EPFO Withdrawal Rules: When and How Can You Withdraw Money from PF? Know the New Rule The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is one of the most important savings schemes for salaried employees in India. It is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Every month, a portion of your salary and an equal contribution from your employer goes into this fund. Over the years, this amount grows with interest and becomes a big saving for your future.
But many people often wonder: When can you withdraw money from your PF account? How much can you take out? And what are the new rules for withdrawal? Let’s understand in simple words.
When Can You Withdraw EPFO Withdrawal Rules Money from PF?
There are two types of withdrawals from your Provident Fund:
- Partial Withdrawal (Advance)
- You can withdraw some part of your PF money before retirement.
- This is allowed only for specific purposes like education, marriage, medical needs, buying a house, or in case of unemployment.
- Full Withdrawal
- Full withdrawal of PF is allowed only when:
- You retire after the age of 58.
- You are unemployed for more than 2 months.
- In case of death, the nominee or family members can withdraw the amount.
- Full withdrawal of PF is allowed only when:
Situations Where Partial Withdrawal is Allowed
Here are some common situations where you can take money out of your PF account before retirement:
- Marriage or Education
You can withdraw up to 50% of your PF balance for your own marriage, your children’s marriage, or higher education. - Medical Treatment
In case of serious illness for yourself or your family, you can withdraw money. No minimum service period is required for this. - Buying or Building a House
If you want to buy land, build a house, or repay a home loan, you can use PF money. However, you need to complete at least 5 years of service. - Unemployment
If you are jobless for one month, you can withdraw 75% of your PF balance. If the unemployment continues for 2 months, you can withdraw the remaining amount.
Full Withdrawal Rules
- EPFO Withdrawal Rules At Retirement
After reaching 58 years of age and retiring from service, you can withdraw the full amount. - Before Retirement (57 years)
You can withdraw 90% of your PF balance one year before retirement (at 57 years). - If You Change Jobs
You should transfer your PF account instead of withdrawing. Withdrawing every time you change jobs reduces your long-term savings.
New Rules for EPFO Withdrawal
EPFO Withdrawal Rules has made some changes in withdrawal rules to make the process easier:
- Online Withdrawal Facility
- Now you can withdraw money directly through the UMANG App or EPFO member portal.
- No need to go to the employer for approval if your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are linked with your UAN (Universal Account Number).
- Aadhaar Linking Mandatory
- To apply for withdrawal, your Aadhaar must be linked with your UAN. This helps in faster processing.
- Faster Processing
- Earlier it used to take weeks, but now most online claims are settled within 3–5 working days.
- Tax Rules
- If you withdraw PF before completing 5 years of service, the amount becomes taxable.
- After 5 years, the amount is tax-free.
Step-by-Step: How to Withdraw Money from PF Online
- Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal (https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in).
- Login with your UAN and password.
- Go to the “Online Services” section.
- Select “Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C).”
- Enter your bank account details (make sure it matches with PF records).
- Choose the type of withdrawal (full/partial/advance).
- Upload documents if required (like medical certificate or marriage invitation).
- Submit your request.
Once approved, the money will be directly credited to your bank account.
Important Things to Remember
- Keep your KYC details updated (Aadhaar, PAN, bank account).
- Always transfer your PF when changing jobs instead of withdrawing, to build a bigger retirement corpus.
- Withdraw only when necessary, as PF is meant for your retirement.
- Check your PF balance regularly through the UMANG app, missed call, or SMS service.
Conclusion
EPFO has made PF withdrawals much simpler with online facilities and new rules. You can withdraw money in emergencies like medical needs, education, marriage, or unemployment. Full withdrawal is allowed at