EPF Loan – How to Apply, Benefits, Eligibility, etc.

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme is a social security scheme that provides retirement benefits to salaried individuals in India.

In this fund, the employee as well as the employer contribute a certain percentage of salary towards the EPF Account and after the retirement of the individual, the account gets mature and he/she can enjoy the funds as a pension.

One of the key benefits of an EPF Account is the ability to get a loan against the account. EPF members can avail of loans against their EPF balance to meet various financial requirements.

Whether you need funds for a medical emergency or to finance your child’s education, an EPF loan can be a useful financial tool.

In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, benefits, and the step-by-step process of applying for an EPF loan.

But first, let’s find out what is EPF Loan.

EPF Loan

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a social security scheme that aims to provide retirement benefits to salaried individuals in India.

The scheme is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), a statutory body established by the Government of India.

For the contribution towards the EPF Account, the EPFO allows the account holder to apply for a loan against the balance of the EPF Account.

It is a cost-effective option compared to other types of loans as it charges a lower interest rate. You can get the loan for various reasons such as medical emergencies, higher education, wedding expenses, etc.

Conditions for Applying for EPF Loan

The following are the conditions that you must meet to apply for the EPF Loan-

• You can avail of a loan for the purchase or construction of your house or flat
• If you want to repair or renovate your existing home then you can do that by applying for the EPF Loan
• You can also apply for a loan for the marriage of you or your family member like children, siblings, etc
• In case of education of your child, dependant or self, EPF Loan can be availed
• EPF members can avail of a loan for medical treatment of themselves, their spouse, children, or dependent parents

Eligibility for EPF Loan

The following are the eligibility for EPF Loan-

• You can only avail loan against EPF Account if your account has completed at least 5 years
• EPF account must have a sufficient balance to cover the loan amount
• A valid UAN (Universal Account Number) that is activated and linked with the Aadhaar card, PAN card, and bank account
• No pending EPF Loan should be there at the time of applying for the loan
• The purpose of the loan should be as per the guidelines issued by the EPFO, such as for medical treatment, education, marriage, or purchase of a house or land
• The loan amount should not exceed 50% of the member’s EPF balance
• The loan application must be submitted through the member’s employer and should be approved by the employer.

Benefits of EPF Loans

The following are the benefits of EPF Loans you’ll get-

• The interest rate charged on EPF Loan is usually lower than that of personal loans which makes it a cost-effective option
• There are no collaterals or even guarantors required for getting the EPF Loan
• The repayment period for the EPF Loan can be up to 36 months and allows a comfortable installment to be charged
• The application process is simple and the documentation required is also low
• There is no penalty for foreclosure of the loan amount

How to Apply for EPF Loan?

The following are the steps that you’ll have to follow to apply for EPF Loan-

• First, you’ll have to check whether you are eligible for the loan or not and also check whether you have sufficient balance in your account to cover your expense
• Now, apply for the loan from the EPFO website or you can visit the EPFO office and fill out the form
• Now, submit the application form online or physically along with the below-mentioned documents
• After that, your loan request will reach the employer and he/she will have to verify and approve the loan application
• After the verification is done, your loan application will be processed and you’ll receive the loan amount in your bank account

Documents Required for EPF Loan Application

The following are the documents required for EPF Loan Application-

• Form 19 – For the final settlement
• Form 10C – For pension withdrawal benefit
• Form 31 – For partial withdrawal in case of emergency
• Copy of your EPF statement
• Copy of your latest salary slip
• KYC documents like Aadhaar Cards, PAN cards, etc.
• Blank cheque from your salary account

FAQ