Relaxation in PF withdrawal in Covid-19 epidemic

Who is eligible for advance clearance from EPF to fight the corona-virus epidemic?

 Any member who has a UAN (Universal Account Number) in the EPF Scheme, 1952, is eligible for it. Its institution should be registered under the EPF and MP Act, 1952.

Under which provision of EPF Scheme, 1952, a member is entitled to benefits?

A new sub-Para (3) has been added to Para 68L of the EPF Scheme, 1952. It has been inserted through GSR number 225 (E). Part II-section 3-sub section (1) states that this benefit has been given. Information regarding this was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on 28 March 2020.

What is the new provision related to giving benefits?

It allows members to withdraw non-refundable advances from the EPF account. It calls for benefits to members who work in establishments that have to be closed to prevent the corona from spreading.

Which employees/workers can withdrawal the advance PF in this Covid-19 epidemic?

Since the Covid-19 has been declared an epidemic by the government. Therefore, employees working in establishments and factories across the country, who are members of the EPF Scheme, 1952, are eligible for Advance PF withdrawal.

Also, read about limits of PF withdrawal

Does the EPF member have to provide any certificate or proof for advance withdrawal?

No, the EPF member does not require any certificate or document for advance withdrawal.

How much money can a person withdraw from his EPF account under this new provision to fight Corona and will that person have to return it?

PF holders can withdraw non-refundable amounts up to a limit of their basic salary and dearness allowance. This can be equal to 75 percent of the account amount or three months of dearness allowance (whichever is less). Since this withdrawal is non-refundable. So there is no need to refund this amount.

To know more about PF registration or want to take PF registration then you may contact legal salaah 

How to calculate benefits?

If a member’s EPF account has a balance of Rs 50,000 today and the monthly basic salary and dearness allowance are Rs 15,000. So, 75 percent of the amount of Rs 50,000 means Rs 37,500. While the amount of three months' salary makes 45,000 rupees. Therefore a PF registered person will be eligible to withdraw Rs 37,500.

How can a PF holder claim this amount? Does he need to submit a claim form to the EPFO office?

Just like a person claims online for all other types of advance, it can also be claimed. To do this, the PF holder's UAN must be associated with the Aadhaar and mobile number.

Where and how can a PF holder submit an online claim?

On the right-hand top of the home page of the website - www.epfindia.gov.in, you will see a tab "COVID-19" in which instructions will be given to filing online advance. For this, you have to follow the given stages.

• Log in to the (https://unifiedportalmem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface).

• Visit to services online and proceed with (Form- 19, 31, 10 D & 10 C).

• Enter the last 4 digits of your bank account and verify it.

• After verify continue with "Proceed for the online claim" button.

• Select from the dropdown (Form 31) of PF Advance.

• Select the objective from the dropdown as "Outbreak of Pandemic (Covid-19)".

• Enter the required amount and a scanned copy of the check and PF your name.

Can a PF holder claim via his mobile phone?

Yes, PF holders can do the same from their mobile phones

• Log in at (https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface) and follow steps 1 to 10 as indicated or

• Click UMP (Unified Mobile Application for New-Age Governance) Mobile App through APP Home> EPFO> Employee Centric Services> Rage Claim> Login with your UAN in turn. Then mobile registered with UAN.

Can an employee working in an exempted establishment get an advance from the PF Trust to fight the corona?

 The "Conditions and Rules" in Para 27AA of the EPF Scheme, 1952 also apply to employees working in exempted establishments. In this way, employees who work in such institutions will also have the right to withdraw from their PF.