68-J and 68-N

Now, the subscribers can seek fund withdrawal from their EPF account on various grounds by using a composite form along with a self-declaration.

"The Labour Ministry has amended the clause 68-J and 68-N of the Employees Provident Fund Scheme 1952 for enabling members to take non-refundable advances from their account for the treatment of illness and buying equipment to minimize the hardship on account of handicap," a senior official said on Thursday. What Is EPF App? How To Use M-epf to view EPF Balance?

Advance for Medical Treatment

At present, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers can seek advance under Para 68-J of the EPF Scheme for their and their dependents' treatment for illness. Besides, the physically challenged member can seek advance for purchasing equipment to deal with the handicap under Para 68-N.

Notification

The official further said the Labour Ministry issued a notification with regard to the amendment on April 25, 2017. Under the Paragraph 68-J, the members can seek an advance from the Fund for the treatment of illness in certain cases including hospitalization lasting for one month or more, or major surgical operation in a hospital, or in case they are suffering from TB, leprosy, paralysis, cancer, mental derangement or heart ailment.

The advance under this Para 68-J was granted on only after receipt of the certificate from employers or employees that the member or his dependent is not covered under the Employees' State Insurance Scheme facility and benefits. How To Check EPF Balance Through Mobile SMS?

Medical certificate not needed

Besides, the members were required to submit a certificate from a doctor of the hospital that the member or his dependent has been hospitalized or requires hospitalization for one month or more, or that a major surgical operation had or has become necessary. Now after the amendment, a member would no longer be required to submit any medical certificate or any other certificate or document or any proforma whatsoever to avail advance under paragraph 68-J. EPF Nomination: Know The Rules

For physically handicapped

Under Paragraph 68-N, the physically handicapped member can seek advance to purchase equipment to minimize hardship on account of handicap. The withdrawal under this clause was allowed only after submission of the medical certificate from a competent medical practitioner or an officer authorized by the EPFO. Under Para 68-J and 68-N, the amount advanced shall not exceed the member's basic wages and dearness allowance for six months or his own share of contributions with interest thereon or the cost of the equipment, whichever is lower. How To Pay Home Loan EMIs From Provident Fund Deposits?