How to withdraw PF online: step-by-step (2026)

Check these four things first

Nine out of ten rejected claims fail on one of these. Log in to the EPFO member portal and confirm each before you file.

• Your UAN is activated and linked to your Aadhaar, and the mobile number on it is yours.
• Your bank account is added under KYC and shows as verified. The name on the bank account should match your EPF record.
• Your PAN is added under KYC — without it, tax may be deducted at a higher rate on larger withdrawals.
• Your last employer has marked your date of exit. If they have not, members can now update it themselves on the portal after leaving.

What you are allowed to withdraw (rules changed in October 2025)

In October 2025, EPFO's Central Board of Trustees merged thirteen separate withdrawal rules into three categories — essential needs (illness, education, marriage), housing, and special circumstances such as unemployment — and reduced the service needed for partial withdrawals to twelve months.

If you are unemployed, you can take up to 75% of your PF balance straight away and the remaining 25% after twelve months. A minimum balance is otherwise kept aside for retirement. The pension (EPS) portion is claimed separately and depends on how many years you have served.

Rules are applied as they stand on the day you file, so check the claim form on the portal for the options it offers you.

Steps on the EPFO member portal

1. 1Go to the EPFO Unified Member Portal and log in with your UAN, password and captcha.
2. 2Open Online Services and choose Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).
3. 3Enter the last four digits of the bank account linked to your UAN and verify it.
4. 4Choose the claim type: PF advance (Form 31) while employed, or final settlement (Form 19) and pension withdrawal (Form 10C) after leaving.
5. 5Pick the reason, enter the amount if asked, and upload a cheque or passbook image if the portal requests it.
6. 6Confirm with the Aadhaar OTP sent to your registered mobile and submit.
7. 7Track the claim under Online Services, Track Claim Status. Most online claims are settled within about 20 days.

Is tax deducted on PF withdrawal?

If you have less than five years of continuous service and the amount is above the threshold, tax is deducted at source. With PAN linked the rate is lower. If your total income is below the taxable limit, you may be able to submit Form 15G (or 15H if you are a senior citizen) so no tax is deducted. Transferring old PF accounts into your current one keeps your service continuous and can avoid the tax altogether.

Frequently asked