PF Form 19: Purpose, Eligibility, and Usage

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a popular long-term retirement savings scheme in India. Both the employee and employer contribute to the fund, which grows over time through annual interest earnings. The accumulated amount can be withdrawn either partially or fully using certain specific forms, and PF Form 19 is one such form. This article explains the meaning, purpose, eligibility, and other key details of Form 19. 

What is Form 19 in EPF? 

Form 19 is used by employees to claim the final settlement of their EPF account. It allows eligible employees to withdraw their accumulated EPF balance, which includes both the employee’s and employer’s contributions, along with applicable interest. Form 19 is used strictly for PF withdrawal. The pension (EPS) benefits are claimed separately through Form 10C or Form 10D, as applicable, which are often submitted along with Form 19 after exiting employment.

Purpose of PF Form 19

Form 19 enables employees to withdraw their EPF account balance in a structured and official manner. It is used to claim the EPF amount once they are no longer in active employment due to retirement, resignation, or other qualifying circumstances. 

Also Read: EPF vs PPF: Which One is Better for Your Savings? | m.Stock

Eligibility criteria for using Form 19

An employee can submit Form 19 under the following conditions: 

1. Retirement after reaching the prescribed retirement age
2. Voluntary retirement 
3. Permanent and total disability 
4. Migration abroad for employment or permanent settlement 
5. Termination of employment 
6. Resignation followed by unemployment for a continuous period of at least two months 

(Note: The waiting period is waived for female members resigning for marriage or members migrating abroad.)

Before filling out and submitting Form 19, you must check your eligibility. The form will not be displayed in the 'Online Services' menu if you are not eligible. Additionally, you must be mindful of the following things: 

1. Ensure you have an activated Universal Account Number (UAN) on the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) portal. 
2. Make sure your bank account and Permanent Account Number (PAN) are linked to your UAN.  
3. Ensure your mobile number is linked to your UAN for OTP-based verification. 

EPF Form 19 download and submission

You can submit Form 19 online or offline as per your convenience. 

Online method

Step 1: Visit the official EPFO Member portal. 

Step 2: Sign in with your UAN and password. 

Step 3: Go to ‘Online Services’ and select ‘Claim Form – 31, 19, 10C & 10D’. 

Step 4: Verify your bank details displayed on the screen.  

Step 4: Enter the date of leaving employment and the reason for exit. Next, sign the certificate of undertaking. 

Step 5: Choose the ‘Only PF Withdrawal (Form 19)’ from the drop-down menu.

Step 6: Enter your postal address and click on ‘Get Aadhaar OTP’. 

Step 7: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and submit the application. 

A reference number will be generated upon successful submission. 

Offline method 

Step 1: Download Form 19 from the EPFO website. 

Step 2: Fill in the required details such as PF number, bank account details, PAN, and address.

Step 3: Attach a copy of your PAN and a cancelled cheque.

Step 4: Obtain your employer’s signature and official seal.

Step 5: Submit the form to your nearest EPFO office. 

Post verification, your EPF account balance will be credited to the bank account linked with your UAN.

Documents required

Form 19 is a two-page form that requires you to fill in personal, employment, and bank details. To ensure smooth processing, keep the following documents ready:  

1. PAN card
2. Cancelled cheque or bank passbook copy showing your name, account number, and IFSC code. The digital copy must be in JPG/PDF format (between 100KB and 500KB) for online uploads.
3. Submit Form 15G/15H if your total service is less than five years and your withdrawal amount exceeds ₹50,000, to avoid TDS.
4. Address proof
5. Employment proof showing the start and end dates of service 
6. EPF account details  

Also Read: EPF Withdrawal Online: How to Apply and Track EPF Withdrawal | m.Stock

Processing time and settlement

Once you submit your claim either offline or online, the settlement is typically completed within 20 days. However, the processing time may vary due to several factors, such as verification issues or document discrepancies. 

If you do not receive the amount within the expected timeframe, you can raise a complaint through the EPFiGMS (EPF Integrated Grievance Management System) portal. You can also report the matter to the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner. 

Also Read: EPF Advance Withdrawal: Rules, Limits & Form 31 Explained | m.Stock 

Conclusion 

Form 19 provides a structured way to withdraw your EPF balance after you exit employment. To ensure a seamless withdrawal process and avoid unnecessary delays, you must check your eligibility beforehand, ensure your Date of Exit is updated, complete all the prerequisite requirements, and keep the necessary documents handy.