You can now withdraw PF savings without employer's approval to pay medical bills

The rule would also apply to those suffering from tuberculosis, leprosy, paralysis, heart ailment and cancer.

The labour ministry has issued a notification which does not make it mandatory to seek the employer's approval or submit a doctor's certificate to withdraw provident fund savings for medical purposes. Now you can withdraw your provident fund saving in case of serious illness by submitting a self-declaration form to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation.

As per the new rules, the a composite claim form would be available which would need to be filled up and submitted by employees to avail a provident fund advance. The rules also state that employees with EPF can withdraw up to six months salary in case of hospitalisation for a month, major surgical operation. The rule would also apply to those suffering from tuberculosis, leprosy, paralysis, heart ailment and cancer.

The rules also state that a physically challenged person will not have to produce a certificate from a medical practitioner to withdraw EPF savings for purchasing equipment or aids.

Prior to this rule, employees had to produce a certificate from the employer stating that the Employees' State Insurance Scheme facility is not provided to them along with a doctor's certificate of serious illness.

OneIndia News