Understanding PF Pension Withdrawal and How to Claim It

PF Pension Withdrawal - How to Withdraw PF Amount Online

06^th Nov 2025...

Published By : Team 811

Key Takeaways for Pension Fund Withdrawal

The pension component in EPF is funded by 8.33% of the employer’s contribution under the Employees’ Pension Scheme.
Pension fund withdrawal is permitted through Form 10C when total service is between six months and ten years.
After ten years of service, the amount cannot be withdrawn and becomes eligible for a lifelong monthly pension via Form 10D.
The monthly pension starts at the age of 58 or earlier from 50 at a reduced rate.
Accurate KYC, PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details on the EPFO portal ensure smooth pension fund withdrawal and claim processing.
EPS service can be transferred through a Scheme Certificate when changing employment to retain pension benefits.
Evaluating short-term financial needs against long-term security is essential before opting for pension fund withdrawal.

Saving for the future is one of the most important habits in every salaried professional’s financial journey. The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) plays a central role in this process, helping employees build long-term savings through both employer and employee contributions. Alongside this, there is another component that often creates confusion which is Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). Many people discover this part of their EPF account only when they leave a job and start wondering how to withdraw the pension contribution. EPS offers post-retirement financial support through a modest pension. It’s a key retirement plan in India and can be complemented with options like FDs, mutual funds, and PPF for better security.

In this article, let’s simplify how the pension portion of your EPF works, who can withdraw it, and what steps are involved when you choose to do so.

How to Withdraw EPF Online on UAN Portal

The process to withdraw the pension component has become simple with online facilities through the UAN portal. Here’s how it works in a few easy steps:

Step 1: Visit the UAN Member Portal.
Step 2: Log in using your UAN and password. Enter the captcha and click Sign In.
Step 3: Go to the Manage tab → KYC to check if your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are verified.
Step 4: After your KYC is verified, open the Online Services tab and choose Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).
Step 5: A page will appear showing your member, KYC, and service details. Enter your bank account number and click Veri
Step 6: Select Yes to confirm the undertaking and continue.
Step 7: Click Proceed for Online Claim.
Step 8: Under I Want To Apply For, choose the type of claim—full EPF settlement, partial withdrawal (loan/advance), or pension withdrawal. Options you're not eligible for will not appear.
Step 9: Choose PF Advance (Form 31) to apply for a partial withdrawal. Enter the reason, required amount, and your address.
Step 10: Tick the certificate and submit the application. You may need to upload scanned documents depending on the purpose selected.

Understanding the Pension Component in EPF

Every month, a part of your employer’s contribution to EPF is set aside for your pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme. While the total EPF balance can usually be withdrawn after leaving employment, the pension part follows a different set of rules. Whether you can withdraw it or not depends on two main factors — your total years of service and your age at the time of exit.

There’s no fixed cap on how much you can withdraw. You can take out your EPF partially or fully once you meet the eligible conditions.

1. Complete withdrawal

EPF can be fully withdrawn only when a member retires or is unemployed. In case of unemployment, you can take out 75% of your PF balance right away and the remaining 25% after 12 months.

For pension withdrawals, the waiting period has now been increased to 36 months after becoming unemployed.

Condition	Limit for Withdrawal Amount
Unemployment	75% of the PF balance immediately after unemployment. Remaining 25% after 12 months of unemployment
Pension	36 months post-unemployment

Note: To withdraw the full PF balance, you must be unemployed for a minimum of two months. This is important for individuals who are simply moving between jobs, as they are not eligible to claim 100% of the amount during that transition period.

2. Partial withdrawal

Partial EPF withdrawals are permitted only for certain approved purposes, each with its own withdrawal limit. The specifics are outlined below.

Purpose of Withdrawal	Withdrawal limit	Minimum service required	Other conditions
Medical	6 months' basic wages and DA or, Employee share with interest, whichever is least	12 months	For your own or family’s treatment
Education	Up to 10 withdrawals	12 months	Costs incurred for a child’s post-matriculation education
Marriage	Up to 10 withdrawals	12 months	Marriage of self/son/daughter/brother/ sister
Land Purchase or Purchase/ construction of a new house or EMI Repayment	EPF members can withdraw up to 90% of their corpus lying in their EPF account.	12 months	The property being purchased should be owned by the member, the spouse, or jointly by both.
Home renovation	The limit is the lowest of: 12× wages with DA, your PF share with interest, or the cost.	12 months	The home being renovated must be registered in the member’s name, the spouse’s name, or jointly with the spouse. This benefit can be used twice, starting 10 years after the house is completed.
Before retirement	90% of the accumulated corpus with interest	After the member turns 54 and within one year of retirement or superannuation, whichever is later.	To cover their financial expenses
Special cases: 1. Closure of the establishment for over 15 days and employees are unemployed without compensation. 2. The employee has not received a salary for more than 2 months continuously	100% employee share with interest	12 months	The reason for not receiving compensation can be anything other than a strike

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About EPF

How to Withdraw your EPF without a UAN

If you do not have a UAN, you can still withdraw your EPF by filling out the PF withdrawal form and submitting it to your Regional Provident Fund Office. You can identify the correct office by checking the alphanumeric PF Account Number on your salary slip, which indicates the state and location.

In this process, you must follow the old withdrawal method. This requires getting your identity attested by a bank manager, magistrate, or gazetted officer before submitting the form.

Eligibility to Withdraw Pension Contribution in EPF

Before initiating a claim, it is essential to understand the basic eligibility criteria for pf pension withdrawal. You can withdraw your pension contribution if:

You have left your job and are not contributing to EPF or EPS at present.
Your total service under EPS is between six months and ten years.
Your KYC details, such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account, are verified on the EPFO portal.
You are submitting Form 10C to claim the withdrawal benefit.

Those who have completed ten years of service are not eligible for withdrawal but can claim a monthly pension through Form 10D. If you have completed less than six months of service, pension withdrawal is not permitted, though the EPF contribution can still be withdrawn as per standard rules.

EPF Withdrawal Taxability

EPF withdrawals are exempt from tax if the employee has contributed to the account for five continuous years. If the five-year contribution period is interrupted due to reasons such as resigning voluntarily or leaving a job without transferring the EPF balance to a new account, the withdrawn amount becomes taxable in that financial year.

TDS is applicable when EPF is withdrawn before completing five years of service and the withdrawal amount exceeds Rs. 50,000.

Documents and Small Checks that Help

To ensure a smooth claim experience, double-check that your details on the EPFO portal are complete and accurate. Keep the following ready before you file the claim:

Aadhar, PAN, and bank account linked with you UAN.
A scanned copy of your cancelled cheque or password with your name and IFSC visible.
Updated date of exit by your employer in the system.
Nomination details verified on the EPFO portal.

These small verifications can prevent delays and help your claim get processed easily.

How to Check PF Withdrawal Status

Once you submit your PF withdrawal request, you can track its progress by following these steps:

Step 1: Log in to the UAN portal using your UAN and password.

Step 2: Go to the Online Services tab and select Track Claim Status.

Step 3: Enter your reference number.

Step 4: Your claim status will appear on the screen.

Receiving Your Pension Amount Safely

Your pension withdrawal or monthly pension will always be credited to the bank account linked to your EPF. Choosing a reliable and secure digital savings account ensures you can track all such credits in one place. For instance, with Kotak 811, you can monitor salary deposits, pension credits, and other fund transfers easily through your mobile banking app, keeping your finances neatly organised.

Making the Right Financial Choice

The pension component of your EPF is your safety net for the future. Whether you decide to withdraw it or convert it into a monthly income, understanding the process helps you make the right financial move.

If you have served less than ten years, how to withdraw pension contribution is straightforward with Form 10C. If your service exceeds ten years, Form 10D ensures you receive regular pension benefits after retirement. Always keep your EPFO details updated and review your options carefully before submitting your claim.

Planning ahead and staying informed can make a meaningful difference to your post-retirement comfort. Taking a few minutes today to understand your EPF pension rules ensures your savings continue to work for you tomorrow.

FAQs

1. Can I claim my pension early?

Yes, you can claim your pension early after completing a minimum of 10 years of service, but only once you reach the age of 50. However, the monthly pension amount will be reduced compared to claiming it at 58 years.

2. Can I withdraw 100% pension?

You cannot withdraw 100% of your pension if you have completed 10 or more years of service, as it must be taken as a monthly pension. Full withdrawal is only allowed if your service is less than 10 years.

3. Can I close my pension and take the money out?

You can withdraw the pension amount (EPS balance) entirely if your total service is below 10 years by submitting Form 10C. Once you complete 10 years, the account cannot be closed, and you are eligible only for a monthly pension.

4. What's the best way to withdraw a pension?

The easiest and safest method is to apply online through the EPFO portal using your UAN, Aadhaar, and linked bank account. This ensures faster processing and direct credit of funds to your bank account.

5. What is the difference between PF withdrawal and pension withdrawal?

PF withdrawal refers to withdrawing the balance from your Provident Fund (EPF) account, which includes your and your employer’s contributions. Pension withdrawal deals only with the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) portion, which provides a monthly income after retirement.