How to claim (withdraw) PF online step by step: full settlement, advance, TDS and claim status
You can withdraw PF online on the EPFO member portal or the UMANG app — no employer signature needed if your UAN is activated and Aadhaar and bank account are seeded in KYC. Choose full settlement (after leaving a job or at retirement) or a partial withdrawal / advance (illness, education, marriage, house). Advance claims up to ₹5 lakh can be auto-settled in about 3 days; other claims are to be settled within 20 days. It is free — never pay an agent.
Key facts Last verified: 25 Sep 2026
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | EPFO member portal or UMANG app; no employer attestation if Aadhaar and bank are seeded with UAN | EPFO |
| Claim forms | Form 19 (PF final settlement), Form 10C (pension withdrawal), Form 31 (advance / partial withdrawal) | EPFO |
| Auto-settlement | Advance claims up to ₹5 lakh, processed in about 3 days (limit raised from ₹1 lakh in June 2025) | PIB |
| Time limit | EPF Scheme: claim to be settled within 20 days | EPFO Citizen's Charter |
| Rule change approved | 13 partial withdrawal rules merged into 3 groups; 25% minimum balance; 12 months' service for any partial withdrawal (CBT, 13 Oct 2025) | PIB |
| TDS | No TDS if service is 5 years or more, or amount is ₹50,000 or less; else 10% with PAN, higher without PAN | EPFO |
| Helpline | 1800-118-005 (toll-free) | EPFO |
Ramesh left his job in Pune in March. He wants his PF money. His colleague Priya needs money for her mother's operation but is still working. Both can withdraw PF online — but they use different options and get different amounts. This guide explains which one is for you.
Full withdrawal vs partial withdrawal (advance)
| Full settlement | Partial withdrawal (advance) | |
|---|---|---|
| When | You left your job and have no new job, or you retire | While you are still working, for a need like illness, education, marriage or house |
| How much | Whole PF balance (employee + employer share + interest) | Part of your balance, as per the reason |
| Form on portal | Form 19 (PF) + Form 10C (pension, if eligible) | Form 31 |
| Account after | PF account is closed | Account continues |
Changed jobs? Don't withdraw — transfer your PF to the new employer's account. Your money keeps earning interest, your service years add up (which matters for tax and pension), and you avoid TDS.
Who can withdraw what: the new rules approved in Oct 2025
EPFO's Central Board of Trustees (CBT) approved a big simplification on 13 Oct 2025. The main points, as per the PIB release:
| Group | Covers | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| Essential needs | Illness, education, marriage | Education up to 10 times and marriage up to 5 times (earlier 3 times in total for both) |
| Housing needs | Buying or building a house, home loan | Merged into one simple rule |
| Special circumstances | Other situations EPFO lists | Merged into the same simple rule |
| All partial withdrawals | — | Minimum 12 months of service; no documents needed; 25% of contributions stays in the account as minimum balance |
| Full withdrawal | Retirement, permanent disability, incapacity to work, retrenchment, VRS, leaving India permanently | Whole balance, including the 25% |
| After losing a job | Premature final settlement | Waiting period changed from 2 months to 12 months; pension withdrawal from 2 months to 36 months |
Check what the portal shows you. These rules were approved by the CBT; the exact reasons and limits you can pick appear in the online claim form on the member portal. If the form shows something different from this table, go by the portal — it is what EPFO applies to your account.
What about the pension (EPS) part?
The pension money in your passbook is separate. If you leave with less than 10 years of service, you can take it out using Form 10C. With 10 years or more, it becomes a pension at 58 instead. See the EPS pension formula for how that is worked out.
Before you apply: check these
- Your UAN is activated — see UAN activation.
- Aadhaar and bank account (with correct IFSC) are seeded and approved in KYC.
- PAN is seeded too — this saves you from higher TDS.
- Your name and date of birth in EPFO match Aadhaar exactly.
- For full settlement: your old employer has marked your date of exit.
- Your bank account is in your own name and active.
How to claim PF online, step by step
- Log in to the EPFO member portal (unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in) with UAN and password. You can also use UMANG → EPFO → Raise Claim.
- Go to Online Services → Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).
- Enter the last 4 digits of your seeded bank account and verify it.
- Choose the PF account (Member ID) and the type of claim: full settlement, advance or pension withdrawal.
- For an advance, pick the reason and the amount. The form shows the maximum you can take.
- If asked, upload a clear photo of a cheque or bank passbook showing your name and account number.
- Submit with the Aadhaar OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
- Note the claim reference. Track it under Online Services → Track Claim Status, or in UMANG.
Form 10D is for monthly pension (after 58, or for family pension) — not for PF withdrawal.
How long does it take?
- Advance claims up to ₹5 lakh can be auto-settled, usually in about 3 days — no person has to check them.
- Other claims are to be settled within 20 days as per the EPF Scheme.
- Money comes straight into your seeded bank account. You get an SMS on your registered mobile.
TDS on PF withdrawal
As per EPFO's TDS instructions:
| Your case | TDS |
|---|---|
| Service of 5 years or more (including earlier jobs, if PF was transferred) | No TDS |
| Amount of ₹50,000 or less | No TDS |
| Less than 5 years and more than ₹50,000, PAN seeded | 10% |
| Less than 5 years and more than ₹50,000, no PAN | Higher rate |
| Your total income is below the taxable limit | Submit Form 15G (15H if 60+) with the claim to avoid TDS |
Example: Ramesh worked 3 years and his PF is ₹1.8 lakh. His PAN is seeded, so 10% TDS (₹18,000) is cut. He can claim it back when filing his income tax return if his income is below the taxable limit. Had he transferred his older PF and crossed 5 years of service, there would be no TDS.
Why PF claims get rejected (and how to fix)
| Rejection reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Name / date of birth mismatch with Aadhaar | File a Joint Declaration online; employer approves |
| Bank account or IFSC not verified | Update bank KYC; employer approves; try a different account if the bank rejects |
| Cheque/passbook image unclear or name missing | Upload a clear cheque leaf with your name printed |
| Date of exit not marked | Ask your old employer to mark it |
| Not eligible for this reason / service too short | Check the reasons the form offers and apply under the right one |
| Old PF not transferred to current account | File a transfer claim first, then withdraw |
For a problem that does not get solved, raise a complaint on EPFiGMS (epfigms.gov.in) or call 1800-118-005.
PF withdrawal is free. Fake "PF agents" on WhatsApp or phone promise quick settlement for a fee and then ask for your OTP or UAN password — with that, they can change your bank account and take your money. Never share an OTP. EPFO does not call you to ask for it.
Not sure how much you have? First check your PF balance. Can't find your UAN? See find your PF number and UAN.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw my full PF while still working?
No. While working you can take a partial withdrawal (advance) for allowed reasons. Full settlement is for retirement or after leaving your job and not joining another one, as per the waiting period EPFO applies.
Do I need my employer's signature to withdraw PF online?
No, if your UAN is activated and Aadhaar and bank account are seeded and approved in KYC. The claim is verified with an Aadhaar OTP.
How long does PF withdrawal take?
Advance claims up to ₹5 lakh can be auto-settled in about 3 days. Other claims are to be settled within 20 days as per the EPF Scheme.
Is TDS deducted on PF withdrawal?
Only if your service is less than 5 years and the amount is more than ₹50,000. With PAN seeded, it is 10%; without PAN it is higher. Form 15G or 15H can avoid TDS if your income is below the taxable limit.
Which form do I use for a PF advance?
Form 31, filled online on the member portal or UMANG. Form 19 is for full PF settlement and Form 10C for pension withdrawal.
Official links
Use only these government websites. HumainOne is not connected to any of them.
- EPFO Member PortalApply for claims, KYC, claim status
- UMANG (EPFO services)Raise and track claims in the app
- EPFO FAQsClaim forms, TDS, transfers
- EPFiGMSComplaints about claims
- EPFO helplineToll-free
Disclaimer: HumainOne is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with UIDAI, the Income Tax Department, EPFO, NPCI, the Election Commission, the Government of Maharashtra or any government body. We do not accept applications, documents or fees. Information is checked against official sources on the date shown but rules change — always confirm on the official website before acting. Calculators give estimates, not official figures, and this is not tax or legal advice.