Can EPFO Members Now Withdraw 100% of Their PF Balance?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking decision, the EPFO has allowed members to withdraw up to 100% of their eligible PF balance before Diwali. This change aims to benefit millions of subscribers, simplifying the withdrawal process and easing financial burdens. Explore how this decision can impact your savings and financial planning.
Key Takeaways
- EPF members can withdraw up to 100% of their eligible balance.
- Complete withdrawals are now allowed even without unemployment.
- Partial withdrawals for education and marriage have expanded limits.
- The minimum service requirement for withdrawals is now just 12 months.
- 25% of contributions must be maintained as a Minimum Balance.
New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) In a major announcement just ahead of Diwali, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to permit members to withdraw up to 100 percent of the ‘eligible balance’ in their PF accounts, encompassing both employee and employer contributions.
This resolution was made during the 238th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) convened in the national capital, benefiting over 70 million subscribers by allowing them full access to their EPF savings.
Previously, complete withdrawals were only permitted under circumstances such as unemployment or retirement. Members could withdraw 75 percent of their PF balance after being jobless for one month and the remaining 25 percent after two months.
However, upon retirement, individuals were allowed to withdraw their entire balance without any restrictions.
During this meeting, chaired by Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, several groundbreaking decisions were made.
For partial withdrawals for purposes like land acquisition, house purchase, construction, or EMI repayments, EPF members are now permitted to withdraw up to 90 percent of their corpus.
To further simplify the process for EPF members, the CBT has decided to streamline the rules for partial withdrawals by consolidating 13 complex provisions into a single, straightforward guideline divided into three categories: essential needs (illness, education, marriage), housing needs, and special circumstances.
The EPFO has also decided to ease withdrawal limits, allowing education-related withdrawals up to 10 times and marriage-related withdrawals up to 5 times, surpassing the existing total limit of 3 partial withdrawals for both categories.
Furthermore, the requirement for minimum service has been uniformly reduced to just 12 months for all types of partial withdrawals.
A provision has also been established to earmark 25 percent of members’ contributions as a ‘Minimum Balance’ that must be maintained at all times, according to a statement released by the labour ministry post-meeting.
Point of View
I believe this decision by the EPFO is a significant step towards empowering members with greater access to their funds. It reflects a responsive approach to the financial needs of millions and aligns with the government's commitment to enhancing the welfare of its citizens. Nation always supports initiatives that promote financial well-being.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new withdrawal limit for EPF members?
EPF members can now withdraw up to 100% of their eligible balance, including both employee and employer contributions.
Can I withdraw my PF balance if I'm not unemployed?
Yes, members can now withdraw their full balance without needing to be unemployed or retired.
What are the new rules for partial withdrawals?
The EPFO has streamlined the rules for partial withdrawals, allowing up to 90% for housing needs and increasing limits for education and marriage.
Is there a minimum service requirement for withdrawals?
Yes, the minimum service requirement has been reduced to just 12 months for all types of partial withdrawals.
What is the 'Minimum Balance' provision?
Members are required to maintain 25% of their contributions as a 'Minimum Balance' at all times.
