How to withdraw your Provident Fund online in India?

Managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, the Provident Fund system ensures that salaried employees save regularly for retirement. However, retirement, unemployment, or emergencies may require access to these funds. This process is now possible online thanks to digitisation, with minimal paperwork and quicker turnaround. Let us understand how to withdraw your Provident Fund online in India:

1. Check eligibility for online withdrawal

Before the online PF withdrawal, you must ensure that you are eligible. Complete withdrawal is allowed only if you are retired or have been unemployed for over two months. Partial withdrawal is allowed for specific purposes.

2. Ensure your UAN and KYC details are updated

To access the online withdrawal feature, your Universal Account Number must be activated and linked to your Aadhaar. Employers must verify the KYC details submitted by the employee. Once this is complete, the PF withdrawal process becomes easy. Your mobile number should also be linked to your Aadhaar, as OTP-based authentication is mandatory during online claim submission.

3. Log in to the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal

Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal and log in using your UAN, password, and captcha code. Once logged in, navigate to the ‘manage’ tab to ensure your KYC details are accurate. Update any outdated information before proceeding.

4. Submit your online claim

Under the ‘Online Services’ tab, click ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)’. You are redirected to a form that lets you select the type of claim you wish to file. You must select Form 19 for complete withdrawal, Form 10C for claiming pension benefits and Form 31 for partial PF withdrawal.

5. Select the claim and provide the reason

Enter the last four digits of your registered Bank Account number to verify your identity. Once verified, proceed to choose the appropriate claim. If you opt for a partial withdrawal, you must specify the reason for illness, marriage, education, house construction, or Loan repayment. To complete the form, you must also provide your address and other personal details.

6. Enter the amount required

You need to submit the amount you wish to withdraw. Depending on your eligibility and the total PF balance, it can be a partial withdrawal.

7. Submit your request

To finalise your application, authenticate the claim using an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. This step verifies your identity and ensures secure transactions. You get an acknowledgement number once you enter the OTP and submit the application. The number can be used to track your application status.

8. EPFO verification and disbursal

Once your request is submitted, EPFO verifies and processes it. The amount will be disbursed to your Bank Account if all your details are correct.

Conclusion

Online PF withdrawal is no longer a tedious process. The EPFO has digitised its systems to offer convenience to salaried individuals across India. Your EPF savings are now more accessible than ever, right from your home.