How to Withdraw PF Amount Online & Offline

Your Provident Fund (PF) is more than just a retirement savings tool. It also serves as a secondary financial resource in times of need, such as when switching jobs, planning a big expense, or dealing with an emergency for its members.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified the process of PF withdrawal in recent years, making it more accessible and convenient for employees. With the right documents and eligibility, most withdrawals can now be processed without requiring an office visit. In this blog, we cover the steps on how to withdraw PF amount online and offline.

What is a provident fund?

The Provident Fund (PF) or Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a government-backed, long-term retirement savings scheme designed to provide financial security to salaried employees in India. Governed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, both employer and employee contribute a certain percentage of their basic wages plus dearness allowance to this fund.

The PF account earns interest and is payable as a lump sum or in installments during retirement, job change, or specific emergencies, such as illness or marriage. With the rise of digital services, the EPFO has facilitated a convenient and hassle-free PF withdrawal process.

Also Read: EPF Balance Check with and without UAN Number

Types of PF withdrawals

1. Complete PF withdrawal

   Permitted when an employee retires or remains unemployed for a specified duration. It allows for the withdrawal of the entire PF balance under certain eligible conditions.

   Reason for Withdrawal	Minimum Service Required	Maximum Withdrawal Limit	Eligibility / Conditions
   Retirement (58 years of age)	No limit	100% of PF balance	Must have completed service and reached retirement age
   Unemployment (1 month)	N/A	75% of PF balance	Aadhaar, PAN, bank KYC must be linked
   Unemployment (2 months)	N/A	Remaining 25% of PF balance	Aadhaar, PAN, bank KYC must be linked

2. Partial PF withdrawal

   Allowed for reasons like medical emergencies, marriage, education, home purchase/renovation, and loan repayment.

   Reason for Withdrawal	Minimum Service Required	Maximum Withdrawal Limit	Eligibility / Conditions
   Medical Treatment	None	Lower of 6× monthly salary or employee share with interest	For self or dependent family member’s hospitalisation (serious illness)
   Marriage / Education	7 years	50% of employees’ contribution with interest	For marriage/education of self, children, or siblings
   Land Purchase	5 years	Up to 24× monthly salary (basic + DA)	Land must be in name of employee/spouse/joint; registered proof required
   House Purchase / Construction	5 years	Up to 36× monthly salary (basic + DA) or 90% of PF balance	Property must be in name of employee/spouse/joint; agreement/deed required
   Home Loan Repayment	10 years	Up to 90% of PF balance (employee + employer share)	Loan must be in employee/spouse name; proof of loan sanction & repayment schedule needed
   House Renovation	5 years from construction	Up to 12× monthly salary	House must be owned by employee/spouse
   Pre-retirement (Age 54+)	N/A (within 1 year of retirement)	Up to 90% of total PF balance	Allowed only once when employee is aged 54 or more employee/spouse

How to withdraw PF amount online

1. UAN website

   • Visit the UAN portal
   • Sign in using your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password and enter the captcha
   • Go to the ‘Manage’ tab and click on ‘KYC’ to ensure your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are correctly linked and verified on the portal
   • Tap 'Online Services' and select 'Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)' to start the process
   • Fill in your bank account number and click ‘Verify’ to authenticate your identity
   • Click ‘Yes’ to digitally sign the undertaking certificate to proceed
   • Click on 'Proceed for Online Claim' to begin the application for withdrawal
   • Under the tab ‘I Want To Apply For’, choose the withdrawal type: full, partial, or pension
   • Select ‘PF Advance (Form 31)’, then enter the reason, amount, and your address
   • Submit the request and verify it with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
   • EPFO will review your application, and the processing will begin
   • After approval, the withdrawal amount will be credited to your registered bank account
   • You can monitor your application using the ‘Track Claim Status’ option on the portal

2. UMANG App

   • Log in to the UMANG app
   • Search for ‘EPFO’ in the app
   • Tap on ‘Employee Centric’
   • Select the ‘Raise Claim’ option
   • Enter your UAN and verify with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile no
   • Select withdrawal type (partial or full), fill in the form, and submit your claim
   • You'll receive an acknowledgment/reference number confirming your request

How to withdraw PF amount offline

• Download the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar) or Composite Claim Form (Non-Aadhaar) from the EPFO website
• Choose the right form type:
  • Use the Aadhaar form if your UAN is activated and your Aadhaar number and bank details are linked. No employer attestation is needed.
  • Use the Non-Aadhaar form if Aadhaar or bank details aren’t linked with your UAN. This requires employer attestation.
• Enter details like your UAN, name, Aadhaar number, bank details, and withdrawal reason in the form
• Submit ID proof and other documents needed for your withdrawal type
• Visit your nearest EPFO office and submit the completed form
• After processing, the amount will be credited to your bank account

Required documents for EPF withdrawal

• Universal Account Number (UAN)
• Aadhaar card linked with UAN
• Bank account details in the name of the PF holder
• Cancelled cheque with IFSC code and bank account number
• Employer’s details (date of joining and exit must be updated by the employer in EPFO records)

Also Read: EPF Claim Status: Types of Forms, Eligibility, and More

Forms used for EPF withdrawal

Knowing how to withdraw PF amount correctly helps avoid errors that could delay approval. EPFO has updated the PF withdrawal process to offer faster and more accessible options, including online methods such as the UAN portal and UMANG app, as well as offline options through physical forms submitted at the EPFO office. It's also a good practice to stay updated with the latest rules and guidelines on the EPFO portal to ensure your claim is processed smoothly.

Frequently asked questions

1. How to withdraw money from PF account?

   You can withdraw money from your PF account either online through the EPFO portal or the UMANG App or offline by submitting a physical form at the nearest EPFO office.

2. Is there any time limit for withdrawing Provident Fund dues?

   Yes, in case of resignation (not superannuation), the member must wait for two months before becoming eligible to withdraw the PF amount.

3. How to withdraw PF online with UAN?

   Log in to the UAN portal, go to 'Online Services', select 'Claim', and submit the required details.

4. How many times can we withdraw PF advance​?

   It depends on the reason. Some purposes, like marriage or post-matriculation education, are limited to 3 times, while others, like medical emergencies, have no fixed limit.

5. Is it mandatory to link PAN for PF withdrawal?

   Yes, as per Section 206AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, every EPF member is required to provide their PAN if the withdrawal amount is taxable. Failure to do so may lead to higher TDS deductions.