Every employed person saves a percentage of their salary in a PF account. This benefit is reaped in times of future financial difficulties. Therefore, employees should pay attention to the rules for PF withdrawals. Recently, the Employees' Provident Fund Organization has made it mandatory to comply with the rules for PF withdrawals.

Under the Employee Provident Fund Scheme 2026, there is a waiting period for withdrawing the full PF amount after leaving the job, as well as for the withdrawal benefit from the EPS (Employee Pension Scheme). Therefore, it's important for employees to know when and how much PF can be withdrawn.

A 12-month waiting period is required to withdraw the full EPF amount.
According to information provided by the government in the Lok Sabha, final settlement of the entire EPF balance cannot be made immediately after leaving the job. A 12-month waiting period has been established for this.

A 36-month waiting period is applicable to receive EPS withdrawal benefits. Therefore, eligible members must wait until the specified period is over before withdrawing EPS funds .

When can you withdraw money from PF?
Despite the waiting period, employees will continue to be able to withdraw small or advance amounts from their PF. PF withdrawals can be made under three main categories: essential needs, household expenses, and special circumstances.

EPFO members can withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance twice a year
if needed. The government has clarified that under certain circumstances, there is no need to provide a reason for this. However, applicable rules and eligibility requirements must be met.

According to the new rules, a requirement to maintain a minimum 25% balance in the
PF account is also being discussed. Therefore, there will be a limit on withdrawing the entire PF balance. These changes were made following discussions at the 238th meeting of the EPFO's Central Board of Trustees (CBT). The CBT is attended by representatives of employee unions, employers, and the government.

The EPFO ​​is also focusing on informing members about the new rules, strengthening grievance redressal, and expediting digital claim settlements. Therefore, it's important for employees to check the applicable rules and their eligibility before withdrawing PF.

PC: Rochak Khabre