Back in March 2020, the government had announced that a person can withdraw a certain amount from his Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) account if he is facing financial problems due to the coronavirus-related lockdown. Then in May 2021, the Ministry of Labor announced that EPF Members can get second non-refundable advance from their EPF accounts to meet financial emergencies related to Coronavirus. According to EPFO The website, “The facility to avail advance to fight the COVID-19 pandemic will be available till the pandemic persists.”

Here is a look at how an EPF member can withdraw from his EPF covid using government backed advances exultation Application. (This is as per the FAQs published on the EPFO ​​website)

How to submit a COVID claim using UMANG App?

Step 1: Open UMANG App.

Step 2: Select EPFO ​​from the menu.

Step 3: Select “Request for Advance (COVID-19)” from the options.

Step 4: To get the one-time password, enter your UAN and click on ‘Get OTP’. To log in to your account, use this OTP.

Step 5: Enter OTP and click on Login.

Step 6: After logging in, you need to enter the last four digits of your bank account and select a member ID from the drop-down option.

Step 7: Select “Proceed to claim”.

Step 8: Fill in your address information. ‘Click Next.

Step 9: Select Form 31 from the drop-down menu, fill in “Advance amount required” and upload the check image.

Check details like name, bank account number, IFSC code should be clearly visible.

Step 10: Check the declaration box and submit the OTP after receiving aadhaar OTP

Step 11: Click on submit button.

If your UAN is Aadhaar authenticated, your mobile number is linked with the UAN, and your bank account is key Compliance, you can file a claim for this advance online. You have to complete your KYC by submitting it through the member portal. Further, EPFO ​​has stated that no tax is levied on any EPF scheme advance. However, you can apply for PF Advance only after you have completed your KYC. If your KYC is not completed then you will be unable to get PF advance.

How much can you withdraw from your EPF for COVID?

You can get a non-refundable withdrawal of up to three months of basic pay and dearness allowance, or up to 75 per cent of the balance in your EPF account, whichever is lower. Employee’s share, employer’s contribution and interest are all included in the outstanding amount on EPF.

To avail the benefit, neither the individual nor his employer has to submit any certificate or document.

Who can take back?

If an employee, his/her parent, partner or child becomes ill as a result of COVID, the member has the ability to withdraw cash. There is no lock-in period or minimum service requirement in this type of EPF withdrawal.

COVID 19 Advance: How is it calculated?

According to the EPFO ​​notification, if the amount in a member’s EPF account today is Rs 50,000, and the monthly basic salary and dearness allowance is Rs 15,000, 75 per cent of the balance of Rs 50,000 is Rs 37,500, and the amount of three months is Rs. Salary is Rs 45,000.

As a result, the member is entitled to receive the lesser of the two payments of Rs 37,500.

I have left the service but have not yet availed the final PF withdrawal benefits. Can I still avail COVID advance?

Yes. Any PF subscriber can file COVID Advance. Since you have not withdrawn your PF fund, you are still a PF member.

Read also:
How to withdraw from EPF if you need money due to Coronavirus