How to Withdraw PF Online: Steps, New EPFO Limits & Tax
You can withdraw your PF (EPF) online from the EPFO member portal or the UMANG app, with no paperwork and no employer signature, as long as your UAN is active and your Aadhaar, bank account and PAN are linked. This guide covers the steps, how much you can withdraw under the new EPFO rules, and how tax applies.
Before you apply: checklist
- UAN activated on the EPFO member portal, with the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- KYC: Aadhaar and bank account (with IFSC) verified against your UAN. Add your PAN too: without it, TDS on a taxable withdrawal is deducted at a higher rate.
- Date of joining recorded for your current job, and a date of exit for any job you’ve left (for final settlement).
- A photo of a cancelled cheque or passbook may be asked for with some claims.
How to withdraw PF online: step by step
- Log in to the EPFO Unified Member Portal with your UAN, password and captcha.
- Go to Online Services → Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).
- Enter the last four digits of your bank account number and click Verify.
- Accept the undertaking and click Proceed for Online Claim.
- Choose the claim type: PF Advance (Form 31) for a partial withdrawal, Final settlement (Form 19) after leaving a job, or Pension withdrawal (Form 10C).
- Select the purpose and amount, enter your address, and upload any document asked for.
- Submit with the Aadhaar OTP sent to your registered mobile.
Track it under Online Services → Track Claim Status. Advance claims up to ₹5 lakh for illness, education, marriage and housing are eligible for auto-settlement, which EPFO says is processed within about three days.
How much you can withdraw (new EPFO rules)
On 13 October 2025, EPFO’s Central Board of Trustees approved a simpler withdrawal framework. The Ministry of Labour explained it on 15 October 2025:
- 13 partial withdrawal rules merged into 3 categories: essential needs (illness, education, marriage), housing needs, and special circumstances.
- Minimum service of 12 months for every kind of partial withdrawal (earlier this varied up to seven years).
- Up to 75% of the eligible balance, now including the employer’s share and interest, not just your own contribution.
- 25% minimum balance must stay in the account while you’re employed, so it keeps earning interest (8.25% for FY 2024-25 and recommended for FY 2025-26).
- No reason or document needed for withdrawals under “special circumstances”.
The form on the portal shows the options that are currently live for your account. If it differs from the above, go by what the portal allows.
After leaving a job (final settlement)
- If you’re unemployed, you can withdraw 75% of your PF balance immediately, and the remaining 25% after 12 months without a job.
- Full withdrawal is allowed on retirement at 55 or later, permanent disability, incapacity to work, retrenchment, voluntary retirement, or leaving India permanently.
- Pension (EPS) money can be withdrawn after 36 months without employment under the approved changes. You need 10 years of EPS membership to get a monthly pension, so withdrawing it early gives up that right.
- If you’ve joined a new job, transfer your old PF (Form 13, online) instead of withdrawing. Your service stays continuous.
Is PF withdrawal taxable?
- Tax-free after 5 years of continuous service (service with earlier employers counts if you transferred the PF).
- Before 5 years: taxable, and TDS of 10% is deducted if the amount is ₹50,000 or more and you’ve given your PAN. Without a PAN, TDS is deducted at the maximum rate.
- If your total income is below the taxable limit, submit Form 15G (or 15H if you’re 60+) with the claim to avoid TDS.
Common reasons claims are rejected
- Bank account not verified, or its name doesn’t match UAN records.
- Date of exit not updated by the old employer. You can update it yourself on the portal after two months.
- Unclear cheque or passbook image.
- Name, date of birth or gender mismatch between Aadhaar and EPFO records. Fix it through Modify Basic Details first.
Frequently asked questions
How long does PF withdrawal take?
Auto-settled advance claims (up to ₹5 lakh) are usually processed in about 3 days. Other claims depend on your EPFO office and are typically settled in under 20 days.
Can I withdraw PF while still working?
Yes, as a partial withdrawal (advance) after 12 months of service, up to 75% of the eligible balance under the new framework. The remaining 25% stays as a minimum balance.
How do I check my PF balance first?
Use a missed call, SMS or the passbook: see PF balance check by missed call.
Related guides
Sources: EPFO, EPFO Member Portal, Ministry of Labour release, 15 Oct 2025. Easy Guide India is not affiliated with EPFO.