Revised rules for PF withdrawals! Find out how many times you can get an advance for illness, marriage, or education..

New EPF Withdrawal Rules 2026: There is crucial news for subscribers of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Following the Central Government's announcement of the EPF 2026 scheme last week, significant changes have been made to the rules regarding PF withdrawals.

Salaried individuals can withdraw a portion of their PF before retirement to meet needs such as medical treatment, weddings, children's education, or purchasing a home. The EPFO ​​has issued a guide on the social media platform X, clarifying the frequency and limits for PF advances based on specific requirements. Let us understand the new rules.

**Wait 12 months, not 2, after quitting a job!**
The most significant change under the new EPF rules (2026) affects employees who leave their jobs before retirement. Previously, an unemployed employee could withdraw their entire PF balance after two months. Under the new rules, employees must now wait 12 months after leaving their job to process the final settlement.

**Mandatory minimum balance requirement**

Under the new framework, members can withdraw an advance of up to 100% of their 'eligible member balance' for specific needs. However, the rules now mandate maintaining a minimum balance of at least 25% of the total accumulated contributions in the fund.

**Withdrawal limits based on specific needs**

1.  **For medical treatment:** An advance can be withdrawn from the PF to cover medical expenses for oneself or a family member. There is no fixed limit on the number of withdrawals for medical reasons; claims can be made as often as needed, provided they fall within the regulatory guidelines.

2.  **For education or higher studies:** An advance can be taken to cover the costs of one's own or one's children's higher education. This facility can be availed a maximum of 10 times during the entire period of EPF membership.

3.  **For wedding expenses:** PF funds can be withdrawn to cover wedding expenses for oneself, one's children, or eligible family members. You are permitted to withdraw an advance for marriage a total of five times during your entire period of employment or membership.

4. For a house, plot, or home loan: A PF advance can be availed for purchasing a new flat or house, acquiring a plot, constructing or renovating a home, or repaying a home loan. Subject to eligibility criteria, a housing advance can be withdrawn up to a maximum of five times across different categories during the entire tenure of membership.

5. Under special circumstances: Applications for an advance can also be made under specific or emergency circumstances notified by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT). Under this category, withdrawals are permitted up to a maximum of two times in a financial year.

75% withdrawal after 12 months of membership: According to the new EPFO ​​guidelines, if you have completed 12 months of EPF membership, you can withdraw up to 75% of your total PF balance (comprising the employee's share, the employer's share, and the accrued interest), subject to the rules of the relevant advance category.

It is important to note that while the number of times you can claim a PF advance is fixed, the actual amount you can withdraw will depend on your eligibility and the conditions stipulated under the EPF scheme.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Money Control. 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.