EPFO Updates: When and how much PF can you withdraw after losing your job? What is the '12 months of unemployment' rule?

People often face difficulties when trying to withdraw money from their own PF accounts. However, there is no need to worry anymore. The EPFO ​​has introduced several rule changes that have made PF withdrawals significantly easier.

Many people wonder how—and how much—money they can withdraw from their PF account if they lose their job or resign. Let us explore this in detail.

**What changes has the EPFO ​​made?**
Several changes have been introduced under EPFO ​​3.0. Previously, withdrawing money was a hassle, but the entire process has now been greatly simplified. The 13 different conditions and categories that previously existed for partial withdrawals have been consolidated into just three categories:

1.  **Emergency:** This covers essential expenses such as treatment for a family member's serious illness, children's higher education, and family weddings.

2.  **Housing Needs:** You can withdraw funds under this category if you need money to buy a home, construct a new house, carry out repairs, or repay a home loan.

3.  **Special Circumstances:** This is a unique category that allows members to withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance without citing a specific reason.

**How ​​do you get the money if you lose your job?**
If you lose your job or resign, you can immediately withdraw 75% of your total PF balance upon becoming unemployed. The remaining 25% can only be withdrawn after remaining unemployed for 12 consecutive months.

It is worth noting that there was previously a provision to withdraw the entire 100% of the funds after being unemployed for two consecutive months. However, this rule has been modified with future financial security in mind.

**How ​​to withdraw PF online?**

First, visit the EPFO ​​Member Portal and log in using your UAN and password.
Ensure that your date of exit (leaving the job) is updated on the portal.
Click on 'Online Services' and select the 'Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C)' option.

Next, enter the last four digits of your bank account number to verify it.
Remember to select Form 19 for full withdrawal and Form 10C for the pension withdrawal.
Once the process is complete, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar; enter this OTP and submit the claim.
After the process is successfully completed and the information provided is verified as correct, the amount will be credited to your account within 3–7 working days.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 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.