What Is EPF Form 31?: Eligibility, Withdrawal Rules & Claim Process

EPF Form 31 is used by EPF members to request a partial withdrawal or non-refundable advance from their PF account during employment for emergencies or important expenses.
OPEN FD
EPF Form 31
OPEN FD
4 mins
Sep 07, 2026

EPF Form 31 is a claim form used by Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) members to make a partial withdrawal, also known as a PF advance, from their EPF account before retirement. It enables employees to access a portion of their accumulated provident fund savings for specific purposes such as medical treatment, higher education, marriage, home purchase, home construction, home renovation, or repayment of a housing loan. Unlike final EPF settlement, Form 31 allows members to withdraw funds without closing their EPF account.


The withdrawal amount and eligibility criteria vary depending on the purpose of the claim and the employee’s years of service. Eligible members can submit Form 31 online through the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal or offline by submitting the form to the concerned EPF office. To ensure smooth processing, the member’s UAN, Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details should be correctly linked and verified. Form 31 provides financial flexibility during important life events while allowing employees to continue building their retirement corpus.


What is Form 31 in EPF? 

Form 31 is used to claim an advance or partial withdrawal from an EPF account for eligible purposes. EPFO permits such advances for specified needs, including housing, education, marriage, illness, and certain financial emergencies. 


Key points to understand about Form 31 include:

  • Purpose: It enables eligible members to access part of their EPF savings without final settlement.
  • Eligible needs: Withdrawals may cover specified purposes under the EPF Scheme.
  • Service requirement: Eligibility varies according to the withdrawal purpose and applicable EPFO rules.
  • 2026 update: EPFO has streamlined partial-withdrawal rules, including a uniform minimum service requirement of 12 months for partial withdrawals.
  • Application: Members can apply for an EPF advance through the applicable composite claim process.

Details of Form 31

Form 31 is used for eligible EPF advances or partial withdrawals. EPFO currently processes these claims through the Composite Claim Form, available for Aadhaar and non-Aadhaar cases. 

DetailInformation to provide
Member detailsName, UAN and relevant PF account information
Claim purposeReason for requesting the EPF advance
Withdrawal amountAmount requested, subject to applicable EPFO limits
Bank detailsRegistered bank account information required for electronic payment
KYC detailsAadhaar and other verified member information, where applicable
Contact detailsRegistered mobile number and other required information
Employer detailsEstablishment information, where required for the claim

For online claims, Aadhaar and bank details must be available on the UAN portal. EPFO states that Aadhaar-based Composite Claim Forms do not require employer attestation. 


Keep all details consistent with your EPFO records to reduce the possibility of claim-related issues.

When can you use EPF Form 31?

As per PF advance Form 31 rules, members can use Form 31 for eligible EPF withdrawals and advances under specific circumstances.


  • Use Form 31, when you resign from your job and want to withdraw EPF fund.
  • Upon retirement, use Form 31 to withdraw your EPF balance.
  • In case of employment termination, for any reason, you can use Form 31 to withdraw your EPF balance withdrawal.
  • For partial withdrawal, like medical treatment or education expenses, use Form 31.
  • After 10 years of service or at the age of 55, access Form 31 for the final settlement of your entire EPF balance.

  • You can use Form 31, to take out your entire EPF balance, when you have completed 10 years of service or reached the age of 55.


How to download Form 31?

  1. Member log in: Begin by accessing the EPFO member portal and logging in with your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
  2. Claim selection: Navigate to the "Online Services" menu and select "Claim" to initiate an online request.
  3. Information verification: A new page will display your personal details including name, date of birth, PAN number, Aadhaar number, employment details, and contact information. Verify the accuracy of this information before clicking "Proceed for Online Claim."
  4. Claim type selection: The next page will display available claim options. Choose "PF ADVANCE (FORM 31)" from the drop-down menu.
  5. Advance purpose and details: Specify the reason for the advance using the provided options, such as illness, natural calamity, etc. Enter the desired advance amount and your current address in the designated fields.
  6. OTP verification and claim submission: After reviewing the information, proceed to sign the electronic disclosure. Upon checking the box, a "Get Aadhaar OTP" button will appear. Click the button to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your Aadhaar linked mobile number. Enter the received OTP and click "Validate OTP and Submit Claim Form" to complete the online EPF advance application process.

What does Form 31 include?

Form 31 traditionally referred to the EPF advance claim form. EPFO has since consolidated Forms 19, 10C, and 31 into the Composite Claim Form. 

SectionDetails covered
Member informationUAN, name, PF account and personal details
Claim typeEPF advance, final settlement or applicable pension benefit
Advance purposeEligible reason for requesting the EPF advance
Payment detailsBank account information required for credit
VerificationAadhaar and other KYC details, where applicable

How to submit Form 31 offline?

To submit the form offline, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Download Form 31 from the official website of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
  2. Fill up the relevant details in the form.
  3. Upon filling, contact your employer and ask them to get a certification validating your employment with them and then ask them to fill the designation, date, and signature fields in the form.

  4. Submit this filled form to the respective EPFO office.


Read also: EPF withdrawal online process after retirement


How to submit Form 31 online?

To submit the form online, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Go to the official EPFO website: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/.
  2. Log in to your account using your UAN, password, and captcha. Click on ‘SIGN IN’.
  3. Select ‘Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D’ from the ‘ONLINE SERVICES’ menu.
  4. You'll see an auto-filled form. Add the last four digits of your bank account number and confirm it.
  5. Click 'YES' to agree to the terms and conditions in the ‘CERTIFICATE OF UNDERTAKING’ pop-up window.
  6. Choose ‘PROCEED FOR ONLINE CLAIM’ and select ‘PF WITHDRAWAL’ from the dropdown menu.
  7. Pick ‘PF ADVANCE FORM’ and input details like the purpose of withdrawal, withdrawal amount, and other required information.
  8. Finally, click ‘SUBMIT’ to finish the online application process.

Fixed deposit variants

Highest Credit Ratings | Trusted with over 1.4 million Deposits | Assured Returns on FD
Recommended

Fixed Deposit - 60 Months

INTEREST RATES UP TO
7.75% p.a.
Invest Online

Fixed Deposit - Senior Citizen

INTEREST RATES UP TO
7.75% p.a.
Invest Online

Fixed Deposit - Age below 60

INTEREST RATES UP TO
7.40% p.a.
Open FD

Fixed Deposit - Minor

INTEREST RATES UP TO
7.40% p.a.
Open FD

Fixed Deposit - HUF

INTEREST RATES UP TO
7.40% p.a.
Open FD

Fixed Deposit - Sole Proprietor

INTEREST RATES UP TO
7.40% p.a.
Open FD

When can I withdraw my EPF Funds?

This table summarizes the eligibility criteria for partial withdrawal of funds from an Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account using EPF Form 31. It is important to note that a complete withdrawal is only permitted upon retirement, prolonged unemployment (certified by a gazetted officer), or under specific circumstances.

Partial withdrawal eligibility for EPF accounts

Serial NumberReason for WithdrawalWithdrawal LimitMinimum Service Requirement (Years)Additional Conditions
1EducationUp to 50% of employee contribution7Funding higher education (post-10th standard) for self or children
2MarriageUp to 50% of employee contribution7Funding marriage expenses for self, siblings, or children
3Land Purchase/House Construction/Purchase* Land: Up to 24 times monthly wages (including Dearness Allowance) * House: Up to 36 times monthly wages (including Dearness Allowance)5Property registered under employee, spouse, or joint ownership
4Home RenovationUp to 12 times monthly wages (including Dearness Allowance)5Property registered under employee, spouse, or joint ownership
5Home Loan RepaymentUp to 90% of combined employee and employer contributions1* Property registered under employee, spouse, or joint ownership * Documents as per EPFO requirements * Combined account balance (employee + spouse) exceeds Rs. 20,000
6Pre-retirement (age 57+)Up to 90% of accumulated corpus with interestN/ATo cover financial expenses


Notes:

  • Individuals can submit applications for partial withdrawal online or offline.
  • Premature withdrawal using EPF Form 31 refers to situations other than retirement or prolonged unemployment.

What Information is Included in EPF Form 31?

According to the guidelines of the Employee Provident Fund Scheme 1952, individuals are required to complete EPF withdrawal Form 31, providing the following details:

  • Mobile number
  • Reason for advance request
  • Amount needed as an advance.
  • EPF member's name
  • Husband's name (for married women)
  • PF account number
  • Monthly salary plus dearness allowance
  • Full postal address
  • Applicant's signature
  • Employer's signature
  • Remittance method
  • A cancelled cheque of the bank account to which the amount is to be credited.
  • A self-declaration letter stating the purpose of the advance.
  • Identity proof
  • Address proof
  • Two revenue stamps
  • Composite Claim Form

How to check Form 31 claim status?

  1. Visit the EPFO website.
  2. Click on ‘Click here for Knowing your Claim Status’.
  3. A drop-down list will appear; select the location of your PF office.
  4. The next page displays the region code and your office code.
  5. Type your Establishment code.
  6. Them enter a 7-digit account number.
  7. Click ‘Submit’ to view the status of the application.

Documents required to submit EPF Form 31

Documents required for submitting EPF Form 31 generally include Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank passbook or cancelled cheque, and purpose-specific documents such as medical certificates, home loan statements, marriage proof, or educational institution certificates. Ensure all KYC details are updated and verified with EPFO before applying.

PurposeSupporting documents required
Medical treatmentDoctor’s certificate along with hospital bills
House repairProof confirming the requirement for repairs
Repayment of home loanDeclaration related to the housing loan
MarriageMarriage invitation card or marriage certificate
EducationBonafide certificate issued by the educational institution
Natural calamityCertificate issued by the local authority
Equipment for physically challengedRelevant medical certificate

Ensure that your UAN, Aadhaar, and bank account details are correctly linked before submitting the form to prevent processing delays.


Taxation on withdrawal

TDS is deducted at a rate of 10% on EPF balance if withdrawn within the initial 5 years of service, and if the withdrawal amount exceeds Rs. 50,000. It is important to include your PAN details during withdrawal. Failure to provide PAN will result in TDS deduction at the maximum slab rate of 30%.


Read also: Eligibility for Employee Provident Fund (EPF)


Conclusion

In summary, understanding EPF Form 31 is key to wisely access savings. From stating reasons to submitting for, this guide simplifies the process. Remember that accurate details and timely submissions matter. Be aware of the tax rules, like TDS, and provide your PAN to avoid higher deductions. By following these steps, you empower yourself to navigate the EPF withdrawal journey smoothly, securing your financial future.


Calculate your expected investment returns with the help of our PPF and PF calculators.

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for EPF withdrawal for home loan repayment?

To withdraw EPF for home loan repayment, you need to fulfill specific criteria set by the EPFO. Usually, you should have completed at least 3 years of service, and the maximum amount they can withdraw is 90% of the EPF corpus.

Can I claim EPF without logging in to the EPF portal?

No, you generally need to log in to the EPF portal to submit withdrawal claims or check your EPF balance.

Is PAN mandatory for EPF withdrawal?

Yes, PAN is mandatory for EPF withdrawal. Providing PAN ensures proper taxation on the EPF withdrawal amount, and it is a crucial step in the withdrawal process.

What is the EPF withdrawal Form 31?

EPF Form 31 is a claim form used by Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) members to apply for an advance or partial withdrawal from their EPF account for eligible purposes such as medical treatment, education, marriage, or housing needs.

What is the purpose of EPF withdrawal Form 31 and EPF withdrawal Form 19?
  • Form 31: Used for partial withdrawals from the EPF account for specific purposes like home purchase, loan repayment, medical treatment, etc.
  • Form 19: Used for the final settlement of the EPF account after retirement, resignation, or termination.
How many times can I withdraw the PF money in advance online?

EPFO allows online advance withdrawals under specific circumstances, and the number of times depends on the specific purpose, such as medical treatment, home loan repayment, or unemployment.

How much amount can I withdraw from PF Form 31?

The amount you can withdraw through Form 31 depends on the purpose. For buying or building a house/flat, you can withdraw 36 months' basic salary and DA (whichever is lower). For other purposes (marriage, illness, etc.), specific rules apply. Check with your EPFO office for details.

Why is Form 31 rejected?

Common reasons for rejection include incomplete information, missing employer attestation (unless using UAN with Aadhaar), or non-fulfillment of eligibility criteria (e.g., not completing 5 years for house purchase).

Why is my PF claim Form 31 still under process?

Processing time varies depending on workload and verification requirements. It can take a few weeks or even months. You can track the status online using your UAN login.

How many days PF claim Form 31 take for illness?

There's no fixed timeframe for illness claims. Processing depends on verification of medical documents. However, it generally takes less time compared to house purchase claims.

Can I withdraw pension contribution using Form 31?

No, Form 31 is for partial withdrawals from your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. Pension contributions are not accessible for withdrawal through this form.

What is EPFO 3.0 and how does it affect Form 31 withdrawals?

EPFO 3.0 is an upgraded digital framework aimed at simplifying EPF services. It may enable faster claim processing and introduce features like ATM or UPI-based withdrawals, making Form 31 advance claims quicker and more convenient for members.

Can I withdraw EPF for medical emergency without documents?

Yes, EPF members can withdraw funds for medical emergencies through Form 31 without submitting medical documents in many cases. The EPFO generally allows advance withdrawal based on self-declaration for treatment of self or family members.

What is the difference between EPF advance and EPF withdrawal?

EPF advance refers to a partial withdrawal from the EPF account for specific purposes such as medical treatment, education, or housing while continuing employment. In contrast, EPF withdrawal usually means withdrawing the entire EPF balance, typically allowed after retirement, prolonged unemployment, or leaving employment permanently.

What is Form 31 in EPFO for?

Form 31 is used for eligible EPF advance or partial withdrawal during specific circumstances. These may include housing, education, marriage, illness, and other permitted purposes. EPFO now processes such claims through the Composite Claim Form. Recent reforms have also simplified withdrawal provisions and reduced the required service period for eligible advances. 

Can I withdraw 100% PF amount from Form 31?

No, Form 31 generally does not allow complete PF withdrawal. It is meant for eligible partial withdrawals, with limits depending on the purpose and applicable rules. EPFO's advance provisions prescribe specific withdrawal limits. For example, certain pre-retirement withdrawals can permit up to 90% of the eligible PF balance. 

Show More Show Less

Videos on Fixed Deposit

0

Bajaj Finance app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finance App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finance App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finance App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finance App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

GET THE APP

Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.