Want to Withdraw PF Money? Check New EPFO Limits and Rules

NEW DELHI: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified rules for availing advances from provident fund accounts, allowing members to withdraw up to 75 per cent of their EPF balance subject to eligibility conditions.

The new provisions divide EPF advances into three broad categories — essential needs, housing-related requirements and special circumstances — while specifying the frequency with which members can seek withdrawals for different purposes.

The Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026, which replaced the 1952 scheme, was notified by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on June 29, 2026 and came into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Under the new rules, there is no limit on the number of advances a member can seek for illness involving the member or family members.

For education of the member or family members, an advance can be taken up to 10 times during the period of EPF membership. For marriage of the member or family members, the limit is five times.

Housing-related advances can also be availed up to five times during membership. These cover purchase of a flat, house or site, construction of a house, repayment of a home loan and renovation, alteration or improvement of a house.

For special circumstances notified by the Central Board, EPFO members can avail an advance up to twice in a financial year.

A uniform withdrawal rule allows members to withdraw up to 75 per cent of their EPF balance, including the employee and employer contributions, after completing 12 months of EPF membership.

The scheme requires members to retain at least 25 per cent of the aggregate contributions credited to their EPF account, including interest, up to the date of withdrawal.

For instance, if the relevant EPF balance is Rs 10 lakh, at least Rs 2.5 lakh must remain in the account, making Rs 7.5 lakh the eligible balance for withdrawal. The minimum amount that can be withdrawn through a partial-withdrawal application is Rs 1,000. (Agencies)