People often resort to spending their hard-earned savings in case of health emergencies. However, those who don't have any such policies can take the support of their Provident Fund. The social security investment options provided by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the Employees' Provident Fund is a contribution-based savings scheme where both the employee and the employer make equal contributions to create a corpus fund to cater to the worker’s post-retirement needs.

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The accumulated fund is generally used by the employee upon retirement in line with certain Provident Fund withdrawal rules. While the EPF deposits are meant to be withdrawn after retirement, employees can also make applications for advance withdrawals, mainly in case of health emergencies.

Advance EPF withdrawal

In accordance with the EPFO's 'Illness Advance' plan, members can withdraw a part of their provident fund in case of a medical emergency. They can make a withdrawal of up to Rs 1 lakh without the need for an estimate from the hospital or documentation. The money can be withdrawn without any background check if the patient has been admitted to a Public Sector Unit (PSU), government or Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) empaneled hospital for treatment. If the patient is in a private hospital, a background check will be conducted by EPFO before the money is disbursed.

EPF members can withdraw an advance amount up to six months of their basic salary (including dearness allowance) or the total employee share including interest, whichever is less. They do not need to repay the advance withdrawn from EPF.

Advance EPF withdrawal for medical reasons: Eligibility

Certain conditions have to be fulfilled for advance withdrawal of Employees' Provident Fund:

1. The expense should be for the medical treatment of the employee, spouse, children and parents.

2. Form 31 has to be submitted for illness advance. No other certificates are required.

How to apply for an EPF advance?

Step 1: Visit the official website of the EPFO at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/

Step 2: Login with your Universal Account Number (UAN), password, and captcha code.

Step 3: Click on the 'Online Services' link to choose Claim Form-31 for illness.

Step 4: In the claim form, choose your requirement and also provide the purpose of your application, the amount required and the employee's address.

Step 5: Submit your application.

After your employer approves the request, you can expect to receive the advance PF amount in your bank account within 15-20 days.