The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) provides members the option to withdraw funds for specific needs through Form 31, also known as an Advance Form. EPF Advance Withdrawal Form 31 guide will cover the different types of advances available, eligibility, amounts that can be withdrawn, and the documents required for each type.
What is EPF Advance Withdrawal Form 31?
Form 31 is a withdrawal form that allows EPF members to request advances from their EPF account for certain reasons before they retire. These advances are generally non-refundable, meaning they do not need to be repaid. However, each type of advance has specific eligibility criteria, withdrawal limits, and documentation requirements.
Types of EPF Advances Form 31
Below are the main types of advances you can apply for under Form 31, along with the conditions and requirements.
1. Purchase or Construction of House/Flat (Para 68B)
Purpose: For purchasing a house or flat, or constructing a dwelling, including purchasing land.
Eligibility: At least 5 years of EPF membership.
Withdrawal Limit:
24 months’ basic wages and DA for purchasing land.
36 months’ basic wages and DA for purchasing or constructing a house or flat.
Total employee and employer share with interest, or the total cost—whichever is less.
Installments: One or more installments.
Documents Required: Declaration Form from the member.
2. Loan Repayment (Para 68BB)
Purpose: For repayment of outstanding home loan principal and interest.
Eligibility: Minimum of 10 years of membership.
Withdrawal Limit:
36 months’ basic wages and DA.
Total employee and employer share with interest, or the total outstanding loan amount—whichever is less.
Documents Required: Certificate from the loan agency indicating the outstanding loan amount.
3. Special Cases – Unemployment or Retrenchment (Para 68H)
Purpose: For cases where the establishment is closed or employees are unemployed due to reasons beyond their control.
Eligibility: This applies if the member has not received wages for more than 2 months (non-strike reasons).
Withdrawal Limit: Up to 100% of the employee share with interest.
Documents Required: Certificate from the employer confirming closure or lockout.
4. Medical Emergencies (Para 68J)
Purpose: For medical treatment of the member or family.
Eligibility: No specific membership period required.
Withdrawal Limit: 6 months’ basic wages and DA or employee share with interest, whichever is less.
Documents Required: Medical certificate from a doctor and employer verification.
5. Marriage or Education Expenses (Para 68K)
Purpose: For marriage or post-matriculation education of self, children, or siblings.
Eligibility: Minimum 7 years of EPF membership.
Withdrawal Limit: Up to 50% of the employee share with interest.
Frequency: Can be claimed up to three times for marriage and education.
Documents Required: Declaration in Form 31 for marriage; certificate of enrollment for education.
6. Physically Handicapped Members (Para 68N)
Purpose: To purchase assistive equipment for reducing hardship.
Eligibility: No specific membership period required.
Withdrawal Limit: 6 months’ basic wages and DA or employee share with interest, or the cost of the equipment—whichever is less.
Frequency: Once every 3 years.
Documents Required: Medical certificate from a doctor specifying the need for the equipment.
7. Pre-Retirement Partial Withdrawal (Para 68NN)
Purpose: Partial withdrawal within one year before retirement.
Eligibility: Available after 54 years of age and within one year of retirement.
Withdrawal Limit: Up to 90% of the total PF balance.
Documents Required: None specified.
Additional Types of Advances
Natural Calamity (Para 68L): Withdrawal is allowed if property is damaged due to natural disasters.
Electricity Cut: A small advance of up to Rs. 300 is available if the member is affected by a cut in electricity.
Investment in Varistha Pension Bima Yojana (Para 68NNN): Allows advance for investment in government pension schemes for senior citizens.
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How to Apply for EPF Advance Using Form 31
1. Login to the EPFO Portal: Members can submit Form 31 online through the EPFO member portal.
2. Complete the Form: Select the reason for withdrawal and fill in all required details.
3. Upload Documents: Attach the necessary documents for your specific type of advance.
4. Submit: After completing the form and attaching documents, submit the request for EPFO approval.
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EPF Form 31 provides a valuable way for EPF members to access funds for essential expenses without waiting for retirement. By understanding the specific purposes and requirements for each type of advance, members can make informed decisions and access their funds when needed.
This guide covers the main types of advances available under EPF Form 31 and should help members understand their options and requirements for EPF advances.
FAQ: EPF Advance Withdrawal Form 31
1. What is Form 31?
Form 31 allows EPF members to withdraw funds for specific needs, such as house purchases, medical emergencies, or education, before retirement.
2. What are the main types of advances?
- House Purchase/Construction: Up to 36 months’ wages.
- Loan Repayment: Up to 36 months’ wages.
- Medical Emergencies: Up to 6 months’ wages or employee share.
- Marriage/Education: Up to 50% of employee share.
- Pre-Retirement: Up to 90% of the balance after age 54.
3. What are the eligibility criteria?
- Varies by type (e.g., 5 years of membership for house purchase).
- No minimum period is required for medical emergencies.
4. What documents are needed?
Depends on the advance type, e.g.:
- Medical: Doctor’s certificate.
- House/Loan: Relevant agency certificates.
- Marriage/Education: Declaration or enrollment proof.
5. How do I apply?
Submit Form 31 online via the EPFO portal by filling in details and uploading documents.
6. Are multiple claims allowed?
Yes, for certain purposes like marriage or education.
7. What’s the withdrawal limit?
Limits vary, such as 36 months’ wages for house construction or 6 months’ wages for medical emergencies.
8. Can I withdraw before retirement?
Yes, up to 90% of the EPF balance within one year of retirement (age 54+).
