📄 Complete Guide to EPF Form 31: Types of Advances, Eligibility & Documents Required (2025 Update)
The Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 under the EPFO allows members to make partial withdrawals for specific needs through Form 31. These withdrawals, officially known as advances, are permitted under various clauses for different purposes like housing, medical treatment, marriage, education, and more.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of all the types of advances allowed under EPF Form 31, including eligibility, withdrawal limits, documentation, and legal references.
🏠 I. Withdrawal for Purchase or Construction of House (Para 68B)
Purpose:
- Purchase or construction of house/flat
- Purchase of site
- Construction on land already owned
- Alteration or improvement of existing house
Eligibility & Amount:
- Minimum 5 years of EPF membership
- Amount up to 36 months’ basic wages + DA or total PF balance (employee + employer + interest) or cost of house, whichever is least
- In some cases (alteration/repair), 12 months’ wages
Frequency:
-
Once only for the same purpose
Documents:
-
Declaration Form
-
Agreement copy (from Agency/Promoter/Individual)
🏦 II. Repayment of Home Loan (Para 68BB)
Purpose:
-
Repayment of home loan principal + interest
Eligibility & Amount:
-
At least 10 years of membership
-
Amount up to 36 months' wages or total outstanding loan amount, whichever is lower
Documents:
-
Certificate from Agency (Housing Board, Bank, etc.)
🚫 III. Financial Stress Due to Unemployment (Para 68H)
Scenarios Covered:
-
Lockout/closure for 15+ days
-
Non-payment of wages for 2+ months
-
Dismissal/retrenchment (legal challenge)
-
Closure for 6+ months (extended unemployment)
Eligibility & Amount:
-
No minimum service period
-
Up to 100% of employee/employer share, depending on case
Documents:
-
Employer Certificate (Form A/B)
-
Court petition (for legal challenge cases)
🏥 IV. Medical Treatment (Para 68J)
Purpose:
-
Self or dependent family member’s treatment
Eligibility & Amount:
-
No service period required
-
Amount up to 6 months’ basic wages + DA or employee share with interest
Documents:
-
Certificate C signed by doctor & employer
💒 V. Marriage & Education (Para 68K)
Purpose:
-
Marriage of self/siblings/children
-
Post-matric education of children
Eligibility & Amount:
-
Minimum 7 years of service
-
Up to 50% of employee share with interest
-
3 times in entire service
Documents:
-
Declaration for marriage
-
Certificate from educational institution
♿ VI. Equipment for Physically Handicapped (Para 68N)
Purpose:
-
Purchase of assistive devices
Eligibility & Amount:
-
No fixed tenure
-
Up to 6 months’ wages or cost, whichever is lower
Restrictions:
-
Minimum 3 years gap between two such advances
Documents:
-
Certificate F from a certified doctor
⌛ VII. Withdrawal Before Retirement (Para 68NN)
Purpose:
-
To support during transition to retirement
Eligibility:
-
After 54 years of age and within 1 year of superannuation
Amount:
-
Up to 90% of total PF balance
Documents:
-
Simple declaration by member
⚠️ Other Special Provisions
-
Natural Calamity Damage (Para 68L)
-
Power Cut Affecting Work (Para 68M) – ₹300 max
-
Investment in Varistha Pension Bima Yojana (Para 68NNN)
🧾 Common Documents Required with Form 31
-
Member Declaration Form
-
Certificates from Doctor/Employer/Agency
-
Supporting Invoices or Loan Details
-
Court Petitions (for legal challenges)
🏁 Final Thoughts
The EPFO has empowered its members with flexible options for financial support via Form 31. Whether it's building your dream home, managing a health emergency, or preparing for retirement—Form 31 serves as a lifeline for EPF subscribers. Always ensure you attach the correct documents and meet the eligibility criteria to avoid rejection.
📌 Note: All legal provisions are governed under the EPF Scheme, 1952. Please refer to the respective paragraphs for legal compliance.
🔗 Stay Informed | Empowered | Ready
For quick help, visit EPFO Website or contact your HR department.
📝 Written by: [Your Blog Name]
📅 Updated: July 2025
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