Blogs > EPF Form 31: Complete Guide to Partial Withdrawal from Your PF Account

EPF Form 31: Complete Guide to Partial Withdrawal from Your PF Account

EPF Form 31: Complete Guide to Partial Withdrawal from Your PF Account

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement savings scheme managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). While its primary purpose is to provide financial security after retirement, you can also make partial withdrawals for specific needs such as medical treatment, education, marriage, or buying a house.

For these withdrawals, you must submit EPF Form 31 — also called the PF Advance Form. In this blog, IndiaLends explains what EPF Form 31 is, its uses, and the step-by-step process to apply online.

What is EPF Form 31?

EPF Form 31 is an official document that allows members to withdraw a portion of their EPF balance before retirement for approved purposes. You can apply for this withdrawal both online via the UAN Member Portal or offline through your employer.

When Can You Use EPF Form 31?

Purpose	Eligibility/Conditions	Maximum Withdrawal Allowed
Medical Treatment	For self or family; no minimum service period	Lower of actual cost or 6 months’ basic wages + DA
Higher Education	For self or children; after 7 years of service	Up to 50% of employee’s share with interest
Marriage	For self, siblings, or children; after 7 years of service	Up to 50% of employee’s share with interest
Home Loan Repayment	Minimum 10 years of service	Up to 36 months’ basic wages + DA
House Construction/Purchase	Minimum 5 years of service	Up to 24 months’ basic wages + DA
Natural Calamity	No minimum service	Up to ₹5,000 or 50% of own contribution

How to Apply for EPF Form 31 Online

Step 1: Visit the UAN Member Portal.
Step 2: Log in using your UAN and password.
Step 3: Go to Online Services → Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C).
Step 4: Verify your KYC details (Aadhaar, PAN, Bank account).
Step 5: Select “PF Advance (Form 31)” from the drop-down list.
Step 6: Enter the purpose of withdrawal, upload supporting documents, and submit your claim.

Documents Required for EPF Form 31

Aadhaar card
PAN card (mandatory for taxable withdrawals)
Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
Proof supporting your withdrawal reason (e.g., medical certificate, marriage invitation, educational fee receipt)

Important Points to Remember

Withdrawals before 5 years of service may attract income tax. Learn more: Income Tax on EPF Withdrawal.
Your bank account must be linked to UAN and verified.
The approved withdrawal amount will be credited directly to your bank account.
Form 31 is only for partial withdrawals, not full EPF settlement.

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FAQs on EPF Form 31

Q1. How many days does it take to process EPF Form 31?
Usually 7–15 working days after submission, depending on verification.

Q2. Can I use EPF Form 31 to withdraw my full PF balance?
No, this form is only for partial withdrawals. Full settlement requires EPF Form 19.

Q3. Do I need employer approval for an online claim?
No, if your KYC is verified, you can apply directly through the UAN portal.

Q4. Is TDS applicable on withdrawals made using Form 31?
Yes, if you withdraw before 5 years of service (except for medical or other exempt purposes).

Q5. How many times can I apply using Form 31?
It depends on the reason — for example, medical treatment can be claimed multiple times, but marriage or education usually only once.