The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory body created by the Indian government to regulate and administer the provident fund and pension schemes for employees in India. The EPFO is responsible for implementing the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1952, which mandates the creation of a provident fund account for all eligible employees.
Form 19 is a critical document in the EPFO scheme, enabling employees to withdraw their accumulated provident fund balance. This form is essential for employees who are retiring, resigning, or, in the case of the employee’s death, for their nominees to claim the benefits of the provident fund. This article will discuss the purpose, eligibility criteria, and the procedure for filling out form 19 in EPFO.
See also: How to view and download EPF passbook?
Form 19 in EPFO: What is it?
EPFO form 19 is a document used to claim an employee’s final settlement of a Provident Fund (PF). The Provident Fund is a savings scheme for employees that is mandatory for most organisations in India. The procedure is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
When an employee leaves a company, they can withdraw the accumulated PF balance by submitting EPF Form 19 to the EPFO. This form requires information such as the employee’s name, PF account number, the reason for leaving the company, and bank account details for transferring the PF balance.
After submitting the form, the EPFO will verify the information and process the PF withdrawal request. The EPFO form 19 is essential for employees to claim their PF balance and maximise the savings scheme.
All about: form 10 ie
Form 19 in EPFO: Eligibility
Employees who contributed to the EPF scheme can fill out Form 19 to withdraw their funds under certain circumstances.
Here are the eligibility criteria for filling out Form 19:
- Employees who have left their job after completing 55 years or above can file form 19.
- Employees who have left their job and remain unemployed for two months or more can also complete Form 19.
- Employees who are retiring from their job are eligible to fill out Form 19.
- Employees who have left their job due to permanent and total incapacity can fill out Form 19.
- In case of the employee’s demise, the employee’s nominee or legal heir can fill out Form 19 to withdraw funds from the EPF account.
It is important to note that currently, employed employees cannot fill out Form 19 to withdraw funds from their EPF account.
Form 19 in EPFO: How to file it for EPF withdrawal?
To file EPFO form 19 for EPF withdrawal, follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Obtain the form
EPFO form 19 can be downloaded from the official website of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). You can also get it from your employer or the nearest EPF office.
Step 2: Fill in your person information
In the first section of the form, you need to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, mobile number, date of birth, and EPF account number.
Step 3: Fill in your employment details
In the next section of the form, you need to provide details about your employment, such as the name and address of your employer, the date of joining and leaving the company, and the reason for leaving.
Step 4: Fill in your bank details
In the next section of the form, you must provide your bank account details, such as the bank’s name, branch, and account number.
Step 5: Fill in the details of the withdrawal amount
In the next section of the form, you must fill in the amount you wish to withdraw from your EPF account. You can withdraw your entire balance or a partial amount.
Step 6: Sign the form
After filling in all the details, you must sign the form in the designated space.
Step 7: Submit the form
Submit the filled-in form with the required documents, such as a cancelled cheque, a copy of your Aadhaar card, and a copy of your PAN card, to your employer or the nearest EPF office.
Please note that the EPF Form 19 can be used for final settlement, partial withdrawal, or pension withdrawal of your EPF account. The process for each type of withdrawal may vary slightly.
Form 19 in EPFO: Things To Remember
Form 19 is an employee’s application form to withdraw their accumulated provident fund (PF) balance.
Here are some things to remember while filing EPF Form 19:
- Check eligibility: Only those employees who have left their job and are not employed for two months or more can apply for PF withdrawal. If you are still employed, you cannot apply for PF withdrawal.
- Verify details: Ensure that all your details, like name, PF account number, and date of joining and leaving the company, are correctly filled in the form. Any errors or discrepancies can result in the rejection of your application.
- Complete bank details: Provide complete and accurate bank account details such as account number, IFSC code, and bank name where you want the PF amount to be credited.
- Attach required documents: Attach a cancelled cheque from the bank account mentioned in the form and a copy of your PAN card. Additionally, if you have yet to complete five years of continuous service, you may need to provide Form 15G/15H to avoid a TDS deduction.
- Submit form: Submit the form to the HR department of your previous employer or the nearest EPFO office. You can also submit the form online through the EPFO member portal.
- Track status: Keep track of your PF withdrawal application status through the EPFO website or by calling the EPFO helpline.
- Timely submission: Ensure that you submit the form within the prescribed time limit of three months from leaving the job. Delayed submission can lead to delays in processing your application.
Remember to keep a copy of the form and all the supporting documents for your records. By following these steps, you can ensure a hassle-free PF withdrawal process.
FAQs
What is Form 19 in EPFO?
Form 19 is a withdrawal form issued by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for individuals who wish to withdraw their accumulated provident fund balance.
Who can use Form 19?
Any member of the EPFO who has contributed to the EPF scheme and has an account in the EPFO can use Form 19 to withdraw their accumulated provident fund balance.
What documents are required to be submitted along with Form 19?
The following documents are required to be submitted along with Form 19: A cancelled cheque or a bank passbook copy A copy of the employee's PAN card A copy of the employee's Aadhaar card Form 15G/15H (if applicable) A copy of the employee's EPF account passbook A copy of the employee's ID proof (if required)
How can I submit Form 19?
Form 19 can be submitted online through the EPFO member portal or offline by submitting a physical copy to the nearest EPFO office.
What is the time limit to submit Form 19?
There is no time limit to submit Form 19, but it is recommended to submit the form as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing the withdrawal request.
How long does it take for EPFO to process the withdrawal request?
EPFO usually takes 10-15 days to process the withdrawal request after receiving the form and necessary documents. However, the processing time may vary depending on the number of pending requests and other factors.
Can I track the status of my Form 19 withdrawal request?
Yes, EPFO provides an online facility to track the status of Form 19 withdrawal requests. You can check the status of your request by logging into the EPFO member portal.
