If you're a salaried employee in India, chances are you hold a Provident Fund (PF) account managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Every month, a portion of your salary along with your employer’s contribution is deposited into this fund, creating a financial cushion for your future. But did you know that under specific circumstances, you can withdraw funds from your PF account even before retirement?
The EPFO has issued updated guidelines regarding partial withdrawals for various needs, including medical emergencies, housing, education, marriage, and disability. Here's a detailed guide on when and how much you can withdraw from your PF account under the new EPF Scheme rules.
As per Para 68K of the EPF Scheme, 1952, members can withdraw money for marriage-related expenses—be it their own, their children’s, or siblings'. However, the PF account must be at least 7 years old, and the account should hold a minimum balance of ₹1,000.
Members can withdraw up to 50% of their total EPF contributions, including interest. This option is available only three times in a lifetime, providing financial relief during one of life’s most significant events.
Similar to the marriage clause, EPF funds can also be used for higher education of children. Again, the employee must have completed 7 years of EPF membership, and withdrawals are limited to three times in a lifetime, capped at 50% of the member’s contributions with interest.
This facility helps parents manage the rising cost of education without needing to take external loans.
Under Para 68B, EPF members can withdraw funds for the purchase or construction of a home, provided they’ve been members for at least 5 years. For home repairs or renovations, funds can be withdrawn 5 years after the house is built. A second withdrawal for further renovations is allowed 10 years after the first withdrawal.
Note: This facility is available only once for construction or purchase, so careful planning is essential.
As per Para 68J, employees can withdraw funds at any time to manage medical emergencies, even without completing any minimum service period. Withdrawals for medical needs are not restricted by frequency and can be availed multiple times.
This provides a crucial safety net for employees facing sudden hospitalization or critical illness expenses.
Under Para 68NN, EPF members are allowed to withdraw up to 90% of their total PF corpus one year before their retirement. This benefit can only be availed once and is ideal for those preparing for life after work.
For members with physical disabilities, Para 68N allows withdrawal of funds to purchase necessary assistive equipment. The withdrawal can be the cost of equipment, six months’ basic salary plus DA, or the employee's share plus interest, whichever is less.
This provision can be used every three years, ensuring long-term support for physically challenged members.
Under Para 68H, if a company shuts down operations for over 15 days or the employee doesn’t receive salary for 2 months, the member can withdraw their entire share along with interest. This clause acts as a financial cushion during unexpected unemployment or company closures.
To help repay home loans, including both principal and interest, Para 68BB allows members with 10 years of service to withdraw:
Up to 36 months’ basic salary plus DA, or
Total PF corpus (employee + employer share with interest), or
Outstanding loan amount — whichever is lower.
This benefit significantly helps reduce the home loan burden for salaried individuals.
The updated EPFO withdrawal rules in 2025 offer greater flexibility and financial security to PF account holders. Whether it's an emergency, a home purchase, or preparing for retirement, these provisions ensure that your own savings can come to your rescue when needed most.
Ensure your UAN is active and linked with Aadhaar to take full advantage of these EPF benefits. Always check with the official EPFO portal or your HR department for the latest updates and documentation requirements.
