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In summary
- Partial withdrawals: The 2026 framework groups withdrawals into essential needs, housing needs and special circumstances.
- Minimum balance: At least 25% of the aggregate contributions and interest must remain in the EPF account after a partial withdrawal.
- Eligible balance: The amount available for withdrawal is therefore the balance after excluding this mandatory 25% minimum balance.
- Service requirement: The general requirement is 12 months of total EPF membership for illness, education, marriage, housing and special-circumstance withdrawals.
- Withdrawal amount: Up to 100% of the Eligible Member Balance can be withdrawn for the specified categories, subject to the relevant frequency limits.
- Online claims: Eligible members can submit claims through the EPFO's designated online portal. EPFO has also removed the requirement to upload a cheque leaf or attested bank passbook for online claims.
- Minimum claim: A partial withdrawal claim must generally be at least Rs. 1,000.
The 2026 framework is significantly different from older Form 31 guides that list separate 5-year or 7-year service requirements and purpose-specific monetary formulas.
What changed under the EPF Scheme, 2026?
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The Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 consolidated the earlier multiple partial-withdrawal provisions into three broad categories:
- Essential needs: Illness, education and marriage
- Housing needs: Purchase, construction, repayment of a home loan and home improvements
- Special circumstances: Specified circumstances where the member can make a partial withdrawal without assigning a specific reason under the relevant provision
The revised framework also introduced a 25% minimum balance and generally standardised the membership requirement at 12 months.
This means older articles stating that medical withdrawal has no minimum service, marriage requires seven years, or housing withdrawal requires five years should not be used as the current 2026 framework.
How much can you withdraw using EPF Form 31?
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The 2026 scheme defines an Eligible Member Balance as the amount standing to the member's credit after deducting the required Minimum Balance.
The Minimum Balance is 25% of the aggregate amount of employee and employer contributions plus interest credited to the member's account.
In simple terms:
Total EPF balance − 25% minimum balance = Eligible Member Balance
For example, suppose the relevant EPF balance is Rs. 2,00,000.
- Total balance: Rs. 2,00,000
- Minimum balance to retain: Rs. 50,000
- Eligible Member Balance: Rs. 1,50,000
- Maximum partial withdrawal under a category allowing 100% of Eligible Member Balance: Rs. 1,50,000
Therefore, the phrase “up to 100% withdrawal” does not mean 100% of the entire EPF balance. The 25% minimum balance remains protected.
The minimum partial withdrawal amount is Rs. 1,000.
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How to check Form 31 claim status?
Members can track their submitted claim through EPFO’s digital services.
- Sign into the Unified Member Portal using your UAN.
- Open the claim-status or tracking facility.
- Select the relevant claim reference, when displayed.
Review whether the claim is submitted, processing, approved, settled, or rejected.
Members may also use EPFO’s available mobile services to monitor their claims. A settled status means EPFO has processed the payment. The bank may take additional time to display the credit.
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Documents required to submit EPF Form 31
Online advance claims increasingly use verified KYC information and member declarations. Many eligible claims do not require members to upload purpose-specific documents. However, EPFO may request additional evidence depending on the claim type and available records.
Keep these details ready:
Information or document Purpose Aadhaar Identity and online authentication PAN Tax and member record verification, where applicable Bank account proof Verification of the receiving account UAN Identification of the EPF membership Active mobile number Authentication and claim communication Purpose-specific proof Required only when requested by EPFO Older document lists may mention medical certificates, invitation cards, educational certificates, or housing declarations.
Taxation on withdrawal
An eligible EPF advance claimed through Form 31 is generally not subject to tax deducted at source. The 10% TDS rule on EPF withdrawal for certain early EPF withdrawals mainly concerns eligible final settlements, not permitted Form 31 advances. Therefore, the original TDS threshold for final withdrawal should not be applied automatically to every Form 31 claim.
Tax treatment may differ when a withdrawal does not satisfy EPF or income tax conditions. Members should distinguish between Form 31 advances and complete EPF settlement before assessing taxation.
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Conclusion
EPF Form 31 provides partial access to eligible provident fund savings without closing the member’s account. Members should select the correct advance category and verify their UAN, Aadhaar, bank, and mobile details. Form 31 does not replace Form 19 for final EPF settlement. The available amount and EPF withdrawal journey depend on current EPFO and TDS rules and member records.
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What are the EPF Form 31 withdrawal categories and limits?
The revised rules can be summarised as follows:
| Purpose | Minimum membership | Maximum withdrawal | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illness of self or family | 12 months | Up to 100% of Eligible Member Balance | Subject to scheme provisions |
| Education of self or family | 12 months | Up to 100% of Eligible Member Balance | Up to 10 times during membership |
| Marriage of self or family | 12 months | Up to 100% of Eligible Member Balance | Up to 5 times during membership |
| Housing-related needs | 12 months | Up to 100% of Eligible Member Balance | Up to 5 times during membership |
| Special circumstances | 12 months | Up to 100% of Eligible Member Balance | Up to 2 times in a financial year |
| Exit before 12 months' membership | Special provision | Up to Eligible Member Balance | Subject to applicable scheme conditions |
The housing category covers:
- Purchase of a flat or house
- Purchase of a site for construction
- Construction of a house
- Repayment of an eligible home loan
- Additions, alterations, renovation or improvement of an existing house or flat
The 2026 framework therefore replaces several of the older purpose-specific limits with a more uniform calculation based on the Eligible Member Balance.
What is the 25% minimum balance rule?
The 25% minimum balance is one of the most important changes introduced by the 2026 scheme.
After a partial withdrawal, 25% of the aggregate employee and employer contributions plus interest must remain in the EPF account.
For example:
| EPF balance | 25% minimum balance | Maximum eligible balance |
|---|---|---|
| Rs. 1,00,000 | Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 75,000 |
| Rs. 2,00,000 | Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 1,50,000 |
| Rs. 5,00,000 | Rs. 1,25,000 | Rs. 3,75,000 |
| Rs. 10,00,000 | Rs. 2,50,000 | Rs. 7,50,000 |
The calculation is illustrative. The actual amount available for a claim depends on the balance recorded in the EPF account and the applicable scheme conditions.
Can you withdraw EPF money for medical treatment?
Yes. Under the revised framework, illness of the member or family falls under Essential Needs.
A member who has completed the general 12-month membership requirement can claim up to 100% of the Eligible Member Balance for this purpose, subject to the minimum balance requirement.
This is different from the older Para 68J framework, under which medical advances had their own formula based on six months' basic wages and DA or the employee's share with interest.
The 2026 framework is therefore simpler: the relevant withdrawal is linked to the Eligible Member Balance, rather than the old six-month salary formula.
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Can you withdraw EPF for marriage or education?
Yes. Marriage and education are now covered under the Essential Needs category.
Marriage withdrawal
After completing 12 months of total EPF membership, a member can withdraw up to 100% of the Eligible Member Balance for marriage of the member or family, subject to the applicable rules.
The revised scheme allows marriage-related partial withdrawals up to five times during EPF membership.
Education withdrawal
Education withdrawals can also be made after 12 months of membership.
The revised framework permits up to 100% of the Eligible Member Balance, with education-related withdrawals allowed up to 10 times during membership.
This is a major change from the earlier framework, which generally limited marriage and education advances to a combined total of three withdrawals.
Can you use Form 31 for housing expenses?
Yes. The housing category covers several types of housing-related requirements.
These include:
- Buying a house or flat
- Buying a site for constructing a house
- Constructing a house
- Repaying an eligible home loan
- Renovating or improving an existing house or flat
After the general 12-month membership requirement, the member can withdraw up to 100% of the Eligible Member Balance, subject to the 25% minimum balance and the frequency limit.
Housing-related partial withdrawals are permitted up to five times during membership under the 2026 scheme.
What are special-circumstance Form 31 withdrawals?
The 2026 scheme also provides a Special Circumstances category.
After completing 12 months of EPF membership, a member may be permitted to withdraw up to 100% of the Eligible Member Balance under this category.
The important change is that the member does not have to provide a specific reason in the same way that was required under several of the older provisions.
Special-circumstance withdrawals are limited to two times in a financial year.
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Can you withdraw EPF if you leave employment before completing 12 months?
The 2026 scheme provides a specific provision for members who exit employment before completing 12 months of EPF membership.
Such a member can still make a partial withdrawal, subject to the condition that the amount cannot exceed the Eligible Member Balance available on the date of withdrawal.
This is separate from the standard 12-month eligibility rule for the main partial-withdrawal categories.
How do you apply for EPF Form 31 online?
Eligible members can submit their claim through the EPFO's designated online member services.
Step 1: Check your UAN and KYC
Before submitting a claim, ensure that:
- Your UAN is activated
- Aadhaar details are appropriately linked and verified
- Your bank account is seeded with your UAN
- Your personal details are consistent with EPFO records
- The mobile number required for authentication is available
EPFO has enabled UAN generation and activation through Aadhaar-based Face Authentication on the UMANG app.
Step 2: Log in to EPFO member services
Open the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal and sign in using your UAN and password.
Step 3: Open the claim facility
Select the online claim option. Depending on the portal interface, the service may be displayed as Claim or as a combined claim facility covering Forms 31, 19, 10C and 10D.
Step 4: Verify the bank account
The bank account linked with the UAN is used for crediting an approved claim.
EPFO removed the requirement for employer approval when seeding a bank account after bank verification.
Step 5: Select the applicable advance option
Choose PF Advance / Form 31 where the option is available and select the applicable purpose.
Enter the required amount and provide the information requested by the portal.
Step 6: Authenticate the claim
Complete the required Aadhaar-based authentication or OTP verification.
EPFO has progressively simplified online claim processing and removed the requirement to upload an image of a cheque leaf or attested bank passbook. Therefore, older guides that instruct every applicant to upload a cancelled cheque as a mandatory Form 31 step are outdated.
Step 7: Submit and track the claim
After submission, save the claim reference number and use the EPFO claim-status facility to monitor the application.
What documents are required for EPF Form 31?
The 2026 withdrawal framework is designed to reduce documentation and validations for partial withdrawals.
For eligible online claims, EPFO has stated that the simplified process can operate without the earlier documentation burden. In particular, the image of a cheque leaf or attested bank passbook is no longer required for online claims.
However, the exact information or verification required can depend on the claim type, member records and the portal's validation requirements.
Therefore, it is better not to state that every Form 31 claim requires a specific document such as a medical certificate, employer certificate or cancelled cheque.
How long does EPFO take to settle a Form 31 claim?
There is no universal 7–15 working-day settlement period that should be treated as guaranteed.
EPFO has introduced auto-settlement to accelerate eligible advance claims. In March 2025, EPFO reported that auto-mode processing for advance claims was generally completed within three days for eligible auto-mode cases.
The process has since expanded further. In August 2026, EPFO reported that 84% of Form 31 claims nationally were being auto-settled, while the Kochi regional office reported that 81.9% of its Form 31 claims were auto-settled.
Actual settlement time can therefore vary according to eligibility, KYC status, validation, claim type and whether the claim is processed automatically or manually.
Do you have to repay an EPF Form 31 advance?
No. A permitted Form 31 partial withdrawal is not a loan.
It is a withdrawal from the member's EPF balance and therefore does not create a repayment obligation to EPFO.
However, the amount withdrawn reduces the money remaining in the EPF account. Since the withdrawn amount is no longer in the account, it also cannot earn future EPF interest while withdrawn.
Is Form 31 withdrawal taxable?
A Form 31 advance is different from a final EPF settlement.
The tax treatment of provident-fund withdrawals is governed by the applicable income-tax provisions. A permitted partial advance from a recognised provident fund is generally not treated in the same way as a taxable premature final settlement.
However, it is better not to describe every Form 31 transaction as “100% tax-free under all circumstances” without considering the applicable tax framework and the nature of the underlying fund.
The current tax framework for recognised provident funds also contains specific rules around exempt income, employer contributions and interest. The tax position can therefore differ between a partial advance and a final withdrawal.
What should you check before applying for Form 31?
Before submitting a claim, check:
- Membership period: Whether the relevant 12-month requirement has been completed.
- EPF balance: The balance available in your account.
- 25% minimum balance: Ensure that the required amount will remain after withdrawal.
- Eligible Member Balance: Calculate the amount available after excluding the minimum balance.
- Withdrawal frequency: Check how many previous withdrawals have been made under the relevant category.
- KYC: Ensure Aadhaar and bank details are properly linked and verified.
- Claim purpose: Select the category that accurately reflects the applicable withdrawal provision.
- Claim status: Retain the claim reference number for tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
How many times can I withdraw PF money in advance online?
There is no single withdrawal-frequency limit covering every Form 31 purpose. The permitted number depends on the selected advance category and current EPFO rules. Previous claims may also affect eligibility. The portal displays the available purpose and amount based on the member’s records.
Can I claim EPF without logging in to the EPF portal?
Yes. Members can submit the applicable physical claim form to the relevant EPFO field office. The Aadhaar-based form may avoid employer attestation when prescribed conditions are satisfied. The non-Aadhaar form generally requires employer attestation.
Is PAN mandatory for EPF withdrawal?
PAN is not always necessary for submitting every Form 31 advance. However, members should update it within their KYC records. PAN becomes particularly important when tax deduction rules apply to an eligible final EPF settlement.
What is the EPF withdrawal Form 31?
EPF Form 31 is the claim used for an eligible partial withdrawal or non-refundable advance during employment. It provides access to part of the EPF balance without closing the account or ending continued contributions.
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?
There is no single withdrawal-frequency limit covering every Form 31 purpose. The permitted number depends on the selected advance category and current EPFO rules. Previous claims may also affect eligibility. The portal displays the available purpose and amount based on the member’s records.
How much amount can I withdraw from PF Form 31?
Eligible members with one year of contributory service may withdraw up to 75% of their eligible EPF balance under current rules. The actual amount depends on the claim category, available balance, previous withdrawals, and applicable scheme conditions.
Why is Form 31 rejected?
EPFO may reject Form 31 because of mismatched KYC, incorrect bank details, insufficient balance, ineligible service, or an unsupported withdrawal purpose. Duplicate claims, incorrect exit details, authentication failures, or exceeding the permitted amount can also cause rejection.
Why is my PF claim Form 31 still under process?
The claim may require manual verification because of KYC, employment, banking, or eligibility checks. System transitions and high claim volumes can also delay processing. Check the portal for updates or correction requests before raising a grievance.
How many days PF claim Form 31 take for illness?
Eligible auto-settled Form 31 claims may receive near same-day processing under EPFO’s current system. Claims needing manual verification can take longer. Processing time is not guaranteed because it depends on KYC accuracy, system checks, and claim eligibility.
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