EPFO: Recent findings from an RTI report have uncovered a startling discovery about the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The data indicates that there are roughly 30.91 lakh inactive PF accounts nationwide holding an unclaimed sum of around Rs 9,330 crore. However, there has been a slight improvement compared to the previous fiscal year. As of March 31, 2025, there were 31.83 lakh inactive accounts with a total amount of Rs 10,181 crore, which has since decreased by approximately 92,000 accounts and Rs 851 crore in unclaimed funds.
This revelation coincides with the introduction and implementation of the EPF Scheme 2026. Effective from June 29, 2026, this new scheme supersedes the longstanding EPF Scheme of 1952. Its main objective is to streamline, make transparent, and fully digitize PF regulations for its approximately 80 million active members.
Necessary Criteria for Online PF Withdrawal
If you have funds lying idle in your PF account, you can now transfer them to your bank account from your home. However, specific requirements must be fulfilled, as outlined below:
Your Universal Account Number (UAN) must be active.
Your identity proof (Aadhaar), PAN card, and bank account must be completely linked and verified with your UAN.
The mobile number linked to the identity card must be operational to receive the verification code.
Steps to Withdraw PF Online from Home
Access the EPFO Member Portal and log in by providing your 12-digit UAN, password, and captcha code.
Navigate to the Online Services tab on the homepage menu and choose Claim Form 31, 19, 10C & 10D from the dropdown list.
Your profile details will be displayed. Input the bank account number linked to your UAN and verify it. Then, accept the terms and conditions by clicking Yes.
Proceed with your online claim by selecting the appropriate form based on your requirements under the I Want to Apply For option.
Form Selection Guidelines
Opt for Form 31 if you need to withdraw partial funds for purposes like illness, marriage, children’s education, or home construction while still employed. Choose Form 19 to settle the entire PF amount after two months of leaving your job. For pension fund withdrawals, use Form 10C.
Submission of Documents and Information
After the aforementioned steps, state the reason for withdrawal, the desired amount, and your current address. Subsequently, upload a clear scanned image of your bank account passbook or canceled check in JPEG or JPG format, ranging from 100 KB to 500 KB in size.
Digital Validation and Submission
Tick the Declaration Form box and request an Aadhaar OTP. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and finalize the process by clicking on Validate OTP and Submit Claim Form.
Upon submission, monitor the status of your application by accessing the EPFO Passbook Portal at https://passbook.epfindia.gov.in/MemberPassBook/Login and selecting the Track Claim Status option. Following the submission of your online claim, EPFO officials review the documents. The approved amount is typically transferred directly to your bank account within 7 to 15 working days.