EPF Form 31 - Partial PF Withdrawal Online & Offline

Accessing part of your savings in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) before full settlement is possible under certain valid reasons using Form 31 (Advance/Partial Withdrawal). This article explains clearly what Form 31 is, who can use it, what the eligibility rules are, how you can apply online or offline, and what you should check before you apply.

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What is Form 31

Form 31 is the application form used by an EPF member to make a partial withdrawal or an advance from their EPF account, rather than full settlement.Under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, it allows access to part of the accumulated fund for specified needs while you are still in service (or before full exit).
Using Form 31 you can request funds for purposes like house construction/purchase, marriage/education, illness, natural calamity, etc.

Eligibility & Conditions

Before you use Form 31, you should check whether you meet the conditions. Here are key eligibility points:

• Your Universal Account Number (UAN) must be active and your KYC (Aadhaar, bank account, IFSC) should be updated in the EPFO database.
• You must be a member of EPF and your Date of Joining should be recorded in the EPFO database.
• The reason for withdrawal should be one of the purposes allowed under the scheme (house purchase/construction, education, marriage, illness, one year before retirement, natural calamity, etc).
• Minimum service period may apply depending on the reason. For example for marriage or education you may require 7 years of service.

How to Apply – Online Process

Here are the step-by-step instructions for submitting Form 31 online:

1. Visit the EPFO member portal (Unified Member Portal) and log in using your UAN and password.
2. Under the menu “Online Services” select “Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)”.
3. On the claim page verify your personal details (name, DOB, father/husband’s name, PAN, Aadhaar, mobile etc) and also confirm your bank account details.
4. Choose the claim type from the dropdown, select “PF Advance (Form 31)”.
5. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw, and select the purpose of advance from the list. Provide your current address and other details asked.
6. You will usually need to tick the “Certificate of Undertaking” (self-declaration). Then generate Aadhaar OTP and validate it.
7. Submit the claim. You can track status later online.

How to Apply – Offline Process

If you prefer or need to apply offline (physical submission), the steps are:

1. Download Form 31 from the EPFO website.
2. Fill out the form with your details (member name, PF account number, employer name/address, purpose of advance, amount required, address, etc).
3. Get your employer to complete the employer section (verification, signature, seal).
4. Attach any documents if required (depending on purpose; e.g., purchase agreement, medical certificate).
5. Submit the filled form to the EPFOoffice under your jurisdiction.
6. Wait for claim to be processed. Offline claims may take longer.

What Purposes Qualify & How Much Can You Withdraw

Under Form 31, the reasons and limits differ depending on the purpose.

Some examples:

• For purchase of site or house, construction etc under Para 68B(b)/(c) of the EPF scheme.
• For marriage of self/son/daughter/sister/brother, or for post-matric education of children.
• For ill‐health of member or family, or natural calamity.

The amount you can withdraw is subject to restrictions, for example limited to “employee’s share” of contribution or specified multiples of wages in case of house purchase.

Benefits of Using Form 31

• It allows access to your PF savings for urgent or valid life needs without full withdrawal.
• Online process is quick and requires minimal paperwork if your KYC is done.
• You continue your EPF account and continue earning interest on remaining balance.
• You don’t need to resign or exit job to avail partial withdrawal for eligible reasons.

Things to Keep in Mind / Checks Before You Apply

• Ensure your UAN is active, Aadhaar, bank and PAN are seeded and KYC is complete. If not, the claim may be rejected or delayed.
• Choose the correct “reason for advance” — incorrect reason may lead to rejection.
• Check your employer has been depositing your EPF contributions regularly — missing contributions may cause issues.
• Keep copies of all submitted forms/documents.
• Track your claim status online and follow up if delayed.
• Even though you are withdrawing part of your savings, remember that your future EPF corpus and retirement benefits may be affected if you keep withdrawing.
• Understand tax implications though many partial withdrawals are non-taxable if service conditions are met.

Conclusion

Form 31 provides a way for EPFO members to access part of their provident fund savings for valid reasons without full settlement. Whether you apply online (which is faster and convenient) or offline (for those preferring physical forms), the key is to meet the eligibility criteria, fill the form correctly, verify your KYC and purpose, and track your claim. A well-managed partial withdrawal can help you navigate specific financial needs while keeping your long-term savings intact.