The Employees’ Provident Funds Organisation (EPFO) has announced an update regarding auto withdrawal claims under Paragraph 68J. As per a circular issued on April 16, the qualifying limit for Paragraph 68J claims has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, which means that it has been doubled. This change was made effective on April 10, 2024.
What is Paragraph 68J claims?
EPF members can request an advance for their own or their dependents’ medical expenses under Paragraph 68-J of the EPF Scheme. Paragraph 68-J allows members to seek funds for medical treatment in certain situations, like extended hospital stays, major surgeries, or specific health conditions such as TB, leprosy, paralysis, cancer, mental illness, or heart conditions.
It’s important to note that members no longer need to submit any forms, medical certificates, or other documents to qualify for an advance under Paragraph 68-J. Physically impaired members can request advance payment to purchase equipment under Paragraph 68-N to alleviate the challenges of their impairment. However, withdrawals under this section require the submission of a medical certificate from a licensed physician or an EPFO-designated official.
The maximum amount advanced under Paragraphs 68-J and 68-N will be determined by the member’s basic pay and dearness allowance for six months, their personal contribution share plus interest, or the cost of the equipment, whichever is lower.
The EPFO circular dated April 16, 2024, states that the Competent Authority has sanctioned an increase in the limit for auto claim settlements under Paragraph 68J from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000. This adjustment was also incorporated into the application software on April 10, 2024. The circular serves as a notification for all concerned parties to take appropriate action as needed.
Online claim submission process
EPF subscribers can make partial withdrawals for several reasons, including personal or child marriage, medical emergencies, buying a house, repaying a home loan, or house renovations. However, in most cases, subscribers need to have contributed to the EPF for at least five to seven years, depending on the specific reason for withdrawal.
The process for online claim submission involves the following steps:
1. Login: Access the member interface using UAN credentials.
2. Verify KYC and Service Eligibility: Ensure that KYC details and service eligibility against the UAN are accurate and complete.
3. Select Claim: Choose the relevant claim type.
4. Authentication: Authenticate the submission using the OTP received on the registered mobile number linked with UIDAI.
