To claim the final settlement of your Provident Fund (PF) balance, EPF Form 19 is primarily required. This form facilitates the complete withdrawal of the accumulated corpus in a member's Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) account.
Understanding EPF Form 19
EPF Form 19 is specifically designed for individuals who wish to withdraw their entire Provident Fund accumulation. This includes those who have officially retired from their employment or have resigned and ceased their employment, provided certain conditions are met regarding the duration since their last employment.
The core purpose of this form is to process the final settlement of your EPF account balance, ensuring you receive the full amount saved over your working years, including employer and employee contributions, along with accrued interest.
How to Claim Your PF Balance
Claiming your PF balance using Form 19 can be done through both online and offline methods, offering flexibility based on your preference and the availability of your Universal Account Number (UAN) and Aadhaar linking.
Online PF Withdrawal Process
The online method is generally faster and more convenient for eligible members. To claim PF online, you need:
- Activated UAN: Your Universal Account Number must be activated.
- Aadhaar Linked: Your Aadhaar number must be linked and verified with your UAN.
- Bank Account Linked: Your bank account details (including IFSC code) must be linked with your UAN and verified by your employer.
- PAN Linked (for taxable withdrawals): If your service period is less than 5 years and the withdrawal amount exceeds ₹50,000, PAN linking is crucial to avoid higher TDS.
Steps for Online Claim:
- Log in to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal using your UAN and password.
- Navigate to the 'Online Services' section and select 'Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)'.
- Verify your bank account number and proceed with the online claim.
- Select 'PF Withdrawal Only (Form 19)' from the dropdown menu.
- Fill in the required details, upload scanned copies of cancelled cheque/passbook, and submit your application.
- An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for final verification.
Offline PF Withdrawal Process
If you do not meet the criteria for online withdrawal, or prefer the traditional method, you can submit a physical application.
Steps for Offline Claim:
- Download the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar or Non-Aadhaar) from the EPFO website.
- Fill in all the necessary details accurately, including your UAN, bank account information, and personal particulars.
- Attach supporting documents such as a cancelled cheque (for bank account verification) and identity proof.
- Get the form attested by your employer (required for Composite Claim Form - Non-Aadhaar, or if UAN/Aadhaar is not fully linked/verified).
- Submit the filled form along with the required documents to the concerned EPFO office.
For more details on the process and forms, you can refer to resources like Groww's PF Withdrawal Form guide.
Key Information about EPF Form 19
Here’s a quick overview of EPF Form 19:
| Form Name | Purpose | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| EPF Form 19 | Final settlement of the entire EPF corpus | Individuals who have retired or left their jobs. |
Important Considerations for Claiming PF
- Service Period: If you withdraw your PF balance before completing 5 years of continuous service, the amount becomes taxable.
- Pension Withdrawal: Note that Form 19 is specifically for PF (Employee + Employer share + Interest) withdrawal. For pension fund withdrawal, EPF Form 10C is typically used.
- Partial Withdrawals: For specific purposes like medical emergencies, marriage, or education, partial withdrawals can be made using EPF Form 31, without requiring final settlement.
Understanding the correct form and process ensures a smooth and timely claim of your hard-earned Provident Fund.
