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What is EPF Withdrawal Form 31?
EPF withdrawal Form 31, commonly referred to as the PF Advance Form, is a formal application that is used to withdraw funds. Unlike a complete withdrawal, which is permitted only after retirement, resignation, or termination, Form 31 allows partial withdrawals.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) sets eligibility criteria and withdrawal limits depending on the purpose of the request. Access to EPF is limited for predefined purposes.
The process requires proper documentation to substantiate the reason for withdrawal. The application can be submitted either online through the EPFO portal or offline via the employer.
Trust of 20+ Years in Industry
Written bySumit Narula
Published 6th November 2025
Reviewed byPrateek Pandey
Last Modified 4th August 2026
Investment Expert
Who Can Apply for EPF Withdrawal Using Form 31?
There are some PF Advance Form 31 rules to keep the integrity of the retirement corpus and still allow members to manage urgent financial needs.
Therefore, to access a partial withdrawal, employees must meet the following eligibility requirements.
1. Be an active member of the EPF with a valid Universal Account Number (UAN)
2. Complete the minimum service period required, which depends on the purpose of withdrawal
3. Have KYC details (Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account) confirmed and connected to the UAN
4. Submit the withdrawal request through the PF Advance Form 31 for defined purposes
5. Adhere to EPFO’s limits and conditions for every withdrawal
When Can You Withdraw EPF Funds Using Form 31?
EPF Form 31 allows a partial withdrawal of funds to meet financial needs without withdrawing all of your retirement corpus. Withdrawals are permitted only under the following approved circumstances:
- 1. Medical emergencies: You can withdraw funds to cover medical treatment for yourself or dependents.
- 2. Education: You can withdraw up to 50% of your contribution for your higher studies or for your children’s higher studies.
- 3. Marriage: Funds can be accessed for marriage-related expenses of the employee, siblings, or children.
- 4. Housing and renovation: EPF allows withdrawals for purchasing land, constructing a house, or renovating an existing home. The ownership should be in the name of the member, spouse, or jointly.
- 5. Home loan repayment: If you want to repay your home loan, you can partially withdraw funds from your EPF account.
- 6. Calamities and unemployment: Special advances are allowed in connection with special circumstances such as natural calamities or long-term unemployment.
Common Mistakes That Cause EPF Claim Delays
Access to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) benefits is essential for timely financial relief. Although you can claim your EPF amount effectively, some common mistakes can cause delay in your claim processing. Check out some of the common mistakes to avoid to ensure that you get your EPF amount without delay:
Incorrect Details
The most common reason for EPF claim delays is incorrect information provided by the applicant. Incorrect details such as name, address, or bank account information, or mismatches of records submitted by the previous and current employer, can slow the process, leading to financial delays.
Inaccurate Bank Details
Improper and incorrect bank account details, such as mismatched account numbers or IFSC codes, can lead to claim rejections and delays. Therefore, it is essential to cross-check your bank information before finalising the claim form.
Delay in Request
It is essential to submit the claim request as early as possible to ensure smooth processing and claim disbursement. Moreover, the applicant should provide all EPF details to the employer to ensure the funds are transferred and reflected promptly, avoiding complications and unnecessary delays.
Multiple UANs
Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit code assigned to every EPF account and remains with them throughout their career, regardless of job changes. If the employee fails to share their existing UAN with the employer, it may cause complications during claim settlement, resulting in delays.
Human Resource Errors
In some instances, the employer can delay the claim settlement by failing to maintain accurate records, approve transfers on time, and upload the required documents. Therefore, it is necessary to remind the employer about claim disbursement to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure timely fulfilment of financial needs.
Aadhaar and PAN Linkage
If the employee's universal account number is not linked to their Aadhaar and PAN, the UAN may become inactive, leading to complications during EPF balance claim settlement. Therefore, the employee should ensure that their UAN number is active and linked to Aadhaar and PAN.
EPFO Processing Delays
Even after submitting all required details accurately, the PF claim settlement can still face delays due to administrative hurdles with the EPFO. It happens due to bulky pending request-related issues, fund reconciliation challenges, and coordination gaps among EPFO offices.
When Can You Use Form 31 in EPFO?
Form 31 of EPF is submitted for an advance/partial withdrawal from an employee's provident fund (EPF) account before retirement. Form 31 is issued by the Employee's Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Compared to a full withdrawal of the EPF account upon retirement or resignation, a member can partially withdraw from his EPF account by submitting a completed Form 31 without terminating his membership in the fund.
Partial withdrawals under Form 31 by EPF members are allowed only for certain purposes that have been approved by the EPFO. Every withdrawal category has its own set of eligibility criteria, including minimum period of EPF membership, ownership criteria, maximum withdrawal amount, and documents required. Knowledge of the eligibility criteria before making the application enables the member to avoid processing delays and rejection of the claim. Members are advised to check EPF balance before applying for the partial withdrawal.
Medical Treatment
- Members can apply for a partial EPF withdrawal to meet the medical expenses of the member, spouse, children, or dependent parents
- Withdrawal can be made in case of hospitalisation, undergoing surgery, or for the medical treatment of specific diseases by the EPF member
- Common examples include cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, organ transplantation, major orthopaedic conditions, neurological disorders, and other serious illnesses requiring prolonged hospitalisation or surgery
- There is no need for the member to serve a certain minimum period in the EPF to become eligible for the withdrawal of money
- Minimum of either 6 months of basic salary plus dearness allowance (DA) or EPF contribution made by the employee along with accumulated interest
- Relevant medical records, hospital certificates, and other treatment documents may be required depending on the claim
Purchase of Residential Land
- Individuals buying residential land to construct a house either in the individual’s name or in the name of the individual along with their spouse
- Members who have completed at least 5 years of EPF membership can withdraw funds
- The maximum withdrawal permitted is limited to the lower of 24 months’ basic salary plus DA, the available balance in the EPF account, or the actual cost of acquisition of land
- The purchased land must be for residential purposes, and the ownership criteria as per EPFO should be fulfilled
Purchase or Construction of a Residential House
- Eligible for members who wish to buy or construct a residential house or flat either individually or jointly with their spouse
- Minimum EPF membership of at least 5 years is required
- The maximum withdrawal is restricted to the lower of 24 months’ basic salary plus DA, the available balance in the EPF account, or the actual price of the property
- Documents of the property might be required at the time of claim verification
Repayment of Home Loan
- Eligible for members who are paying back the home loan which has been borrowed by the member or their spouse
- Minimum EPF membership of at least 10 years is required
- The maximum withdrawal amount permitted is the lower of 36 months’ basic salary plus DA, the available balance in the EPF account, or the outstanding housing loan amount
- Members may need to provide a certificate from the lending institution regarding the existing loan amount
House Renovation or Repair
- Individuals who own the residential property individually or jointly with their spouses who wish to repair, renovate, or modify an existing residential home
- It is usually recommended that the house must have been constructed at least 5 years prior
- The maximum withdrawal amount permitted is the lower of 12 months’ basic salary plus DA or the employee's contribution together with accumulated interest
- Proof of ownership may be required
Marriage Expenses
- Expenses related to marriage of a member, his son, daughter, brother or sister.
- Minimum EPF membership of at least 7 years is required
- The maximum withdrawal amount permitted is not more than 50% of the contribution of the individual member, along with interest
- A maximum of 3 withdrawals can be made within the duration of EPF membership
- Marital declarations or supporting documentation may be required during verification
Higher Education
Natural Calamity
- Financial assistance for the notified natural calamity when there is an adverse impact on the property or source of income of the employee
- No qualifying period of membership of the EPF is required
- The maximum withdrawal amount permitted is the lower amount between 3 months' basic salary plus DA or 75 percent of the employee's EPF account
- A self-declaration along with any documents, if required by the EPFO, should be submitted
Lockout or Closure of Establishment
- Workers whose establishment has shut down or whose salary has remained unpaid for at least two months
- No qualifying period of membership of the EPF is required
- The maximum withdrawal amount permitted is up to the employee's own EPF contribution together with the accumulated interest, subject to EPFO eligibility conditions
Purchase of Equipment by Differently Abled Members
- Differently-abled members of EPF who are eligible for the purchase of equipment required because of a disability
- There is no need for the member to serve a certain minimum period in the EPF to become eligible for the withdrawal of money
- The maximum withdrawal amount allowed will be the lesser of the cost of equipment, 6 months' basic pay plus DA, or the contribution by the employee with interest
- A disability certificate/equipment-related document may be needed
Pre-retirement Withdrawal
What is the EPF Withdrawal Limit?
The limits of EPF withdrawal differ according to the reasons for withdrawal. Employees can access a part of their savings in accordance with EPFO guidelines for advances through Form 31.
It can be up to 50% of their contribution for education or marriage, 12–36 months’ wages for housing, or the actual medical expenses for treatment.
Complete withdrawals of the accumulated balance of EPF are allowed only on retirement, resignation, or termination.
Purpose of EPF Withdrawal
There are several reasons why people need to withdraw funds from their EPF accounts. The following are some of the main purposes of EPF withdrawals:
Eligibility conditions for the Purchase Construction of a House
- Mandatory 5-year service completion is required
- The employee can withdraw 24 months' pay, including basic pay and dearness allowance, to purchase a plot
- The employee can withdraw 36 months of payment, including the basic payment and dearness allowance, for the purchase of a house/flat/construction or the total cost, whichever is lower
Eligibility Conditions for the Repayment of Loans in Special Cases
- The minimum service period to claim repayment of loans is 10 years
- An employee can withdraw at least 36 months of payment or a total of the employee’s and employer’s share plus interest or the total outstanding principal with interest, whichever is lower
- To claim the repayment of the loan, a certification from the lending agency indicating the principal and interest amount is required
Eligibility conditions for the Grant of Advances in special cases
- If there is a closure of the establishment or a lockout lasting more than 15 days and the employees are unemployed without compensation, they can claim a grant of advances
- If employees have not received payment for more than two consecutive months for reasons other than a strike, they can claim advances
- 50% of EPF withdrawal is allowed if they challenge the discharge/dismissal/retrenchment of a member in court
- If the establishment is closed for more than six months and the employees remain employed without compensation, they can claim advances
Rules & Documents for EPF Withdrawal through Form 31
PF Form 31 provides access to funds only under defined circumstances, with particular limits, eligibility conditions, and paperwork requirements established by the EPFO. The table below summarises these rules.
| Purpose of withdrawal | Service required for eligibility | Maximum withdrawal | Frequency | Documentation required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 7 years of service | Up to 50% of employee share with interest | 1 time per child/course for a maximum of 3 times | A bona-fide certificate from an educational institution |
| Marriage (self/children/siblings) | 7 years of service | Up to 50% of employee share with interest | Maximum 3 times | Declaration or marriage certificate |
| Purchase of land/house | 5 years of service | Land: 24 months’ wages + DA House/construction: Lower of: - 36 months’ wages + DA, or - Total share with interest | 1 instalment | Purchase agreement, registration documents, or promoter declaration |
| House renovation | 5 years from the completion of the house | Lower of: - 12 months’ wages + DA, or | 1 instalment per request | Member declaration |
| - Employees’ share with interest | ||||
| Home loan repayment | 10 years of service | Lower of: - Outstanding principal + interest, or - 36 months’ wages + DA | 1 instalment | Certificate from the lending agency |
| Medical emergencies (self/family) | No minimum service | Lower of: - 6 months’ wages + DA, or - Employees’ share with interest | 1 instalment per treatment | Doctor’s certificate and employer verification |
| Partial withdrawal before retirement | Age 54+, within 1 year of retirement | Up to 90% of the accumulated corpus | 1 time | None (self-declaration) |
| Physically handicapped/special cases | Varies | Lower of: - 6 months’ wages + DA, or - Employee share/cost of equipment | 1 time | Doctor or employer certificate |
