EPFO Forms 2025 Guide: Meaning, Uses & Latest Digital Filing Rules
- Pratyush Banke
- Aug 29
- 10 min read
Confused about which EPFO form to use - 10C, 19, 31, or 10D? This 2025 guide breaks down each form in simple terms, shows how to file online through Aadhaar/UMANG, and gives tips to avoid claim delays.
Introduction
Handling your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) money should feel simple, but for many, it turns into a confusing maze of forms, rules, and procedures. Whether you are resigning from a job, applying for a pension, withdrawing money for urgent needs, or claiming benefits after the loss of a loved one, choosing the right EPFO form is critical. A single mistake, like filling out the wrong form or missing a document, can delay your claim for weeks or even lead to rejection.
That’s why in this guide, we’ve created a clear, updated explanation of all major EPFO forms - Form 10C, 19, 31, 10D, 2, 13, 20, and 5IF, along with their meaning, uses, and the latest 2025 rules. Written in simple language and backed with empathy, this blog is designed to remove the stress from the process and help you file confidently.
By the end, you’ll not only know which form to use and when, but also the common mistakes to avoid and the fastest way to file your claims online.
Why EPFO Forms Matter
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) manages the retirement savings of over six crore salaried employees in India, making it one of the largest social security systems in the world. Every interaction you have with EPFO, whether it’s withdrawing your PF after changing jobs, applying for a pension, updating a nominee, or requesting an advance for emergencies, requires the correct form.
These forms act as the official communication between you and the EPFO. They are not just paperwork; they are the key to accessing your own hard-earned savings. For example, Form 19 helps you withdraw your full PF balance, Form 10C supports pension withdrawals, while Form 31 allows you to take an advance for medical, education, or housing needs. Each form is tied to a specific purpose, and using the wrong one can lead to unnecessary delays, rejections, or repeat submissions.
In 2025, EPFO has moved towards a digital-first approach. Most forms can now be filed online through the Unified Member Portal or UMANG app, reducing the need for employer attestation in many cases. Aadhaar-based face authentication has also become mandatory for certain claim processes, making KYC compliance more important than ever.
In short, understanding these forms is the first step to hassle-free access to your EPF benefits, and this guide will help you get there.
Key EPFO Forms Explained
EPFO has a wide range of forms, each designed for a specific purpose, whether it’s withdrawing your PF balance, transferring accounts, applying for a pension, or updating nominees. Understanding which form to use can save you from unnecessary delays and rejections. Below is a simple breakdown of the most commonly used EPFO forms in 2025:
1) Form 10C - Withdrawal Benefit / Pension Withdrawal
Form 10C is used to claim the withdrawal benefit of the pension scheme (EPS-95) or to receive a scheme certificate when leaving a job before completing 10 years of service.
Eligibility: Employees who have worked for at least 6 months but less than 10 years in a company covered under EPFO. After 10 years, you cannot withdraw pension contributions but are eligible for a lifelong pension through Form 10D.
2025 Update: Filing is now entirely online via the EPFO Unified Portal or UMANG app, and Aadhaar-based e-verification is mandatory. Scheme certificates are digitally issued.
Common Mistakes: Many employees confuse Form 10C with Form 19 and try to withdraw their full PF corpus here. Another frequent error is incorrect bank details or missing Aadhaar linkage, leading to rejection.
2) Form 19 - Final Settlement of PF Balance
Form 19 is the most commonly used EPFO form, allowing members to withdraw their full Provident Fund balance after leaving a job.
Eligibility: You can apply if you have retired, resigned, or been terminated from service. A 2-month waiting period is generally required after leaving employment (unless retiring or in special cases like women getting married).
2025 Update: Claims can be filed completely online using Aadhaar authentication. Employer attestation is no longer required if KYC is updated. Processing times are now faster, averaging 10-15 working days.
Common Mistakes: Many employees apply before completing the 2-month gap, leading to rejection. Others forget to update their bank IFSC code or PAN, which can cause delays in tax deduction or crediting.
If you’re planning to apply for your PF withdrawal, you can check out our detailed guide on the EPF Withdrawal Online Process 2025, where we’ve explained the step-by-step procedure to make your claim hassle-free.
3) Form 31 - Advance / Partial Withdrawal
Form 31 allows members to take a loan or partial withdrawal from their PF account for specific needs like medical treatment, education, home purchase, or natural calamities.
Eligibility: Different conditions apply based on purpose. For instance, for medical needs, there is no minimum service requirement, but for home purchase, you must complete at least 5 years of service.
2025 Update: The withdrawal categories have been further streamlined, and digital documentation upload is required for specific purposes. Aadhaar face authentication has become a standard verification step.
Common Mistakes: Choosing the wrong category of advance (e.g., applying under "education" when actually withdrawing for "medical") is a common reason for rejection. Uploading incomplete or unclear documents is another frequent error.
4) Form 10D - Pension Claim
Form 10D is used to apply for monthly pension under EPS-95 after completing the required years of service.
Eligibility: Members with at least 10 years of contributory service are eligible for pension benefits after reaching 58 years of age (or early pension after 50 with reduced benefits).
2025 Update: The pension application process has been integrated with Aadhaar and digital life certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) systems, allowing retirees to file and update their pension status without repeated physical visits.
Common Mistakes: Many retirees mistakenly use Form 10C instead of 10D. Others fail to update bank details for pension credit, leading to payment issues.
Since pension rules often change, you may also want to read our guide on the Latest EPS Rule Changes 2025 Explained, which breaks down all the updates that could affect your monthly pension claim.
5) Form 2 - Nomination Form
Form 2 is a vital but often overlooked form. It is used to declare or update nominees for your EPF, EPS, and EDLI accounts. This ensures your family or dependents receive benefits without legal disputes in case of death.
Eligibility: Every active EPF member must submit Form 2, ideally at the start of their employment. Updates should be made whenever there is a change in marital status or dependents.
2025 Update: Nomination is now mandatory for online claim submissions. Aadhaar-seeded nominee details are automatically validated to reduce disputes.
Common Mistakes: Many members skip updating nominees after marriage or childbirth. Another mistake is nominating a minor without assigning a guardian, which causes delays in claims.
6) Form 13 - PF Transfer Request
Form 13 is used to transfer your PF balance from one employer to another when you switch jobs, ensuring continuity of your retirement corpus.
Eligibility: Any employee changing jobs is eligible. The transfer must be done from the old PF account linked to the UAN to the new one.
2025 Update: The transfer process is now fully automated under UAN, with no need to submit a physical Form 13 in most cases. Employer approval is digitally tracked.
Common Mistakes: Not linking UAN with Aadhaar or having multiple UANs creates transfer failures. Some employees mistakenly withdraw their PF instead of transferring, breaking pension eligibility continuity.
7) Form 20 – Claim by Nominee/Legal Heir
Form 20 is filed by nominees or legal heirs of a deceased EPF member to claim the PF balance.
Eligibility: Only registered nominees can apply. If no nominee is registered, legal heirs can apply with succession documents or a court order.
2025 Update: The process has been digitized to an extent, but in many cases, legal heirs still need to submit supporting documents offline. Aadhaar-based e-verification helps nominees file faster.
Common Mistakes: Delays often occur when the nominees are not updated by the deceased member. Submitting incomplete death certificates or legal heir proofs leads to rejection.
8) Form 5IF – EDLI Insurance Claim
Form 5IF is used to claim the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) benefit, which provides a one-time insurance payout to the family of a deceased EPF member.
Eligibility: Nominees or legal heirs of a member who was in service and covered under EDLI at the time of death. The payout amount depends on the member’s PF balance, capped as per the latest EPFO rules.
2025 Update: The EDLI claim process is being integrated with Form 20 for single-window death claims, reducing paperwork.
Common Mistakes: Families often remain unaware of the EDLI scheme and skip applying. Others fail to submit proof of nominee/legal heir status along with the form, delaying the claim.
Summary Table
Form | Purpose | Who Can Use It | When to Use |
Form 19 | Final PF settlement (withdraw full balance) | Employees leaving service or retiring | At retirement or when leaving a job permanently |
Form 10C | Withdrawal benefit / Scheme certificate under EPS-95 | Employees with less than 10 years of service | When leaving a job before 10 years of service |
Form 31 | Advance/partial PF withdrawal | Employees with UAN & Aadhaar linked | For emergencies: medical, marriage, home loan, education, etc. |
Form 10D | Monthly pension under EPS-95 | Employees with at least 10 years of service | On retirement, superannuation, or death (for family pension) |
Form 2 | Nomination for PF & EPS | All EPFO members | At the time of joining or updating nominee details |
Form 13 | Transfer of PF account | Employees changing jobs | When moving the PF balance from the old employer to the new employer |
Form 20 | PF claim by nominee/legal heir | Nominee/family of deceased member | To withdraw the PF balance on a member’s death |
Form 5IF | EDLI (Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance) claim | Nominee/legal heir of deceased | To claim the insurance benefit in case of the member’s death |
How to File EPFO Forms (Step-by-Step)
Filing EPFO forms may sound intimidating, but the process has become far simpler with digital integration. Today, most forms can be submitted online, while offline submission is reserved for special cases. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process easier.
Filing Online (Preferred Method)
Log in to the Unified Member Portal using your UAN and password.
Verify your KYC: Ensure Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details are correctly updated.
Choose the service: Select the form you need (e.g., Form 19 for final settlement, Form 31 for advance, Form 10C/10D for pension-related claims).
Fill in details: Most fields auto-populate from your UAN records, reducing manual errors.
Authenticate: Submit the form using Aadhaar-based OTP or face authentication in the Umang App, now mandatory in 2025 for many claim types.
Track status: Claim status can be tracked under the “Online Services” tab or via SMS alerts.
Alternatively, you can use the UMANG app, which offers the same services on mobile. This is especially helpful for pensioners or family members filing from remote areas.
Filing Offline (When Needed)
Despite the push for digital systems, offline filing is still required in cases where:
The member’s KYC is incomplete.
Aadhaar linking has issues.
A legal heir or nominee (using Form 20 or 5IF) needs to submit supporting succession documents.
Steps:
Download the relevant form from the EPFO website or obtain it from your employer.
Fill in the details manually and attach the required documents.
Get the form attested by your employer (if applicable).
Submit it at the regional EPFO office or through your employer’s HR department.
Documents Required
While requirements vary by form, common documents include:
Identity Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID.
Bank Details: Cancelled cheque/passbook copy.
Service Proof: Employer’s certificate or relieving letter (for offline claims).
Death Certificate & Legal Heir Proof: Required for Forms 20 and 5IF.
Medical/Education Certificates: For Form 31 advances.
Processing Timelines
Online claims: 10-15 working days in most cases.
Offline claims: 20-30 working days, depending on documentation and verification.
Pension claims (Form 10D): May take slightly longer, especially if documents are incomplete.
4. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Filing EPFO forms can feel straightforward, but small mistakes often lead to frustrating rejections or long delays. Knowing the common pitfalls helps you avoid unnecessary stress and ensures your claims get processed smoothly.
1. Choosing the Wrong Form One of the biggest errors members make is selecting the wrong form for their requirement, like using Form 19 for partial withdrawal instead of Form 31, or filing Form 10C without completing 10 years of service. Always double-check the purpose of the form before submission.
2. Aadhaar, PAN, or Bank Details Mismatch Since EPFO moved to an Aadhaar-based authentication system in 2025, mismatches in Aadhaar, PAN, or bank account details are the most common reason for claim rejections. Ensure your details are updated and verified on the UAN portal before filing.
3. Employer Approval Delays Some forms (like transfer requests or withdrawals in special cases) still require employer attestation. Delays often happen because the employer is unaware or slow to respond. Proactively inform your employer after filing, or choose the online route if employer approval is auto-enabled.
4. Missing Nominee Updates Not updating Form 2 for nomination can create big problems for heirs in case of a member’s death. Outdated or missing nominee details often delay settlements and cause disputes.
Quick Tips to Avoid Issues:
Always check claim eligibility on the UAN portal.
Pre-verify KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN, bank).
Use online filing wherever possible for faster processing.
Keep a screenshot/acknowledgment of your submission.
By paying attention to these details, you can save weeks of waiting and make the EPFO process hassle-free.
FAQs on EPFO Forms
1. Which EPF withdrawal form should I use after resignation?
If you’ve resigned and want to withdraw your entire EPF balance, you need to use Form 19. If you also have EPS (pension) contributions and haven’t completed 10 years of service, you should additionally file Form 10C to claim the pension withdrawal benefit.
2. Is Form 19 processed faster online?
Yes. Filing Form 19 online via the UAN portal or UMANG app with Aadhaar e-authentication is much quicker than the offline route. In most cases, online claims are processed within 10-15 working days, while offline forms may take longer due to employer attestation and manual checks.
3. Can NRIs apply through UMANG?
Yes, NRIs can log in to the UMANG app and submit claims if their Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are linked to their UAN. However, the bank account should ideally be an Indian account to avoid settlement issues.
4. Do legal heirs need both Form 20 and Form 5IF?
Yes. In case of a member’s death, Form 20 is for EPF withdrawal, while Form 5IF is for claiming the Employee Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) benefit. Both forms must be filed to ensure heirs receive all eligible dues.
5. What if Aadhaar is not linked with UAN?
From 2025, Aadhaar-based authentication is mandatory. Without Aadhaar linkage, your claim will be rejected. Update and verify Aadhaar in the UAN portal before filing any form.
Conclusion
EPFO forms may seem like complicated paperwork, but they are the gateway to unlocking your hard-earned savings, pensions, and insurance benefits. With the 2025 updates emphasizing digital-first filing and Aadhaar authentication, the process is faster, but only if the right forms and documents are submitted correctly.
By keeping your KYC updated, filing online wherever possible, and staying informed, you can avoid unnecessary delays and hassles.
That said, even a small mistake can result in rejections or long wait times. If all this still feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Thousands of employees and families face the same challenge.
That’s where Kustodian.life can help, whether it’s:
Choosing and filing the right PF/EPFO form,
Assisting families or legal heirs with claims,
Preparing documents and tracking claim status.
Don’t let paperwork stand between you and your rightful benefits. Book a Free Consultation today and let our experts guide you every step of the way.
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