EPFO 3.0: When and how much money can you withdraw to build or buy a house? Know all the details...

Under EPFO ​​2025 rules, PF can be withdrawn for buying, building, repaying home loans, and renovating a house, but not the entire amount. Generally, there is a limit of up to 90 percent, and a minimum service period is required. After EPFO ​​3.0, the process has become online and faster, with claims potentially settled within 3 working days. With the right information and planning, PF housing withdrawal can help fulfill your dream of owning a home.

Basic rules for withdrawing PF for a house from EPFO: PF withdrawals related to housing in EPFO ​​are governed by paragraphs 68B, 68BB, and 68BD. While the process has become online and faster with EPFO ​​3.0, the housing withdrawal limits remain the same. Withdrawing PF for a house has become easier, but it's not free.

Who can withdraw PF and for what purpose: To withdraw PF, you must be an EPF member, your UAN must be active, and your KYC must be complete. The house must be in your name, your spouse's name, or jointly owned. Housing PF will not be granted without proof of ownership.

After how many years of service can PF be withdrawn? For buying or building a house, a minimum of 3 to 5 years of service is required. For repaying a home loan, generally 10 years of service is considered necessary. For renovation, the house must be at least 5 years old.

How much amount will be received for buying or building a house: A maximum of 90 percent of the total PF balance can be withdrawn, or a limit of 36 months of basic salary and DA applies. Whichever amount is less will be given as PF.

Rules for home loan repayment and renovation: For home loan repayment, up to 90 percent of the PF balance can be withdrawn. For renovation, the limit is 12 months of basic salary and DA. In both these cases, PF withdrawal is allowed only a limited number of times in a lifetime.

When and how quickly will the PF be received? Housing PF can be withdrawn anytime after completing the required service period. After EPFO ​​3.0, online claims are usually settled within 3 working days. There are no delays if KYC and documents are complete.

Online process for PF withdrawal: Log in to the EPFO ​​portal using your UAN and fill out Form 31. Select the reason related to housing and upload the property and loan-related documents. After submission, the claim can be tracked.

Taxes and important precautions: Withdrawing the entire PF before 5 years may attract TDS. Withdrawing 100% of your PF for a house is not permitted. Use your PF judiciously, keeping your retirement security in mind.

What has changed and what hasn't in EPFO ​​3.0: The process has become faster and the categories have been simplified. Housing is now included under "Housing Needs," but the limits remain the same. Therefore, do not expect to withdraw your entire PF based on rumors.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News 18 hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.