EPF Form 31, also known as the EPF Advance Form, is used to file a claim for partial withdrawal or advance from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) account. This mechanism offers fast relief in emergencies while still upholding the rule of locking-in the balance for most other times. It is used to withdraw a portion of your PF balance while you are still employed, providing financial support during life events without closing your account or affecting pension eligibility.
Eligibility Rules and Allowed Reasons
EPFO permits such withdrawals for limited and genuine needs. Each reason has its own specific eligibility rules and limits.
| Reason for Advance | Minimum Service Required | Maximum Amount Admissible |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Treatment | None | 6 months’ basic wages + DA or employee share with interest (whichever is least). |
| Marriage (Self/Child/Sibling) | 7 Years | 50% of employee share with interest. |
| Education (Post-Secondary) | 7 Years | 50% of employee share with interest. |
| Purchase of Site/House/Flat | 5 Years | 24 to 36 months’ basic wages + DA or total balance (whichever is least). |
| Home Loan Repayment | 10 Years | Up to 90% of the PF balance. |
In-Depth: Specific Withdrawal Paras (68B to 68NN)
According to the official EPFO guidelines, the following "Paras" define the specific conditions for your claim:
Para 68K: Marriage & Education Advance
This is available for the marriage of self, son, daughter, brother, or sister, and for post-matriculation education of children. A member can apply for this only three times during his/her service tenure.
Para 68B: Purchase or Construction of House
Allowed after 5 years of membership. The house/site must be registered in the name of the member, spouse, or jointly. For a site, the limit is 24 months' basic wage + DA; for a house/flat, it is 36 months' basic wage + DA.
Para 68N: Physically Handicapped Members
For purchasing equipment to minimize hardship on account of handicap. Admissible amount is 6 months’ basic wages or employee share with interest.
How to Submit Form 31 Online (Step-by-Step)
Online application is possible only if the member has linked his bank account, Aadhaar, and PAN with UAN.
- Login: Visit the EPFO UAN Member Portal and sign in with UAN and password.
- Navigation: Select ‘Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu.
- Verify Bank: Enter the last four digits of your bank account number and click ‘Verify’.
- Choose Purpose: Select the ‘PF Advance Form 31’ and choose the purpose of withdrawal (e.g., Illness, Marriage).
- Upload Documents: You have to attach a scanned copy of a cancelled cheque or passbook for bank verification.
- Final Submission: Generate Aadhaar OTP, enter it, and submit your claim.
Manual / Offline Filing Process
If you cannot access the portal, use the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar/Non-Aadhaar).
- Certification: For offline applications, certification from the last employer is mandatory.
- Verification: HR or an authorized signatory must verify service length and wages, then stamp the form.
- Submission: Hand in the completed set at the local field office.