EPFO Increases Cash Withdrawal Limit for Medical Expenses and New EPFO Cash withdrawal limit Benefit for Employees and Pensioners: A Comprehensive Guide to Form 68J to apply online.
Introduction
In a significant move, the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has announced an increase in the cash withdrawal limit for medical expenses under Rule 68J. The new limit of Rs.1,00,000 is double the previous limit of Rs.50,000, offering a more substantial financial cushion to EPFO account holders during challenging times. This article will provide a detailed overview of the new rules and the process of partial withdrawal under Form 68J.
Understanding Form 68J: A Key Provision for EPFO Subscribers
Form 68J is a provision under Section 68J, allowing EPFO subscribers to withdraw up to Rs.1,00,000 from their PF account for personal and family medical expenses. This includes treatment for tuberculosis, paralysis, cancer, and heart diseases. The employee can withdraw six months' basic salary plus DA or the employee's share in EPF plus interest, whichever is less.
This provision offers flexibility, as the employee can apply with a self-declaration without submitting medical certificates.
Eligibility Criteria for Form 68J: Who Can Apply for Medical Expense Withdrawal?
To be eligible for partial withdrawal under Form 68J, the employee must be undergoing treatment in a hospital for at least a month or have undergone surgery. The employee should have more than Rs.1,00,000 in their account to avail of this facility. It's important to note that the employee needs to attach various certificates and details of the cost of treatment for the claim.
The employee can withdraw six months' basic salary plus DA or the employee's share in EPF plus interest, whichever is less. But, this provision offers flexibility, as the Employee can Apply with a self-declaration without submitting medical certificates.
EPFO's New Rules for Medical Expenses: An Overview
EPFO has introduced new rules for medical expenses under Form 31 and Form 68J. Under Form 31, partial withdrawal from PF is already allowed for marriages, loan installment payments, house construction, and other reasons. In the case of medical expenses, an attestation certificate from the concerned doctor has to be submitted. Sections 68H, 68K, 68N, and 68NN also allow partial withdrawal of PF funds for various reasons.
Other Sections Allowing Partial Withdrawal of PF Funds: A Comprehensive Guide
Apart from Form 68J, there are other sections under which EPFO subscribers can withdraw their PF funds partially. These include:
- Section 68H: Allows partial withdrawal for the purchase of a dwelling house or a plot of land, or for the construction of a dwelling house.
- Section 68K: Allows partial withdrawal for the repayment of loans taken for the purchase or construction of a dwelling house.
- Section 68N: Allows partial withdrawal for the purchase of equipment by disabled persons.
- Section 68NN: Allows partial withdrawal for the Skill development of the employee.
Automatic Claim under Form 68J: Simplifying the Claim Process for Critical Medical Conditions
EPFO has introduced an automatic claim process under Form 68J for those suffering from tuberculosis, paralysis, cancer, and heart diseases. This initiative aims to simplify the claim process and provide quicker access to funds during critical times.
Conclusion
The EPFO's decision to increase the cash withdrawal limit for medical expenses under Rule 68J is a welcome move for account holders. The higher limit provides a more substantial financial cushion during challenging times. The automatic claim process under Form 68J and the flexibility offered by other sections for partial withdrawal of PF funds make the EPFO scheme more user-friendly and responsive to the needs of its subscribers.
EPFO Increases Cash Withdrawal Limit for Medical Expenses: FAQs on Form 68J
1. What is Form 68J in EPFO?
- Form 68J is a provision under Section 68J of the EPFO scheme that allows subscribers to withdraw up to Rs.1,00,000 from their PF account for personal and family medical expenses, including treatment for tuberculosis, paralysis, cancer, and heart diseases.
2. What is the new cash withdrawal limit for medical expenses under Form 68J?
- The cash withdrawal limit for medical expenses under Form 68J has been revised. Previously set at Rs.50,000, the new limit has now been doubled to Rs.1,00,000. This means that individuals can now withdraw up to Rs.1,00,000 in cash for medical expenses, providing them with more flexibility and ease in managing their healthcare-related financial transactions.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for partial withdrawal under Form 68J?
- To be eligible for partial withdrawal under Form 68J, the employee must be undergoing treatment in a hospital for at least a month or have undergone surgery. The employee should have more than Rs.1,00,000 in their account to avail of this facility.
4. What documents are required for partial withdrawal under Form 68J?
- The employee needs to attach various certificates and details of the cost of treatment for the claim.
5. How can an employee apply for partial withdrawal under Form 68J?
- The employee can apply with a self-declaration without submitting medical certificates.
6. What are the new rules for medical expenses under EPFO?
- EPFO has introduced new rules for medical expenses under Form 31 and Form 68J. Under Form 31, partial withdrawal from PF is already allowed for marriages, loan installment payments, house construction, and other reasons. In the case of medical expenses, an attestation certificate from the concerned doctor has to be submitted.
7. Are there other sections under which EPFO subscribers can withdraw their PF funds partially?
- Yes, there are other sections under which EPFO subscribers can withdraw their PF funds partially, including Section 68H for the purchase of a dwelling house or a plot of land, Section 68K for the repayment of loans taken for the purchase or construction of a dwelling house, Section 68N for the purchase of equipment by disabled persons, and Section 68NN for the skill development of the employee.
8. What is the automatic claim process under Form 68J?
- EPFO has introduced an automatic claim process under Form 68J for those suffering from tuberculosis, paralysis, cancer, and heart diseases. This initiative aims to simplify the claim process and provide quicker access to funds during critical times.
9. Is the automatic claim process under Form 68J available for other medical conditions?
- No, the automatic claim process under Form 68J is currently available only for those suffering from tuberculosis, paralysis, cancer, and heart diseases.
10. What is the process for online claim submission for EPF withdrawal?
- The process for online claim submission for EPF withdrawal involves logging in to the member interface using UAN credentials, satisfying oneself that KYC and service eligibility conditions are correct and complete, selecting the relevant claim, and authenticating using OTP received against the mobile registered with UIDAI to complete the online claim submission.
