When you retire, switch jobs, or remain unemployed for more than two months, you may want to withdraw the funds accumulated in your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. To do this, you need to submit EPF Form 19 online for final PF settlement. This form helps you withdraw both your and your employer’s contributions, along with the accumulated interest. The online process is easy and transparent, and can help former employees claim their EPF balance directly through the EPFO portal.
What to Ensure Before Filling Out Form 19
Before applying for your final PF withdrawal, ensure the following steps are completed (to avoid rejection or delays):
Active UAN
Your UAN must be activated and linked with your KYC details, such as PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account.
Updated Exit Date
The employer must update the date of exit on the EPFO portal. Without it, you cannot file for full settlement.
Linked Mobile Number
The registered mobile number should be linked to your Aadhaar for OTP verification.
Unemployment Duration
Ensure at least two months have passed since leaving your job, unless you have retired or migrated abroad.
PAN Requirement
PAN is needed to claim the final settlement; otherwise, higher TDS may apply.
Once these conditions are met, you can conveniently fill out the EPF Form 19 online (without involving your employer).
EPF Form 19: Meaning and Usage
- EPF Form 19 is a withdrawal form used by employees to claim the final settlement of their EPF account. It becomes applicable when an employee retires, resigns, or remains unemployed for a minimum of two months.
- The form allows one to withdraw their total EPF amount, including contributions and interest, and enables direct fund transfer to the employee’s bank account.
- This form is mainly used in the case of:
--- Final settlement after retirement at 55 years of age.
--- Voluntary or premature retirement due to health issues or disability.
--- Migration abroad for employment or permanent settlement.
--- Termination or resignation from service.
- Recent EPFO claim settlement changes and digital processes have made withdrawals faster and more transparent.
- Earlier, if you were submitting the withdrawal form manually, you required employer attestation. However, today, one can submit the EPF Form 19 online without employer attestation if their Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated and linked with their Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account.
Note that Form 19 is only applicable for the final settlement. If you want to make a partial withdrawal (as per your eligibility), you will need to fill out EPF Form 10C.
How to Fill EPF Form 19 for PF Full Withdrawal?
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) allows members to file EPF Form 19 online through its unified portal.
Step 1. Visit the EPF member portal at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface.
Step 2. Log in by entering your UAN, password, and captcha code.
Step 3. Click on ‘Online Services’, then ‘Claim (Form 31, 19, 10C & 10D)’ from the menu.
Step 4. On the next page, your personal information, including name, date of birth, and KYC details, will be displayed automatically. Ensure everything is correct.
Step 5. Verify your bank details. Enter the last four digits of your bank account number and click ‘Verify’ to confirm your account.
Step 6. Provide exit details, such as Date of Exit (DOE) from both EPF and EPS and select the reason for leaving service.
Step 7. Tick the ‘Undertaking Certificate’ and select ‘Only PF Withdrawal (Form 19)’ in the ‘I want to apply for’ drop-down menu.
Step 8. Input your address, tick on the disclaimer, and click on ‘Get Aadhaar OTP’.
Step 9. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number, confirm your details, and submit.
Step 10. Once submitted, a reference number will appear. You can use this number to track your claim status.
After successful verification of your EPF Form 19 application, your PF amount will be credited to your registered bank account.
If your employer has not updated your exit date, your claim may be delayed. In such cases, you can contact the HR department or use the EPFO grievance portal to raise a request.
Benefits of EPF Form 19
Filing EPF Form 19 offers several advantages for employees:
Ease of Access
The online process takes away the need for paperwork and employer attestation. This makes the whole procedure easier and faster.
Quick Claim Processing
Due to constant EPFO claim settlement changes, timelines have reduced significantly. Many claims are now processed within a few working days.
Transparency
The EPFO portal allows real-time tracking of claim status.
Financial Support
It provides liquidity during unemployment, retirement, or relocation.
Link with Pension Benefits
Along with Form 19, employees can use EPF Form 10C to claim premature withdrawal benefits under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).
You can also plan for future retirement using a pension plan offered by insurers or financial institutions. A pension calculator can help you estimate how much you will need after retirement by considering your monthly income on the basis of contributions and growth rate.
For instance, after final PF withdrawal using EPF Form 19, individuals can choose to reinvest the amount in a pension plan or annuity product to ensure financial stability in their golden years. Using a pension calculator, you can evaluate different options to align your savings with long-term retirement goals. Secure your future smartly by combining EPF benefits with a well-designed pension plan.