In a significant move aimed at providing greater financial support during medical emergencies, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced an increase in the withdrawal limit from Provident Fund (PF) accounts. Starting from the new financial year, account holders can now withdraw up to INR 1 lakh for medical treatments, a substantial increase from the previous limit of INR 50,000.
Overview of the New EPFO Rule
Effective April 16, following approval from the Central Provident Fund Commissioner, the new rule allows PF account holders to access funds for the medical treatment of themselves or their dependents. This change was implemented after modifications were made to the application software on April 10, facilitating a smoother claim process.
Claiming Process Explained
PF account holders can file their claims online through the official EPFO website (www.epfindia.gov.in). The process involves:
- Logging into the portal.
- Navigating to ‘Online Services’ and selecting the relevant claim forms (Form 31, 19, 10C, and 10D).
- Verifying account details by entering the last four digits of the PF account number.
- Completing the online claim by clicking ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ and filling out Form 31 for an advance.
- Uploading a copy of a check or bank passbook and entering the address details.
- Submitting the claim after receiving and entering an Aadhaar OTP.
Medical Emergencies and Hospitalization
Withdrawals under Provision 68 JK are specifically for medical emergencies, where the patient must be admitted to a government hospital or one affiliated with the government.
In cases where a patient is admitted to a private hospital, the claim will be processed only after an investigation.
Additionally, funds can be directly transferred to the hospital’s account, and the treatment receipt must be submitted within 45 days of discharge for final settlement.
Additional Provisions
Beyond medical emergencies, Form 31 also allows for partial withdrawals under various circumstances such as marriage, loan repayments, and construction or purchase of a property. However, subscribers cannot claim more than six months of basic wages and dearness allowance (or with interest) under these provisions.
Key Takeaways
- Increased Withdrawal Limit: The increase to INR 1 lakh provides substantial financial relief to EPFO subscribers during medical emergencies.
- Streamlined Online Claims: The updated online system simplifies the application process, making it more user-friendly for subscribers.
- Restrictions on Use: Withdrawals are strictly for serious health conditions and require hospitalization in specific types of hospitals to qualify for a claim.
- Direct Payment to Hospitals: For added convenience, payments can be directly made to hospital accounts, ensuring swift financial handling during emergencies.