The Provident Fund (PF) is a crucial savings instrument for salaried employees in India. Managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), it helps employees save a portion of their salary for retirement. However, when you leave a job or are unemployed for a certain period, you may want to withdraw your full PF amount online.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to withdraw your entire PF amount online after leaving your job, eligibility criteria, required documents, timelines, and answers to common questions.
1. Who Can Withdraw Full PF Amount?
You can withdraw 100% of your EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) if:
- You have been unemployed for more than 2 months after leaving your job.
- You are retired, or your employment has permanently ended.
- You are not planning to take up another job in the near future.
- You are migrating abroad permanently.
Note: If you withdraw before completing 5 years of continuous service, the amount may be taxable.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Online PF Withdrawal
To withdraw your PF amount online, you must fulfill these conditions:
- Your UAN (Universal Account Number) is activated and linked with your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account.
- Your Aadhaar is verified with your UAN.
- Your exit date from the last job is updated by your employer in the EPFO portal.
- You are not currently employed with any company under EPFO.
3. Documents Required for Online PF Withdrawal
Ensure the following documents are in place:
- UAN (activated)
- Aadhaar Card (linked with UAN)
- Bank account (linked with UAN)
- PAN Card (especially if you withdraw before 5 years)
- Registered mobile number (linked with Aadhaar)
4. Step-by-Step Process to Withdraw Full PF Online
Follow these steps to withdraw your full PF amount online via the EPFO Unified Member Portal:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Member Portal
Go to: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
Step 2: Log In with Your UAN and Password
Enter your UAN, password, and the captcha code. Click Sign In.
Step 3: Verify KYC Details
Go to the ‘Manage’ tab > ‘KYC’
Make sure your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are verified.
Step 4: Go to Online Services > Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)
Under the ‘Online Services’ tab, click ‘Claim’.
Step 5: Enter Last Four Digits of Bank Account
To verify your bank account, you’ll be prompted to enter the last four digits.
Step 6: Click on ‘Proceed for Online Claim’
Once verified, you’ll be taken to the online claim form.
Step 7: Choose Claim Type
In the drop-down, choose:
- PF Final Settlement (Form-19) – for withdrawing the full PF amount
- Pension Withdrawal (Form-10C) – for EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) if eligible
Select the appropriate form depending on your eligibility.
Step 8: Submit Your Claim
After selecting the withdrawal type, accept the declaration and submit the form.
5. How Long Does It Take to Receive the PF Amount?
- Generally, EPFO processes the claim within 7–10 working days.
- The amount will be credited to your linked bank account.
6. Important Notes and Tips
- Exit Date Matters: Make sure your employer has marked your exit date in the EPFO system. Without it, your claim will be rejected.
- Tax Implications: If you withdraw before completing 5 years of continuous service, TDS (tax deducted at source) may apply.
- No Employment Clause: You must not be working in another EPF-registered company when filing the claim.
- Aadhaar OTP: You’ll receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number during verification.
7. Common Reasons for PF Claim Rejection
- Mismatch in name or details between Aadhaar and UAN
- Unverified or incorrect bank account
- Exit date not updated by the employer
- PAN not linked for tax deductions (especially for withdrawals before 5 years)
- Employment still active under a new employer (even if not updated in UAN)
8. FAQs: PF Withdrawal Online
Q1: Can I withdraw my PF without employer approval?
Yes, online PF withdrawal doesn’t require employer approval if KYC is completed and exit date is updated.
Q2: What is the minimum time to withdraw full PF after leaving the job?
You must wait for 60 days (2 months) of unemployment to withdraw 100% of your PF.
Q3: Can I withdraw only a part of my PF amount?
Yes, Form 31 allows partial withdrawals for specific purposes (marriage, education, medical, etc.).
Q4: Is there a mobile app for PF withdrawal?
Yes. You can use the UMANG app for filing claims, checking balance, and more.
Q5: What if my Aadhaar is not linked with UAN?
You must visit your HR or EPFO field office to link your Aadhaar before claiming.
Conclusion
Withdrawing your full PF amount online after leaving a job has become significantly easier thanks to the EPFO’s digital systems. As long as your KYC is complete, exit date is updated, and you meet the eligibility criteria, the process can be done without visiting an EPF office.
