The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has increased the withdrawal limit for EPF members to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000 for health emergencies. “The competent authority has approved the limit of auto claim settlements under para 68J from Rs 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000,” its April 16, 2024, circular reads.

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What Is Para 68J?

Para 68J of the EPF scheme provides withdrawal rules through Form 31 for medical treatment of the EPF member “under 68J (1)” or family members “under 68J (3)”. An EPF member can partially withdraw funds from the EPF account for medical treatment, including hospitalisation for critical surgeries like cancer and heart conditions.

Note that before amendments to para 68J in 2017, an EPF member was required to provide a medical certificate signed by an employer or a doctor to claim the fund. However, post-amendment in the rules, only a self-declaration is required for partial withdrawals.

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How Much Can One Withdraw?

Under the rules of para 68J, a member can withdraw the lowest of the following: Six months of basic wages and dearness allowance or the employee’s contribution with interest.

Of these two withdrawal framework, whichever is lower is allowed for withdrawal.

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How To Make Partial Withdrawals From EPF?

• First, visit the EPFO member portal website and log in with your UAN and password.
• Fill out all the personal details, and select ‘claim’ in the online service option.
• Next, check your bank details and verify. You will be asked to upload a copy of the bank passbook or cheque. Scan and upload it on the portal.
• Select the medical ground for the withdrawal. EPFO also allows partial withdrawal for marriage, children’s education, house purchase and construction, etc.
• Once the reason for withdrawal is selected, click generate OTP on the UIDAI-registered mobile number. Fill in the OTP in the box to complete the withdrawal request submission.