What Is Form 31 in PF: Eligibility, Uses and Claim Process

Key Insights 

• Form 31 in PF allows an employee to withdraw a part of the Provident Fund balance during employment for specific purposes permitted under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, without closing the PF account.
   
• The withdrawal through PF Form 31 is purpose-based, and the amount that can be claimed depends on the reason for withdrawal, the PF balance, and service conditions.
   
• Form 31 can be submitted online through the EPFO member portal if the Universal Account Number is active and the KYC details are approved. This reduces paperwork and processing time.

Salary credit hote hi future planning shuru ho jaati hai, lekin emergency aate hi PF yaad aata hai! This situation is common for salaried employees, and that is where knowing about Form 31 in PF becomes essential.

Form 31 is an official EPFO claim form that allows partial withdrawal of Provident Fund savings for certain approved needs before retirement. As per EPFO rules, PF is mainly meant for retirement, but specific life situations allow controlled access to these savings. Form 31 allows employees to use a portion of their own PF savings without resigning from their job.

I needed money for a medical emergency or higher education while I am still working. I used Form 31 to withdraw part of my PF savings without leaving my job.

Bonus Tip: PF withdrawals may soon be possible instantly through UPI and ATMs by March-April 2026, letting members access funds directly without traditional claim delays. 

When Should Form 31 Be Used? (Conditions for Withdrawal)

This form should be used only in situations that are specifically permitted under EPFO rules. The withdrawal conditions are purpose-based and are meant to protect long-term retirement savings while supporting genuine financial needs.

• It can be used for medical treatment of the employee or eligible family members, as allowed under EPF provisions.
• It is permitted for higher education expenses to help manage high academic costs.
• It can be used for marriage-related expenses of the employee or eligible dependents.
• It is allowed for the purchase or construction of a residential house, subject to EPFO conditions.
• It can also be used for the repair or renovation of an existing house when the eligibility criteria are met.

These conditions ensure that withdrawals are made only for essential and approved purposes without compromising retirement security.

Who Should Fill Form 31?

Form 31 is specifically designed for currently employed EPF members.
 

The employees who meet these conditions can use Form 31 without closing their PF account.

How to Download Form 31 in PF?

The process is simple and can be completed in a few steps. Here are the steps to download Form 31 in PF:

1. Visit the official website of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation.
2. Go to the “Forms” or “Downloads” section available on the homepage.
3. Select the option related to Provident Fund claim forms.
4. Click on Form 31: Application for Advance from the Fund.
5. Download the PDF file and save it for offline use or printing.

These steps ensure that the latest and officially approved version of Form 31 is used for the claim process.

How to Fill Form 31 in PF?

The Form 31 requires accurate and verified information as per EPFO records. Here are the steps to fill out Form 31:

1. Enter personal details such as name, PF account number, and Universal Account Number.
2. Select and mention the purpose for which the withdrawal is being claimed.
3. Specify the amount required as per eligibility and EPFO rules.
4. Fill in bank account details, including account number and IFSC code.
5. Review all details carefully to ensure they match EPFO records before final submission.

The properly filled information helps ensure faster processing of the claim.

How to Submit Form 31 in PF?

Form 31 can be submitted either online or offline, depending on the member’s eligibility. 

Here are the steps to submit Form 31 online:

1. Log in to the EPFO member portal using the Universal Account Number and password.
2. Navigate to the online claim section and select the option for PF advance or partial withdrawal.
3. Choose the relevant purpose and submit the claim after verifying bank details.
4. Authenticate the claim using Aadhaar-based verification where required.

EPFO encourages online submission for quicker settlement.

Here are the steps to submit Form 31 offline:

1. Download the official Form 31 from the EPFO website.
2. Fill in all required details accurately.
3. Submit the completed form to the employer for verification and attestation.
4. The employer forwards the form to the concerned EPFO office for processing.

Online submission is generally faster when KYC details are approved.

Benefits of Form 31

This facility provides financial flexibility while maintaining the discipline of long-term retirement savings.

• Employees can access a portion of their Provident Fund balance without leaving their current job.
• Financial pressure during medical emergencies, education expenses, or housing needs can be managed more easily.
• The Provident Fund account continues to remain active after the withdrawal.
• Online claim submission through the EPFO portal helps reduce paperwork and speeds up processing.
• Withdrawals are regulated under EPFO rules, which ensure controlled and responsible use of funds.

These advantages make it a practical support mechanism during critical financial situations.

Limitations of Form 31

There are certain restrictions that apply to ensure that Provident Fund savings are not misused.

• Full withdrawal of the Provident Fund balance is not permitted under this provision.
• Withdrawals are allowed only for purposes specifically approved by EPFO.
• The amount that can be claimed is capped and depends on factors such as service duration and available PF balance.
• This option cannot be used for final settlement after employment ends.
• Incomplete KYC or incorrect bank details can result in claim delays or rejection.

These limitations help preserve retirement savings while allowing access only when genuinely required.

Conclusion

Form 31 in PF allows employees to withdraw part of their Provident Fund for approved needs while remaining employed. It offers financial support without compromising retirement savings when used correctly. The employees should always check eligibility, limits, and KYC status before applying.

FAQs Related to Form 31 in PF

1. What is the use of Form 31 in PF?

Form 31 is used to withdraw a part of the Provident Fund balance while the employee is still working. It is meant for specific needs like medical treatment, education, marriage, or housing, as permitted by EPFO rules.

2. Is Form 31 of PF taxable?

The amount withdrawn through Form 31 is generally not taxable if it is taken for permitted reasons and the EPFO conditions are met. Taxability depends on the purpose of withdrawal and the total years of PF membership.

3. Why does my EPF Form 31 claim show “settled” but the amount is not credited to my bank account yet?

Yes, this is normal in many cases. When the status shows “settled,” it means EPFO has approved the claim. The bank credit can take up to 20 working days, especially if there is a new bank account or recent IFSC verification.

4. How long does Form 31 take for illness claims?

Form 31 claims generally take between 7 to 20 working days to process. Delays can happen due to pending verification, high claim volume, or incomplete KYC details. If there is no update after 20 working days, raising an EPFO grievance is recommended.

5. Can Form 31 be applied multiple times?

Yes, Form 31 can be applied multiple times, provided the member meets eligibility conditions each time, and the withdrawals comply with EPFO rules for the specific purpose.