Table of Contents
Introduction
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a crucial financial safety net for employees in India, ensuring long-term savings for retirement. When an employee leaves their job or retires, they need to withdraw their accumulated PF balance, which is facilitated through specific forms. Among these, PF Form 19 is the primary document used for final PF settlement. This article explains the purpose, eligibility, process, benefits, and limitations.
Understanding PF Form 19:
PF Form 19 is used by EPF members to withdraw their entire provident fund balance after retirement or resignation. The Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, mandates that both employers and employees contribute to the EPF account. When employment ends, Form 19 serves as the official request to settle the accumulated corpus.
- Employees who have resigned or retired.
- Individuals who have been unemployed for at least two months.
- Members who do not wish to withdraw their pension fund (for pension withdrawal, Form 10C is required).
How to Fill and Submit PF Form 19?
Online Process (Using UAN Portal)
- Log in to the EPFO Unified Portal with your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
- Navigate to ‘Online Services’ → ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)’.
- Verify your bank account details linked to your UAN.
- Select Provident Fund Form 19 for final settlement.
- Authenticate the request with an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Submit the claim. Once approved by the employer and EPFO, the amount will be credited to your bank account.
Offline Process
- Download Provident Fund Form 19 from the EPFO website or collect it from the nearest EPFO office.
- Fill in details like PF account number, bank details, employment tenure, and PAN.
- Attach a canceled cheque and Form 15G/15H (if applicable) for tax exemption.
- Submit the form to the concerned EPFO office.
Prerequisites and Benefits of Using PF Form 19
Prerequisites
- UAN activation on the EPFO member portal.
- Bank account and PAN linked to UAN.
- Mobile number registered with EPFO.
Prerequisites
- Fast and hassle-free online claim processing.
- No need for employer attestation if KYC details are updated.
- Funds are typically credited within 10–15 days after approval.
Limitations of PF Form 19
- Employer’s failure to update the exit date can cause delays in processing.
- PF withdrawal is taxable if claimed before 5 years of continuous service.
- The form does not cover pension withdrawals—for that, Form 10C must be submitted separately.
Conclusion
PF Form 19 is an essential document for EPF members seeking final withdrawal of their provident fund. By understanding its purpose, submission process, and eligibility criteria, employees can ensure a smooth claim process and timely access to their savings. Keeping KYC details updated and monitoring claim status through the EPFO portal can further streamline the withdrawal experience.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are of the author and do not reflect those of Dhanvantree. Mutual funds are subject to market risks, please read the scheme documents carefully before investing.