New EPFO Rule: Limit of auto claim settlements under this section doubled | Know how much a subscriber can withdraw

EPFO has enhanced the existing eligibility limit of auto claim settlements under Paragraph 68J (Image/reuters)

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has enhanced the existing eligibility limit of auto claim settlements under Paragraph 68J to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000 erlier, according to a circular issued on Tuesday.

EPFO’s Paragraph 68J allows subscribers to apply for an advance for own and dependents’ medical expenses. EPFO members are permitted to seek an advance for medical treatment under specific conditions.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the EPFO said that “the competent authority has approved the limit of auto claim settlements under para 68J from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 and the same has also been deployed in the application software on 10/April/2024. This is for information and further necessary action of all”.

“This facility being in the nature of Ease of Living is required to be suitably disseminated to all the stakeholders for their information,” it said.

Paragraph 68J and 68N of EPF scheme amendments in 2017

In April 2017, the EPFO amended Paragraph 68J allowing EPF members to submit a self-declaration for advance in case of illness. Differently abled members were also allowed advance on the basis of self-declaration. The amendment ensured that there would be no need to submit any medical certificate or any other certificate or document or proforma whatsoever to avail advances under paragraph 68-J or under paragraph 68-N of EPF Scheme 1952.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment amended Paragraph 68-J and Paragraph 68-N of Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, said a PIB release issued on April 28, 2017. According to it, a member would only be required to submit a self-declaration, which has already been included in the composite claim form, to avail advance under the EPF Scheme in case of illness of members/ dependent and also in case of differently abled members.

This was in continuation of initiatives taken by the EPFO as part of next phase of its e-governance reforms with a view to make the services of EPFO available to its stakeholder in an efficient and transparent manner.

An administrative order was issued on February 20, 2017 in the matter of ‘Introduction of Composite Claim Forms (Aadhar and Non-Aadhar)’ to replace existing Claim Forms No. 19, 10C & 31 and Forms No. 19 (UAN), 10C(UAN) & 31 (UAN).

EPFO has since implemented Universal Account Number (UAN) for its subscribers. It is now possible for subscribers, who have seeded their UAN with Aadhar Number and bank account details, to submit claim forms directly to EPFO without the attestation of employers.