The Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 under the EPFO allows members to make partial withdrawals for specific needs through Form 31. These withdrawals, officially known as advances, are permitted under various clauses for different purposes like housing, medical treatment, marriage, education, and more.
EPF Advance for Marriage: Eligibility & Rules (Para 68K)
To withdraw money for marriage purposes, individuals must meet the following criteria according to the EPF Scheme, 1952:
- Membership Period: Minimum 7 years of service is required to avail this facility.
- Minimum Balance: Have a minimum of ₹1,000 in their EPF account.
- Relation: You can withdraw from your PF account for your own marriage or the marriage of your children, siblings, or dependent family members.
- Frequency: Withdrawals for marriage can be made only three times in a member’s lifetime.
Withdrawal Limit: How Much Can You Avail?
The amount of advance admissible is strictly defined to ensure your retirement savings are not entirely depleted:
- Limit: Up to 50% of the employee share with interest.
- Note: You can withdraw up to 100% of the amount in some specific cases, however, maintaining a 25% balance is recommended to continue receiving interest from the EPFO.
- The exact amount depends on your PF balance and service period.
Documents Required for Submission
While the EPFO has simplified the process, the following are necessary for a successful claim:
- Member Declaration: Member's declaration in Form 31.
- Proof: Marriage certificate or marriage invitation card.
- Bank Details: A cancelled cheque with the member's name printed on it to verify the bank account.
- KYC: Aadhaar, PAN, and Bank Account must be linked with UAN for online applications.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process (Form 31)
Follow these steps to apply for your marriage advance via the Unified Portal:
- Login: Visit the official EPFO website and log in using your UAN, password, and captcha.
- Online Services: Select the option ‘Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu.
- Verification: Enter the last four digits of your bank account number and verify it.
- Proceed: Click on ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ and choose the ‘PF Advance (Form 31)’ from the dropdown.
- Purpose: In the "Purpose for which advance is required" option, select "Marriage" from the dropdown menu.
- Details: Enter the withdrawal amount and your full address.
- Upload: Scan and upload the marriage invitation card or required documents.
- Submit: Click 'Submit' to complete the online application process.
Processing Time: Withdrawals are usually processed within 5–15 working days, depending on the verification of documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many times can I withdraw PF for marriage?
You can withdraw up to three times in your entire service tenure.
Can I withdraw PF for my brother's marriage?
Yes, the EPF allows advances for the marriage of self, son, daughter, brother, or sister.
What is the minimum service for marriage advance?
A minimum of 7 years of service is required to be eligible for a marriage-related PF withdrawal.