EPF Claim Process — How to Claim the EPF Online?

Without a regular income post-retirement, it is challenging to meet even the basic needs & necessities of life. So the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) helps you build a retirement corpus by saving a particular portion of your monthly salary while working. The lump sum amount received after retirement from EPF can be invested to generate a fixed income. So you must know how to make an EPF claim.

While the employees contribute 12% of their basic monthly salary to the EPF, the employer makes a matching contribution. This fund earns an annual interest as per the rate decided by the government. The amount accumulated in a provident fund can be withdrawn fully or partially under specified conditions. How do you make an EPF claim online? Please read on.

EPF Withdrawal

You can either make a full or partial withdrawal of funds. Full withdrawal from an EPF account can be made only when a person retires or remains unemployed for more than two months. Partial withdrawal is permitted only for specific reasons like medical treatment, education, marriage, buying a house, etc.

Note: The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) assigns a Universal Account Number (UAN) linked to an employee’s PF account. It ensures portability as the employee need not apply for PF transfer whenever he/she changes the job.

PF Withdrawal Process

You can make a physical application using the composite claim forms to withdraw funds from the PF account. The online withdrawal process is simple & fast too. But how to claim an EPF online?

Before you make an online application, please ensure that the following:

• The UAN has been activated, and the corresponding mobile number is active & working
• The UAN should be linked to your PAN, Aadhaar Card & Bank Account

Online PF Withdrawal Procedure

Step 1: Go to the UAN-EPFO website

Step 2: Log in to the website using your UAN number & password. Then enter the Captcha code.

Step 3: Check for KYC verification by clicking the ‘Manage’ tab and selecting ‘KYC’

Step 4: Click on the ‘Online Services tab and select ‘Claim Form 31, 19 & 10C’ underneath. A new page with a pre-filled form opens up.

Step 5: Under KYC details, enter the bank account number linked to UAN and click ‘Verify’

Step 6: A certificate of undertaking opens up. Click ‘Yes’ to receive the EPF withdrawal amount in your bank account. Click ‘Proceed for Online Claim’

Step 7: Select the appropriate claim type in the claim form. You can find it under the tab ‘I want to apply for.’

Step 8: Once you select the Online PF Withdrawal Form, tick the disclaimer and click ‘Get Aadhaar OTP’

Step 9: Enter the OTP received on your phone and submit the application.

You may have to attach the supporting documents. Within 15–20 days, the amount will be credited to your bank account. The EPF claim status can be checked easily through the EPFO portal or the UAN Member portal.

Conclusion

Once an individual retires from active employment, his monthly income stops, but his expenses don’t. Even during his employment, he may need funds urgently. The PF account is truly a lifesaver in all such situations. Therefore, having the correct information about making an EPF claim is very important.