The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is primarily a retirement savings scheme, but the EPFO allows partial withdrawals from an employee’s PF account under specific circumstances. These withdrawals are known as Partial EPF Withdrawals or EPF Advances.
This article explains everything employees and employers should know about EPF partial withdrawal, including eligibility, permissible reasons, limits, documents required, and how to apply.
What is Partial EPF Withdrawal?
Partial EPF Withdrawal means withdrawing a part of the accumulated PF amount before retirement. The EPFO allows such advances only for specific purposes, and only a certain portion of the amount can be withdrawn.
💡 Important: Partial withdrawal does not require repayment. It’s not a loan but a non-refundable advance.
Permissible Reasons for Partial EPF Withdrawal
| Purpose | Eligibility Criteria | Withdrawal Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage (self, siblings, or children) | Minimum 7 years of service | 50% of employee’s share + interest |
| Education (self or children) | Minimum 7 years of service | 50% of employee’s share + interest |
| Medical treatment (self/family) | No minimum service required | Up to 6 times of monthly wages or employee share + interest (whichever is lower) |
| Purchase/construction of house | Minimum 5 years of service | Up to 90% of EPF balance |
| Home loan repayment | Minimum 10 years of service | Up to 90% of EPF balance or 36 times of monthly wages (whichever is lower) |
| Renovation of house | After 5 years of construction | Up to 12 times of monthly wages |
| Unemployment for more than 1 month | If unemployed for 1 month | 75% of PF balance after 1 month, remaining 25% after 2 months (if still unemployed) |
| Natural calamities | As notified by EPFO / Govt. disaster relief | Up to ₹5,000 or 50% of employee share (whichever is lower) |
Who is Eligible for Partial Withdrawal?
- Must be an EPF member with UAN (Universal Account Number)
- Must have completed minimum service period (as required for the purpose)
- UAN should be KYC-compliant (linked with Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account)
- Purpose must match the EPFO’s permitted withdrawal reasons
Documents Required
The EPFO has made the online process paperless in most cases. But for offline or employer-assisted applications, the following documents may be required:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Bank Passbook or Cancelled Cheque
- Marriage Invitation or Proof (if applicable)
- Doctor’s certificate (for medical withdrawal)
- Home loan documents (if applicable)
- Education fee receipts or college admission proof
How to Apply for Partial EPF Withdrawal
Online Method (Using UAN Portal)
- Visit EPFO Unified Member Portal
- Log in using your UAN and password
- Click on “Online Services” → “Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)”
- Verify your bank account and enter the last 4 digits of your bank account number
- Click “Proceed for Online Claim”
- Choose Form-31 (Partial Withdrawal) and select the reason
- Fill in the required details and upload documents (if asked)
- Submit the claim
💡 Important: No employer approval is needed if your Aadhaar is linked and verified.
Offline Method (Through Employer)
- Download and fill Form 31
- Get it attested by the employer
- Submit the Form 31 along with the required documents to the EPFO office where your employer is registered (i.e., where your EPF account is maintained)
Processing Time
- Usually processed within 7–15 working days
- Status can be tracked online via the UAN portal
Tax Implications on Partial Withdrawals
Most partial withdrawals are tax-free, except:
- If withdrawal is made before 5 years of continuous service
- If PAN is not linked, TDS @34.608% is applicable
- If PAN is linked, TDS @10%
Responsibilities of Employers
- Ensure that employee KYC details are updated (Aadhaar, PAN, Bank)
- Assist employees with offline claim submission if needed
- Avoid delays in updating the Date of Exit in the EPFO portal
- Educate employees about eligible conditions and procedures
Final Thoughts
Partial EPF withdrawal is a helpful benefit that supports employees during financial emergencies like marriage, medical needs, home loan repayments, or unemployment. By understanding the eligibility and process, both employees and employers can make better use of this facility without confusion.
If you’re an employee planning to withdraw, ensure your UAN is activated and KYC is updated. Employers should guide employees by ensuring seamless coordination and timely updates on EPFO records.
FAQs on Partial EPF Withdrawal
Q1. Can I withdraw full PF amount while working?
👉 No. You can only withdraw a partial amount for specific purposes while still employed.
Q2. Can I make multiple partial withdrawals?
👉 Yes, but only for valid reasons and subject to the limits and conditions.
Q3. Is employer approval mandatory?
👉 Not if your UAN is Aadhaar-seeded and verified. Otherwise, yes.
Q4. Can I withdraw PF for my sister’s marriage?
👉 Yes, you can withdraw for self, siblings, or children’s marriage.
Q5. How long does it take for the claim to be processed?
👉 Usually between 7–15 working days.
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