursement. Moreover, the applicant should provide all EPF details to the employer to ensure the funds are transferred and reflected promptly, avoiding complications and unnecessary delays.
Multiple UANs
Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit code assigned to every EPF account and remains with them throughout their career, regardless of job changes. If the employee fails to share their existing UAN with the employer, it may cause complications during claim settlement, resulting in delays.
Human Resource Errors
In some instances, the employer can delay the claim settlement by failing to maintain accurate records, approve transfers on time, and upload the required documents. Therefore, it is necessary to remind the employer about claim disbursement to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure timely fulfilment of financial needs.
Aadhaar and PAN Linkage
If the employee's universal account number is not linked to their Aadhaar and PAN, the UAN may become inactive, leading to complications during EPF balance claim settlement. Therefore, the employee should ensure that their UAN number is active and linked to Aadhaar and PAN.
EPFO Processing Delays
Even after submitting all required details accurately, the PF claim settlement can still face delays due to administrative hurdles with the EPFO. It happens due to bulky pending request-related issues, fund reconciliation challenges, and coordination gaps among EPFO offices.
What is the EPF Withdrawal Limit?
The limits of EPF withdrawal differ according to the reasons for withdrawal. Employees can access a part of their savings in accordance with EPFO guidelines for advances through Form 31.
It can be up to 50% of their contribution for education or marriage, 12–36 months’ wages for housing, or the actual medical expenses for treatment.
Complete withdrawals of the accumulated balance of EPF are allowed only on retirement, resignation, or termination.
Purpose of EPF Withdrawal
There are several reasons why people need to withdraw funds from their EPF accounts. The following are some of the main purposes of EPF withdrawals:
Eligibility conditions for the Purchase Construction of a House
- Mandatory 5-year service completion is required
- The employee can withdraw 24 months' pay, including basic pay and dearness allowance, to purchase a plot
- The employee can withdraw 36 months of payment, including the basic payment and dearness allowance, for the purchase of a house/flat/construction or the total cost, whichever is lower
Eligibility Conditions for the Repayment of Loans in Special Cases
- The minimum service period to claim repayment of loans is 10 years
- An employee can withdraw at least 36 months of payment or a total of the employee’s and employer’s share plus interest or the total outstanding principal with interest, whichever is lower
- To claim the repayment of the loan, a certification from the lending agency indicating the principal and interest amount is required
Eligibility conditions for the Grant of Advances in special cases
- If there is a closure of the establishment or a lockout lasting more than 15 days and the employees are unemployed without compensation, they can claim a grant of advances
- If employees have not received payment for more than two consecutive months for reasons other than a strike, they can claim advances
- 50% of EPF withdrawal is allowed if they challenge the discharge/dismissal/retrenchment of a member in court
- If the establishment is closed for more than six months and the employees remain employed without compensation, they can claim advances
Rules & Documents for EPF Withdrawal through Form 31
PF Form 31 provides access to funds only under defined circumstances, with particular limits, eligibility conditions, and paperwork requirements established by the EPFO. The table below summarises these rules.
| Purpose of withdrawal | Service required for eligibility | Maximum withdrawal | Frequency | Documentation required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 7 years of service | Up to 50% of employee share with interest | 1 time per child/course for a maximum of 3 times | A bona-fide certificate from an educational institution |
| Marriage (self/children/siblings) | 7 years of service | Up to 50% of employee share with interest | Maximum 3 times | Declaration or marriage certificate |
| Purchase of land/house | 5 years of service | Land: 24 months’ wages + DA House/construction: Lower of: - 36 months’ wages + DA, or - Total share with interest | 1 instalment | Purchase agreement, registration documents, or promoter declaration |
| House renovation | 5 years from the completion of the house | Lower of: - 12 months’ wages + DA, or | 1 instalment per request | Member declaration |
| - Employees’ share with interest | ||||
| Home loan repayment | 10 years of service | Lower of: - Outstanding principal + interest, or - 36 months’ wages + DA | 1 instalment | Certificate from the lending agency |
| Medical emergencies (self/family) | No minimum service | Lower of: - 6 months’ wages + DA, or - Employees’ share with interest | 1 instalment per treatment | Doctor’s certificate and employer verification |
| Partial withdrawal before retirement | Age 54+, within 1 year of retirement | Up to 90% of the accumulated corpus | 1 time | None (self-declaration) |
| Physically handicapped/special cases | Varies | Lower of: - 6 months’ wages + DA, or - Employee share/cost of equipment | 1 time | Doctor or employer certificate |
How to Download EPF Form 31?
If you are in a real emergency and have no other way to get the funds you need, you can download the Form 31. You can easily access EPF Form 31 here.
There are physical versions of Form 31 at regional EPFO offices and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
How to Submit EPF Form 31: Online & Offline Process
Employees can submit EPF Form 31 online through the EPFO portal or offline through the employer or regional EPF office.
Online submission process
Step 1 – Visit the EPFO member portal and log in.
Step 2 – Login second factor authentication with an OTP that’s sent to your registered mobile number
Step 3 - Go to ‘Online Services’ and select ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C).’
Step 4 – Enter your bank account number and click on the ‘Verify’ button.
Step 5 – Upon validating, click on ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ button.
Step 6 – From the drop down, choose the right option.
Step 7 - Upon choosing the right option, you will be required to fill your correct information and click on ‘ Get Mobile OTP’.
Step 8 - Confirm and submit the details and wait for the EPFO officer to approve your request.
Offline submission process
Step 1 – Download Form 31 from the EPFO website or collect a physical copy from your regional EPF office.
?Step 2 – Fill in the details and attach your Aadhaar, PAN, bank account proof, and documents/certificates as per the purpose.
Step 3 – Then, submit the completed form to your employer or directly to the EPF regional office.
Step 4 – The EPFO will provide a receipt acknowledging the submission. You can track the status through your UAN or by contacting the regional office.
These options may allow your partial withdrawal request, but the EPF withdrawal form 31 online is quicker.
How to Check Your Form 31 Claim Status?
To track your EPF Form 31 withdrawal, follow these steps.
Online via EPFO Member Portal
Step 2 – Go to Online Services and click on ‘Track Claim Status’.
Step 3 – You will be able to see all the claims along with claim status on the page.
Using the UMANG App
Open the app, select EPFO Services → Track Claim, and follow the prompts.
SMS Facility
Send EPFOHO UAN <12-digit UAN> to 7738299899 to receive claim updates.
Tax Implications of Withdrawals
The taxation on partial withdrawals from EPF depends on the length of service and is explained below.
1. If you withdraw more than ₹50,000 before completing five years of continuous service, a 10% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) applies, provided your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is connected
2. Without PAN, the deduction rises to 30%
3. However, you can prevent TDS by submitting Form 15G or 15H, if eligible
4. Withdrawals made after five years of service are fully exempt from TDS
5. Transfers from EPF to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) are not taxed
Conclusion
EPF Withdrawal Form 31 allows members to access their EPF savings for genuine approved purposes. To apply, one must be an active EPF member with KYC-verified details and meet the requirements set by the EPFO.
With the option to submit the form online or offline, the process has become simpler through the EPFO portal. Knowing the eligibility rules, limits for withdrawal, or documents beforehand can let employees make smooth, well-informed claims on their hard-earned savings.
If you want to make a withdrawal, visit the EPFO member portal today and start your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for partial withdrawal via Form 31?
Any active EPF member with a valid UAN, KYC-verified details, and the minimum service period (where applicable) can request a partial withdrawal for approved purposes.
Can I use Form 31 without employer approval?
Yes. When applying online through the EPFO portal, the request is processed directly by the EPFO, reducing dependency on employer approval. However, offline submissions still require employer attestation before reaching the EPF office.
How many times can I use Form 31?
The frequency depends on the purpose of withdrawal. For example, marriage and education withdrawals are capped at three times, while medical withdrawals can be made whenever a genuine need arises.
What happens if my Aadhaar or PAN isn’t linked?
Linking Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details to your UAN is mandatory for online withdrawal. Without them, your request may be rejected or delayed.
In addition, TDS deductions can be higher if PAN is not linked.
In addition, TDS deductions can be higher if PAN is not linked.
Can I cancel a Form 31 claim once submitted?
Once a claim has been submitted online, it cannot be withdrawn or cancelled through the portal. You may contact your regional EPF office if you need to raise a request regarding errors or changes.
ARN: May26/130526/KB1
Sources:
https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_docs/PDFs/MiscPDFs/OCS_FAQ_Eligibility_102017.pdf
https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_docs/PDFs/Downloads_PDFs/UAN-Based_Form31.pdf
https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_docs/PDFs/MiscPDFs/OCS_FAQ_Eligibility_102017.pdf
https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_docs/PDFs/Downloads_PDFs/UAN-Based_Form31.pdf
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