How to withdraw your EPF online
The process is genuinely straightforward now, provided two things are in order before you start.
The Employees' Provident Fund is a retirement savings scheme funded by monthly contributions from you and your employer. It is meant to be left alone, and there are situations where withdrawing part or all of it is permitted.
Two things to sort out first
The online process will fail at the last step if either of these is missing, so check both before you begin.
- An activated UAN. The Universal Account Number is a twelve-digit identifier that ties all your provident fund accounts together across employers. Your employer provides it.
- KYC linked and verified. Your Aadhaar, PAN and bank account must be linked to the UAN and approved by your employer. This is the step that most often holds people up.
If your KYC is not verified by the employer, the claim cannot be submitted. Check this first, not after.
The process
You can track the claim status in the same portal. Settlement usually takes a few working days once the claim is approved.
- Log in to the EPFO member portal with your UAN and password.
- Open the Online Services menu and choose the claim option.
- Enter the last four digits of your bank account to verify your details.
- Accept the certificate of undertaking when prompted.
- Select the claim type you need: full settlement, partial advance, or pension withdrawal.
- Enter the reason for the advance and the amount, and upload any supporting document requested.
- Submit and authenticate with the OTP sent to the mobile number registered against your Aadhaar.
Worth knowing
Partial withdrawal is allowed for specific purposes such as medical treatment, education, marriage or buying a home, and each has its own conditions on service length and amount. The portal shows which you are eligible for.
See where you stand
Four calculators, no sign-up. Gold and savings, budget, EMI and tax.
Open the money tools