KWSP - FAQ i-Lestari

Basic
i-Lestari Withdrawal Form
Scenario

NO	QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
BASIC FAQ
1	Effective period of i-Lestari Withdrawal facility.
1	i-Lestari Withdrawal facility is effective from 1 April 2020 until 31 March 2021.
2	General concept of i-Lestari Withdrawal facility.
2	The general concept of i-Lestari Withdrawal is as follows: Withdrawal can be made from Account 2 only. Payment for withdrawal will be made monthly, on a recurring basis for the subsequent months, subject to number of monthly withdrawals one is entitled to, as per item (c) The number of monthly withdrawals one is entitled to, is calculated from date of receipt of approved application until the end of the validity period, i.e. 31 March 2021. Example: If an approved application is received in April 2020, the number of monthly withdrawals one is entitled to is a maximum amount of 12 monthly withdrawals. If an approved application is received in September 2020, the number of monthly withdrawals one is entitled to is 7 months. If an approved application is received in March 2021, the number of monthly withdrawals one is entitled to is 1 month.
3	Eligibility criteria for Members to apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal facility
3	Malaysian citizens, permanent residents and non-Malaysians; Aged 55 years old and below; and Have savings in Akaun 2.
4	Submission date for Members to apply for I-Lestari Withdrawal facility.
4	Members can submit the application for i-Lestari Withdrawal between 1 April 2020 until 31 March 2021. All applications must be received by the EPF on or before 31 March 2021.
5	Amount Members are allowed to withdraw under the i-Lestari Withdrawal facility
5	The permitted amount under i-Lestari Withdrawal facility ranges from a minimum of RM50 to a maximum of RM500 a month; this is subject to the amount of savings available in the Member’s Account 2when the monthly withdrawal is made. If the total savings in Account 2 is insufficient to cover the withdrawal amount requested for the month, the amount of savings transferred will be based on the available balance in Account 2.
6	When will payment for successful aplications be made to EPF Members?
6	For withdrawal applications received in April 2020, payment will be made in May 2020. For withdrawal applications made after April 2020, payment will be made from the date the application is received by the EPF. Application for backdated payments is not allowed.
7	Application to change the monthly recurring amount to be withdrawn
7	Members are allowed to amend their recurring withdrawal amount through the following channels: i-Lestari Online portal on the EPF’s website at www.kwsp.gov.my. Click here to amend recurring withdrawal amount through i-Lestari Online portal; Online via Amendment function in Member’s i-Akaun. Click here to log in to Member’s i-Akaun;
8	Channels for submission of application for i-Lestari Withdrawal facility
8	The i-Lestari Withdrawal application can be made on 1 April 2020 through the following channels: i-Lestari Online on the EPF’s website at www.kwsp.gov.my. Click here to apply through i-Lestari Online; Online (via e-Pengeluaran on Member’s i-Akaun); or By post addressed to: Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja, Karung Berkunci No 220, Jalan Sultan 46720, Petaling Jaya Note: Please state (Attention to: i- Lestari) on the front of the envelope. Members are advised to apply through the i-Lestari Online and e-Pengeluaran for faster turnaround. Manual submission sent via post will take a longer processing time. Withdrawal application for non-Malaysians can be made via post only.
9	Why is the permissible amount for i- Lestari withdrawals limited to a maximum of RM 500 monthly only?
9	The i-Lestari Withdrawal facility is intended to ease the financial burden of Members and help them meet their basic monthly financial needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The maximum amount of RM 500 a month is deemed as a reasonable amount as an additional source of income for Members to meet basic financial needs.
10	Why is the frequency of withdrawal limited to only once a month?
10	The withdrawal frequency is designed to supplement the monthly source of income to help Members meet their monthly basic financial needs.
11	Why is the effective period for i-Lestari Withdrawal only one year?
11	The i-Lestari Withdrawal Facility is intended as a financial relief to assist EPF Members during the current period of COVID-19 pandemic. The Government will continue to monitor the development of the current situation and assess the efficacy of this facility from time to time. The financial impact of COVID-19 pandemic is expected to improve after this period.
12	Are muslim Members obligated to pay zakat on i-Lestari Withdrawal?
12	The purpose of i-Lestari Withdrawal facility is to help alleviate the financial burden of members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the EPF's Shariah Advisory Committee (SAC) is of the view that Muslim Members who make the withdrawal for the purpose of meeting their basic needs and their dependants such as food, clothing, shelter, education and health (hajah asliyah) are not obligated to pay zakat on the withdrawal made. While Muslim Members who make the i-Lestari Withdrawal, not for the purpose of meeting their basic needs and their dependants (not hajah asliyah), they are obligated to pay zakat at the rate of 2.5% on the total withdrawal amount subject to nisab without the need to fulfil the haul. Muslim Members are advised to consult their respective states zakat authorities regarding zakat payment on EPF withdrawal. Glossary: 1. Hajah asliyah: Basic needs such as food, health, education, clothing and shelter. 2. Nisab: The minimum amount of assets that are subject zakat as determined by the relevant states zakat authorities based on the prevailing value of 85 grams of gold 3. Haul: A one year period (according to the Hijrah calendar) of asset under possession that is subject to zakat.

NO	QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
i-Lestari Withdrawal APPLICATION THROUGH i-Lestari Online
1	What is i-Lestari Online?
1	i-Lestari Online is a new channel introduced by the EPF to enable Members without the i-Akaun facility to submit their application for i-Lestari Withdrawal through the electronic form available on EPF’s website at www.kwsp.gov.my.
2	What are the advantages of using this channel?
2	i-Lestari Online is a user-friendly platform where members are able to: Submit i-Lestari Withdrawal application online applicable to defined terms and conditions; Apply without registering for i-Akaun (Member); Check their recent withdrawal status Submit application for i-Lestari Withdrawal from any internet enabled devices; Hassle-free application; and Update withdrawal details such as bank account information, withdrawal amount, mobile phone number and payment method (for those who do not have a bank account). Cancelling i-Lestari Withdrawal
3	Are there changes to the i-Lestari Withdrawal eligibility for Members using this channel?
3	Eligibility requirements for the i-Lestari Withdrawal remain the same.
4	What are the steps for a Member submit an application for withdrawal through i-Lestari Online?
4	Steps for submission of application through i-Lestari Online is as follows: Go to EPF’s website at www.kwsp.gov.my. Click here to submit application through i-Lestari Online. Enter Full Name, MyKad Number, Mobile Phone Number, E-mail Address (if any) and Mailing Address. Choose desired withdrawal amount. Choose name of bank and enter current/savings account number. Please ensure that the current/savings account is ACTIVE. Check the box to indicate acknowledgement of terms and conditions. Members are required to read, understand, and agree to the acknowledgement of terms and conditions. Click AGREE. Click on the box “I’m Not Robot” (reCAPTCHA) and click Send.
5	Will Members who have previously applied on other channels need to submit a new application?
5	The EPF will process the application and consider for approval of submissions previously made by Members through e-Pengeluaran on i-Akaun (Member). Members who have applied through e-mail or post may choose to make a fresh application through I-Lestari Online if they have yet to receive updates from the EPF.
6	Can a Member check withdrawal application status which was previously submitted via other channels using ‘i-Lestari Online’?
6	Yes. Members may check their withdrawal application status which was previously submitted via other channels using ‘i-Lestari Online’.
7	How can a Member check his withdrawal application status under ‘i-Lestari Online’ through the EPF website?
7	Members may check their withdrawal application status under ‘i-Lestari Online’ by the following steps: Go to the EPF’s website at www.kwsp.gov.my Click here to check status of application. Click on the CHECK STATUS tab. Enter MyKad and mobile phone number. Check on the box “I’m not robot” (reCAPTCHA) and click CHECK.
8	Can non-Malaysian Members use this channel?
8	No. Non-Malaysian Members may only submit their application through post.
ONLINE APPLICATION OF i-Lestari WITHDRAWAL VIA e-PENGELUARAN
9	How to apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal online via e-Pengeluaran on i-Akaun (Mmber)?
9	The following are steps to apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal online via e-Pengeluaran in i-Akaun (Members): Login to i-Akaun (Member) Select Tab Withdrawal Click e-Pengeluaran Click New Application Select i-Lestari Withdrawal to begin transaction
10	If Members opt to apply online via e- Pengeluaran, must they be present at an EPF counter for the fingerprint verification process?
10	No; Members do NOT have to come to EPF counters for the above purpose.
MANUAL APPLICATION OF i-Lestari WITHDRAWAL VIA POST
11	Where can Members obtain the application form for i-Lestari Withdrawal?
11	Members can download the application form for i-Lestari Withdrawal from EPF’s website. Clik here.
12	How can Members manually apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal via post?
12	Members need to send their application along with the supporting documents as mentioned below via post: Completed application form verified with fingerprint A legible copy of MyKad (front and back) A copy of Member’s passport (for non-Malaysian Members) A copy of bank book/statement of an ACTIVE savings/current account bearing Member’s name The above documents must be mailed to: Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja, Beg Berkunci No 220, Jalan Sultan 46720 Petaling Jaya. Note: Please add (Attention : i-Lestari) on the face of the envelope.
13	If Members opt to apply for the i-Lestari Withdrawal facility manually, must they be present at an EPF counter for the fingerprint verification process?
13	No. Members do NOT have to come to our counters for the above purpose.
GENERAL QUESTIONS ON i-Lestari WITHDRAWAL APPLICATION
14	Why are members aged 55 and above NOT eligible for the i-Lestari Withdrawal facility?
14	Members aged 55 and above are already eligible to apply for the Age 55 Withdrawal facility.
15	Do Members need to apply again after every month for the next payments?
15	Members only have to make a one-time application for the i-Lestari Withdrawal facility. Payments will be issued on a recurring monthly basis for the following eligible months.
16	When is the deadline to submit the application form for the i-Lestari Withdrawal facility?
16	All applications for the i-Lestari Withdrawal facility must be received by the EPF before or on 31 March 2021.
17	Will Members be informed on the status of their i-Lestari Withdrawal application?
17	For i-Lestari applications done via e-Pengeluaran, members can check on their application status via their i-Akaun (Member). As for manual applications via post, Members will receive an SMS when the payment has been credited. Members may also check their application status through i-Lestari online.
18	Are Members allowed to send in a new application if the previous application is rejected?
18	Yes; If the previous application is rejected, Members can make new application as long as they fulfil the withdrawal eligibility criteria.
19	Can Members switch to another bank account if the one submitted for i-Lestari Withdrawal is no longer active?
19	Yes. Members are able to update their bank account number via i-Lestari Online. Please ensure that the current/savings account is ACTIVE and bearing Member’s name to facilitate the payment process.
20	If Members are currently overseas, how should they apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal?
20	Members who are currently overseas can apply through any of the following channels: i-Lestari Online, e-Pengeluaran on i-Akaun (Member) or by post.
21	Can Members apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal using a different bank account from the ones used for previous withdrawals?
21	Yes.
22	How can Members be assured that their i-Lestari applications are duly received and processed by the EPF?
22	Members are advised to submit application via i-Lestari Online or e-Pengeluaran or i-Akaun (Member) to ensure that withdrawal applications are received by the EPF.
23	Will EPF inform its Members that the application has been received?
23	No, because Members can check their application status online through i-Lestari Online.
PAYMENT FOR i-Lestari WITHDRAWAL
24	Can i-Lestari Withdrawal payments to be credited to third-party bank account i.e. bank account not belonging to Member/applicant?
24	No. i-Lestari payments will only be credited to ACTIVE bank accounts bearing the name of the Member who applied.
25	Will Members be informed once the i-Lestari payment has been successfully credited to their bank account?
25	Yes. Members will receive an SMS notification after the i-Lestari payment has been successfully credited to their bank account.
26	What should Members do if they have not received their payment for any particular month despite the application being approved?
26	Members can check the i-Lestari payment status via i-Akaun (Member) portal. For further inquiries, Members can enquire via the EPF hotline 03 8922 6000.
27	How will i-Lestari payments be credited for Members currently residing overseas?
27	i-Lestari payments will only be credited directly to EPF panel banks.
28	Are there any other payment methods for i-Lestari applicants who don’t have a bank account?
28	In the absence of a bank account, payments can be done via Payment Instruction. However, Members are advised to open a savings/current bank account in any one of EPF’s panel banks for a faster payment process via direct crediting.
29	Which banks are listed as an EPF panel bank?
29	Affin Bank Berhad Agrobank Berhad Alliance Bank Berhad Al-Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) Berhad AM Bank Berhad Bank Islam Berhad Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Berhad Bank Muamalat Berhad Bank Simpanan Nasional CIMB Bank Berhad Citi Bank Berhad Hong Leong Bank Berhad HSBC Amanah Malaysia Berhad HSBC Bank Berhad Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad Maybank Berhad OCBC Bank Berhad Public Bank Berhad RHB Bank Berhad Standard Chartered Bank Berhad Standard Chartered Sadiq Berhad United Overseas Bank Berhad
30	Will new contributions into Members' Account 2 be taken into account when withdrawals are made?
30	Yes; new contributions credited into Members' Account 2 will be taken into account when withdrawals are made for the respective month.
31	When will recurring payments for the following eligible withdrawal months be paid to Members?
31	The recurring payments for the following eligible withdrawal months will be credited to Members’ bank accounts before the end of the respective month and subject to the remaining balance in their Account 2.
APPLICATION FOR CANCELLATION/UPDATE INFORMATION OF I-LESTARI WITHDRAWAL
32	Are members allowed to cancel their approved i-Lestari Withdrawal?
32	Yes. Members are allowed to cancel their approved i-Lestari Withdrawal.
33	What type of information on i-Lestari Withdrawal can a member update?
33	Members can update the following i-Lestari Withdrawal information: Bank account information Withdrawal amount Mobile phone number Payment method (for those who do not have a bank account)
34	How can members cancel/update existing i-Lestari Withdrawal information?
34	Members can cancel/update i-Lestari Withdrawal information through the following channels: i-Lestari Online portal on the EPF website at www.kwsp.gov.my. Click here to cancel/update withdrawal information through i-Lestari Online portal; Online via Cancellation /Amendment function on i-Akaun (Member). Click here to log in to i-Akaun (Member); or Cancellation/amendment application for non-Malaysians can be made via post only. Click here to download the i-Lestari Withdrawal Cancellation/ Information Update Form.
35	How can members cancel i-Lestari Withdrawal via e-Cancellation on i-Akaun (Member)?
35	Follow the following steps to apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal online via e-Cancellation on i-Akaun (Member ): Login to i-Akaun (Member) Select Withdrawal Tab Select e-Cancellation Click Cancel on the i-Lestari Withdrawal to proceed with the cancellation
36	Can Members re-apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal after making a cancellation?
36	Yes. Members can re-apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal via the existing channels.
37	How can members update i-Lestari Withdrawal information via e-Cancellation on i-Akaun (Member)?
37	Follow the following steps to update i-Lestari Withdrawal information online via e-Cancellation on i-Akaun (Member): Login to i-Akaun (Member) Select Withdrawal Tab Select Amendment Click Amend on the i-Lestari Withdrawal to proceed with the amendment

NO	QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
ELIGIBILITY SCENARIOS
1	If a Member applied for an i-Lestari withdrawal of RM 300 monthly on 2 April 2020 but has a balance of RM 200 in their Account 2 in January 2021, will they still receive their i-Lestari payment for January 2021?
1	Yes; Member will receive i-Lestari payments of RM 200 for January 2021. Please note that the monthly payments are based on the monthly amount applied or the remaining balance in Member's Account 2, whichever is lower.
2	If the Account 2 of a Member has been exhausted for previous i-Lestari payments but currently back at work and therefore is receiving new contributions in their Account 2; will this Member need to make a fresh application to qualify for i-Lestari payments?
2	In this case, the Member does not need to apply again as the initial application, once approved, stands until March 2021. Monthly payments will be credited subject to the available balance in your Account 2.
3	Can Members apply for their i- Lestari payments to be withdrawn from their Account 1 and Account Emas?
3	No; the i-Lestari Withdrawal facility only applies to Account 2.
4	Is the Member’s eligibility for I-Lestari Withdrawal solely based on amount of savings in Member’s Akaun 2 when making application?
4	No; Members can apply for any amount for monthly withdrawals as long as it is within the earlier set range of a minimum of RM 50 to a maximum of RM 500. However, the monthly amount is subject to the remaining balance in Account 2 when the payment is made.
5	Can EPF members who are civil servants/pensioned workers apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal?
5	Yes; if there is savings balance in their Account 2.
6	Can a Member still receive i- Lestari payments if they reach 55 years old this year?
6	No; Monthly payments for i- Lestari will cease automatically when one reaches 55 years old.
7	Will recurring monthly payments for i-Lestari Withdrawal be ceased if Member reaches 55 years old during the effective period?
7	Yes. The application for the Lestari Withdrawal facility will be nullified once a Member reaches 55 years old, and the Member will no longer be eligible to receive the subsequent i-Lestari monthly payments.
8	Can Members apply for i- Lestari Withdrawal if they are out of job for a long time?
8	Yes. Members can apply for the i-Lestari Withdrawal facility if they fulfil the eligibility criteria and still have savings balance in their Account 2.
9	Can a Member still apply for i- Lestari Withdrawal if their spouse’s/family Member’s application has been approved?
9	Yes. Members can still apply for i- Lestari Withdrawal as long as they fulfil the eligibility criteria, even if their spouse/family Member applied separately.
10	Can a Mmber's spouse/family Member apply for i-Lestari Withdrawal using the Member's Account 2 savings?
10	No.
11	Can Members apply for i- Lestari Withdrawal if their Account 2 balance is below RM 500 or its total savings is lower than the recurring monthly amount to be paid?
11	Yes; Members can apply for i- Lestari Withdrawal if they fulfil the eligibility criteria
12	Will i-Lestari Withdrawal affect Member’s eligibility for the government incentive for i-Suri contribution?
12	No.
13	Is i-Lestari Withdrawal Shariah-compliant?
13	The i-Lestari Withdrawal is Shariah-compliant.