The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has updated its PF withdrawal rules to make them easier to understand and use. The changes are meant to help members access their savings during important
life situations without facing confusion or delays.
Earlier, PF withdrawals were divided into 13 different reasons, which made the process complicated. These have now been merged into three broad groups: Essential Needs, Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances, so members can clearly know when and how they can withdraw their money.
PF Withdrawals Are Now Grouped Under Three Main Needs
Under the revised rules, members can withdraw up to 100 per cent of their eligible PF balance, including employee and employer contributions, in certain cases. These include retirement, reaching the age of 58, and voluntary retirement.
Full withdrawal is also allowed if a member becomes permanently disabled, is unable to work, or plans to move abroad for permanent settlement.
How PF Withdrawal Works During Unemployment
The rules allow PF withdrawal during periods of unemployment. If a member loses their job, they can withdraw up to 75 per cent of their PF balance immediately.
The remaining 25 per cent can be withdrawn after 12 months if the person continues to remain unemployed. This helps members manage expenses while keeping some savings intact.
Partial Withdrawals Are Now Easier And More Flexible
Members can now withdraw up to 75 per cent of their PF balance for needs such as illness, education, marriage, and housing after completing 12 months of service.
Withdrawals for education can be made up to 10 times during service. Marriage-related withdrawals are allowed up to five times, which is higher than earlier limits.
Medical And Housing Withdrawal Rules Explained
PF withdrawal for medical treatment is allowed for self, spouse, children, or parents. It covers serious illnesses like cancer or tuberculosis and can be done up to three times in a financial year.
Members can also withdraw PF money for buying a house, construction, renovation, or repaying a home loan. The property can be in the member’s name, spouse’s name, or jointly owned, and such withdrawals are allowed up to five times during service.
PF Withdrawal Rules Box Highlights Key Points
The PF withdrawal rules box clearly shows that full withdrawal is allowed at retirement, after age 58, during voluntary retirement, permanent disability, unemployment, or permanent settlement abroad.
It also explains that 75 per cent of PF can be withdrawn during unemployment, with the remaining amount available after 12 months. For partial withdrawals, it highlights the 75 per cent limit for common needs and the number of times each withdrawal is allowed.
Minimum Balance Rule Helps Savings Grow
Under the new provision, members must maintain at least 25 per cent of their total PF contributions in their account. This ensures the remaining amount continues to earn interest at the current EPFO rate of 8.25 per cent per year.
PF Withdrawal Through UPI May Launch Soon
According to a PTI report, EPFO is working on a plan to allow PF withdrawals directly to bank accounts through UPI. Under this system, a portion of the savings will stay locked, while the remaining amount can be withdrawn digitally.
