The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a lifeline for salaried employees, offering them a financial cushion for their retirement years. However, EPF doesn’t just serve as a post-retirement savings account. In financial emergencies, it can come to your aid through EPF loans, also known as loans against EPF.
EPF loans provide a unique opportunity for EPF account holders to access their hard-earned savings, partially or entirely, to meet immediate financial requirements when life throws unexpected challenges their way. Whether it is a medical emergency, the need to pay for a child’s education, or a sudden financial requirement, EPF loans offer a flexible and reliable solution.
What are EPF loans?
EPF loans or loans on EPF accounts are a unique financial tool that can provide much-needed support in times of financial need. They allow individuals to access some of their accumulated EPF savings to meet their immediate financial requirements. These loans typically have lower interest rates, making them a cost-effective borrowing option.
One of the significant advantages of EPF loans is that they are purpose-specific. Borrowers can access their savings to meet specific financial requirements, such as medical emergencies, education costs, or home purchases. This can provide great flexibility to individuals who need access to funds quickly. EPF loans also allow borrowers to utilise their savings from their EPF account as a source of credit. This means that individuals do not have to rely on external sources of credit, which can be expensive and may have higher interest rates.
How to apply for EPF loans?
To apply for an EPF loan online, you can follow these steps:
1. Visit the official portal of EPFO: Begin by visiting the official website of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
2.Login using UAN and password: Login to your EPFO account using your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
3.Access’ Online Services’: Navigate to the website’s ‘Online Services’ section.
4.Select claim form: Choose the appropriate claim form from the ‘Online Services’ section. In most cases, you’ll select ‘Claim Form – 19, 31, and 10C’.
5.Enter personal details: Fill in the necessary personal details, such as your name, date of birth, mobile number, and PAN card number, as required in the form.
6.Verify bank details: Enter your bank account details for the funds to be credited. Carefully review and verify these details.
7.Specify reason for advance EPF claim: Choose the reason for your premature withdrawal and indicate the amount you wish to withdraw. Submit your request for processing.
8.Scrutiny and approval: EPFO officials will scrutinise your request, and once approved, the requested funds will be directly transferred to your registered bank account. The processing time typically takes 15-20 days from the request submission date.
It is important to note that your PAN and Aadhaar should be linked with your EPFO database to be eligible for the loan.
For those who prefer to apply for an EPF loan offline, here are the steps:
1. Download EPF loan form: Download the EPF loan form, usually Form-31, from the official EPFO portal.
2.Fill in details: Complete the form by providing all the necessary information, including the withdrawal amount, the reason for withdrawal, the number of years in service, and other required details.
3.Submit to your organisation: Submit the filled-out form to your organisation or company, following their specific submission procedures.
4.Forward to EPFO: Your organisation or company will forward the completed form to the EPFO for further processing.
5.Approval and crediting: After receiving approval from the EPFO, the loan amount will be credited directly to your bank account.
Whether you apply for an EPF loan online or offline, it is essential to ensure that all the details are accurate and that you follow the specific guidelines and procedures outlined by the EPFO and your employer.
Documents required for an EPF loan
To avail of an EPF loan, individuals are required to provide the following documents:
1. Form 10-C: This form is essential for pension withdrawal benefits.
2.Form 19: It is a mandatory document for the final settlement of the provident fund.
3.Form 31: For premature withdrawal from the EPF, Form 31 is the primary document needed.
EPF loan eligibility criteria
Below are the eligibility criteria for EPF loans:
Reason for withdrawal
Withdrawal limit
Minimum service years
Terms and conditions
Education
Up to 50% of an individual’s contribution
7 years
To cover educational expenses of the individual or their children after grade 10
Wedding
Up to 50% of an individual’s contribution
7 years
For an individual’s wedding or the wedding of a family member
Purchase of land or house
For house: Up to a maximum of 36 times of dearness allowance plus monthly salary. For land: Up to a maximum of 24 times of dearness allowance plus monthly salary.
5 years
The property must be in the name of the individual or their spouse or jointly owned by both
Medical
Six times of dearness allowance plus monthly wages
NA
For their medical expenses or those of their family members. The patient must be in the hospital for more than one month. In case of some severe illness, one can withdraw funds without hospitalisation
Home loan repayment
Up to 90% of employer and employee contributions
10 years
The balance in the provident fund account, including interest, must be at least INR 20,000
Natural calamity
Up to a maximum of 50% of the employee’s contribution
NA
Individuals must show a certificate of damage
Withdrawal before retirement
Up to 90% of the accumulated corpus, including the principal amount and accrued interest
57 years
Self-use only
Parting words
EPF loans can provide salaried employees with the necessary financial assistance in times of need. They are cost-effective and purpose-specific and give flexibility to borrowers. However, it is crucial to understand the specific rules and regulations regarding EPF loans to make an informed decision.
While availing of a loan, contacting a trusted source like Tata Capital is crucial. Tata Capital provides financial aid at competitive interest rates and offers a 100% online application process.
07 February 2024
5 mins read
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