EPF, EPS, EDLI & EPFO — Set 16

Correct Answer: D. EPF Act original 1952 already covered this

The original EPF Act 1952, through its broad definition of 'employer' under Section 2(e), already covered contract workers deployed at a principal employer's establishment. The principal employer is responsible for EPF compliance of contract workers if the contractor fails to comply. This has been affirmed through multiple judicial interpretations over the years.

Correct Answer: C. 5 years

EPF members can make a partial withdrawal for purchase/construction of a house after 5 years of membership. The withdrawal limit is 90% of the EPF balance. An additional facility allows withdrawal after 3 years for repayment of a housing loan. These provisions facilitate home ownership for the working class.

Correct Answer: D. 7 years

EPF members can withdraw up to 50% of their own EPF contribution for marriage purposes (self, siblings, or children) after completing 7 years of membership. This limit can be availed a maximum of 3 times in the member's career. This provision helps workers fund major life events without taking high-interest loans.

Correct Answer: C. 6 months' basic wages or employee's share whichever is less

For medical treatment (self or family), EPF members can withdraw up to 6 months' basic wages and dearness allowance or the employee's own share of EPF contributions, whichever is less. There is no minimum service period required for medical advance. The advance is available for hospitalization lasting more than a month or major surgeries.

Correct Answer: A. 1800-118-005

EPFO's toll-free helpline number is 1800-118-005, available during working hours for EPF-related queries and complaints. Members can also use the EPFO member portal, UMANG app, and EPFiGMS for grievance redressal. The helpdesk assists with issues related to claim settlement, KYC, UAN activation, and employer compliance.

Correct Answer: C. Yes, after 3 years of membership for housing loan repayment

EPF members can withdraw from their PF to repay outstanding housing loans after completing 3 years of EPF membership. The withdrawal amount is limited to 90% of the total EPF balance (employee + employer shares). This facility is linked to loans from approved financial institutions for construction or purchase of a house.

Correct Answer: B. Claims settled automatically for members with seeded Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account

EPFO's auto-claim settlement uses AI to process EPF claims for members whose UAN is seeded with Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account. The system verifies eligibility, deducts TDS if applicable, and credits the amount directly to the bank account without manual intervention. This has reduced processing time from weeks to 3 days for eligible claims.

Correct Answer: B. Employer must remit EPF contributions by 15th for previous month's wages

Employers must deposit EPF contributions (employee + employer share) by the 15th of each month for the previous month's salary. Delayed deposits attract interest under Section 7Q and damages under Section 14B. Timely deposit is essential for crediting members' accounts and maintaining EPF corpus health.

Correct Answer: B. @EPFO_India on Twitter/X

EPFO's official Twitter/X handle is @EPFO_India, used for member communication, policy announcements, and awareness campaigns. EPFO also uses social media to share updates on interest rates, new schemes, and digital service improvements. The official website epfindia.gov.in is the primary information source.

Correct Answer: B. e-Nomination campaign and mandatory nomination before claim filing

EPFO has run e-nomination campaigns encouraging all EPF members to file their nominations online through the UAN portal. In some cases, pending e-nomination is a prerequisite for online claim filing. Nomination ensures hassle-free settlement of claims in case of member's death without requiring legal heir certificates.