What document is primarily required to claim the EPF balance?

To claim the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) balance, Form 19 is primarily required. This form is specifically designed for claiming the EPF accumulation when an employee exits their job or retires. It serves as the official request to withdraw the accumulated funds in the EPF account, ensuring that the withdrawal process is formally documented and compliant with the guidelines set by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Form 19 captures essential information such as the employee’s details, EPF account number, and the reason for withdrawal, which helps streamline the processing of the claim. It is important to complete this form accurately to avoid delays or complications in the claims process.

While other documents may play supporting roles or be required for verification purposes, they do not serve as the primary means of initiating the EPF balance claim. For instance, the Aadhaar card copy may be needed for identity verification, but it is not the main document for claiming the balance.