PF withdrawal after resignation: When and how you can apply

For salaried employees in India, the Provident Fund (PF) is a vital financial safety net. Managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), PF accumulates monthly contributions from both employee and employer. These contributions grow over time, thanks to compounding interest, and can be accessed during retirement or in specific situations like job resignation.

If you've recently resigned, it's important to understand when and how to initiate your PF withdrawal. This guide explains eligibility, timelines, documentation, and the process—ensuring a smooth transition.

Tip: If you're planning to use only part of your PF savings, consider investing the remainder into a secure, interest-earning option like a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit. It offers higher returns of up to 7.30% p.a.

When can you withdraw PF after resignation?
The EPFO allows PF withdrawals under the following circumstances:
1. Unemployed for more than one month: You can withdraw up to 75% of your PF balance after completing one full month of unemployment.
2. Unemployed for over two months: You are eligible for a full (100%) withdrawal of your PF balance after two continuous months without employment.
3. Re-employed shortly after resignation: If you join a new job within two months, you are expected to transfer your PF balance to the new employer's account rather than withdrawing it.
4. Partial withdrawal during employment: Under specific conditions such as medical treatment, education, marriage, or home renovation, you can withdraw a portion of your PF while still employed or shortly after resignation.

How much can you withdraw from your PF account?
Depending on your employment status and duration, here's what you can withdraw:
1. After 1 month of unemployment: Up to 75% of your PF balance
2. After 2 months of unemployment: Full 100% withdrawal allowed
3. While employed or recently resigned: Partial withdrawals are allowed for specific purposes, based on EPFO limits and tenure served

Why choose Bajaj finance FD?
1. Better returns than most traditional bank FDs
2. Ideal for retirees, those taking career breaks, or anyone looking to generate stable income from their PF corpus
3. Simple online investment process with minimum deposit of Rs. 15,000
4. Up to 7.30% p.a. interest offered.

By reinvesting your PF settlement into a Bajaj Finance FD, you can build a low-risk, stable income stream while maintaining financial discipline.

Documents required for PF withdrawal
To apply for PF withdrawal after resignation, keep the following documents ready:
1. Universal Account Number (UAN)
2. Aadhaar, linked and verified under UAN
3. PAN card
4. Bank account details (linked to UAN) and cancelled cheque or passbook copy
5. Employer-updated date of exit in EPFO records
Make sure your KYC is digitally approved by your employer before submitting your withdrawal claim.

Step-by-step guide to withdraw PF online
Step 1: Activate and log in to the EPFO portal
1. Visit the EPFO Unified Portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in
2. Log in using your UAN and password
3. Ensure that Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are verified

Step 2: Submit the PF Withdrawal claim
1. Go to ‘Online Services’ > ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)’
2. Verify bank account details and proceed
3. Select the correct form based on your need:
4. Form 19 – Final PF withdrawal
5. Form 10C – Pension withdrawal (if under 10 years of EPS)
6. Form 31 – Partial withdrawal
7. Enter the reason for withdrawal and submit with Aadhaar OTP

Step 3: Track your claim status
1. Under ‘Online Services’, go to Track Claim Status
2. Log in with your UAN and view claim updates
Smart next step: Invest your PF in Bajaj finance fixed deposits
Once you receive your PF amount, don’t leave it idle in a savings account. Instead, consider Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits (FDs) for secure, high-yield investments:
Higher interest rates – up to 8.85% p.a. for senior citizens and 8.60% p.a. for regular investors
Flexible tenures ranging from 12 to 60 months, with monthly, quarterly, or cumulative payout options
High safety ratings from CRISIL (AAA/Stable) and ICRA (AAA)

How long will it take to receive your PF amount?
Generally, it takes 7 to 15 working days after claim submission to receive your PF payout. Delays may occur due to:
1. Incomplete KYC verification
2. Bank account not properly linked to UAN
3. Exit date not updated by the employer
4. Incorrect or mismatched documentation

Offline method to withdraw PF
If online filing is not possible, use the composite withdrawal form:
1. Download the Aadhaar or Non-Aadhaar version from the EPFO website
2. Fill in all details accurately
3. Submit at the nearest EPFO office with required documents
4. For Non-Aadhaar form, employer attestation is mandatory

Tax implications on PF withdrawal
PF withdrawals are tax-exempt if:
1. You have completed 5 continuous years of service, or
2. The amount withdrawn is below ₹50,000 for short service duration

If withdrawn before 5 years:
1. TDS at 10% is applicable (if PAN is provided)
2. TDS at 20–30% applies (if PAN is not provided)
Exceptions apply for withdrawals due to medical emergencies, disability, or employer shutdown.

Tips for smooth PF withdrawal
1. Keep your UAN active and updated
2. Verify Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details
3. Ensure date of exit is recorded by your employer
4. Save the claim reference number
5. Avoid submitting multiple claims simultaneously

Conclusion
Withdrawing your PF after resignation is straightforward if you understand the timelines, documents, and process. To maximise your financial outcome, take the next logical step and invest your funds in trusted instruments like Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits. It’s a practical way to put your savings to work while preserving security and earning attractive returns.

Ean inflation beating returns of up to 7.30% p.a. with Bajaj Finance FDs, Invest now!