EPF Form 31: PF Advance / Loan Rules, Limits & Online Apply
- Buragadda Praneet
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Need money urgently? Understand EPF Form 31 allowed reasons, withdrawal limits, eligibility rules, online application steps, and common mistakes that delay PF advance claims.
EPF Form 31 at a Glance
What this guide covers: How EPF Form 31 works for partial PF withdrawals (advances) during employment.
Who it’s for: Employees facing medical, housing, education, or emergency expenses.
Key reassurance: Form 31 is not a loan you are withdrawing from your own PF balance.
When to be careful: Each reason has its own eligibility rules and limits.
What to do next: Match your reason first, then apply online through the EPFO portal or UMANG.
When You Need PF Support Without Quitting Your Job
Financial stress rarely arrives with notice. Medical emergencies, family needs, home purchases, or education expenses can arise suddenly. In these moments, many employees worry that accessing PF means resigning or losing long-term savings.
This is where EPF Form 31 exists to give relief without breaking employment or pension continuity.
At Kustodian, we often meet people who delay filing Form 31 simply because they don’t know whether they’re eligible or fear doing something wrong. This guide is designed to bring calm and clarity, allowing you to access what you’re entitled to without unnecessary anxiety.
What Is EPF Form 31?
EPF Form 31 is used to withdraw a portion of your PF balance while you are still employed. This is called a PF advance.
Why It Matters
It provides financial support during life events.
It does not close your PF account.
It does not affect your pension eligibility
Important: EPF advances are not loans. There is no repayment or interest.
EPF Advance vs Final Withdrawal
Many people confuse Form 31 with final settlement forms.
Feature | Form 31 (Advance) | Final Withdrawal |
Employment | Ongoing | Ended |
Purpose | Emergency / planned needs | Exit/retirement |
Pension impact | No | Depends on the service |
Rejoin EPF later | Not applicable | Yes |
This distinction helps you choose correctly.
Allowed Reasons for EPF Advance (Form 31)
EPFO allows advances only for specific, documented reasons.
Commonly Allowed Reasons
Medical treatment (self or family)
Home purchase or construction
Home loan repayment
Higher education
Marriage (self/children/siblings)
Natural calamity
Lockout or layoff
Eligibility Rules and Withdrawal Limits
Each reason has its own rules.
Reason | Minimum Service | Maximum Amount |
Medical | None | Up to 6 months’ wages or employee share |
Education | 7 years | Up to 50% of employee share |
Marriage | 7 years | Up to 50% of employee share |
Home purchase | 5 years | Up to 90% of the PF balance |
Home loan repayment | 10 years | Up to 90% of the PF balance |
Note: Limits may vary slightly based on EPFO circulars and individual records.
How Much PF Can Be Withdrawn Using Form 31?
The withdrawable amount depends on:
Your reason for advance
Length of service
PF balance available
The EPFO portal automatically calculates the eligible amount once you select the reason.
Applying Online: High-Level Walkthrough
Most Form 31 claims are now filed online.
Broad steps include:
Log in to the EPFO Member Portal or UMANG
Verify Aadhaar-linked details
Select “PF Advance (Form 31)”
Choose a reason and submit a claim.
Note: Detailed step-by-step screenshots are covered in our dedicated filing guide.
Offline Guide: How to Apply for PF Advance (Form 31)
Tech glitches happen. If the UAN portal is down or your mobile number is lost, you can still access your money using the traditional offline method. It takes a bit longer, but it is a reliable backup.
Here is the quick guide to applying for a PF Advance (Form 31) manually.
1. Choose the Right Form
The old "Form 31" is now called the Composite Claim Form. There are two versions:
Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar): Use this if your Aadhaar and Bank are linked to your UAN.
Benefit: No employer signature required. You can sign it yourself.
Composite Claim Form (Non-Aadhaar): Use this if your details are not linked.
Requirement: Your employer (HR) MUST sign and stamp this form.
2. The 4-Step Application Process
Download & Fill: Get the form from the EPFO website or a local stationery shop. Tick "PF Advance", select your reason (Illness, Housing, etc.), and enter the amount.
Attach Proof (Crucial): Staple a cancelled cheque to the form.
Note: Your Name, Account Number, and IFSC must be printed on the cheque. If not, attach an attested bank passbook copy.
Get Signatures: Sign the form yourself. If using the Non-Aadhaar version, get your employer's stamp.
Submit: Drop the form at your Regional EPFO Office (look for the "Claims Drop Box") or send it via India Post Speed Post to the Regional Commissioner.
Sample Scenarios to Build Confidence
Scenario 1: Medical Emergency
An employee with 2 years of service can apply immediately for medical expenses without waiting.
Scenario 2: Child’s Higher Education
Requires a minimum of 7 years of service. Only the employee's share is considered.
Scenario 3: Home Purchase
Requires longer service and comes with higher withdrawal limits.
Common Mistakes That Delay Form 31 Claims
Selecting the wrong reason
Bank IFSC mismatch
Aadhaar name mismatch
Insufficient service period
Before reapplying, a quick eligibility check can prevent repeat rejections.
How Long Does Form 31 Take to Process?
Stage | Typical Timeline |
Submission | Day 0 |
Verification | 5–10 working days |
Credit to the bank | Within 15 working days |
Delays are usually data-related rather than approval-related.
When Waiting Is Normal and When to Act
Waiting for a few days is expected. However, follow-up may be needed if:
The status has remained unchanged for over three weeks.
Employer verification is pending.
Safe escalation channels exist and should be used calmly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 31 a loan?
No. It is a partial withdrawal from your own PF savings. There is no repayment obligation.
Does Form 31 affect pension eligibility?
No. The EPS service continues without interruption. Form 31 does not reduce pension years.
Can I apply for Form 31 multiple times?
Yes, if you meet eligibility conditions each time. Limits vary based on reason and service length.
Is employer approval required for Form 31?
Not always, especially for Aadhaar-linked claims. Some cases still need employer verification.
What if my Form 31 claim is rejected?
Most rejections are due to KYC or data mismatches. These can usually be corrected and resubmitted.
What reasons are allowed under Form 31?
Medical needs, housing, education, marriage, and emergencies. Each reason has specific rules and limits.
How much can I withdraw using Form 31?
The limit depends on the purpose and your PF balance. EPFO caps withdrawals to protect long-term savings.
How long does a Form 31 settlement take?
Typically, 7–15 working days for online claims. Delays may occur if verification is pending.
Can I apply for Form 31 while still employed?
Yes, Form 31 is meant for in-service withdrawals. Employment continuity is not affected.
Does Aadhaar linking matter for Form 31?
Yes. Aadhaar-linked claims are processed faster. Non-linked claims may require manual approval.
Conclusion: Using EPF Form 31 With Clarity and Confidence
EPF Form 31 exists for moments when life needs financial support without forcing you to quit your job or disturb long-term savings. Whether it’s a medical emergency, education expense, or housing need, the system is designed to help if the right reason and details are provided.
Most delays or rejections don’t happen because a person is ineligible. They happen due to small mismatches in service length, misunderstanding, incorrect reason selected, or bank and Aadhaar details not aligning. Taking a few minutes to understand eligibility before filing can save weeks of waiting and stress.
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to pause, review your PF balance and service history, and then proceed calmly rather than rushing into a claim that may get delayed.
Before submitting Form 31, checking your eligibility, service years, and withdrawal limits once can make the entire process smoother and faster.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. EPFO rules and processing timelines may vary based on individual records.
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