You have ₹2 lakh in your PF account; how much can you withdraw if the need arises? Know the complete rules..
For salaried individuals, the Provident Fund (PF) is not merely a sum to be received after retirement; it also serves as a source of financial support during times of need. Whether it is for unexpected medical expenses, children's education, or a wedding in the family, the funds accumulated in a PF account can prove useful. Under the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) 'EPF Scheme 2026', withdrawal rules have been simplified. Eligible employees can now withdraw funds from their PF accounts for various essential purposes after completing 12 months of membership.
Suppose you have ₹2 lakh in your PF account. How much can you withdraw, how much must remain in the account, and for what purposes is a withdrawal permitted? Let’s break down the math.
Understanding the calculation for a ₹2 lakh PF balance:
Under the new rules, if the eligibility criteria and conditions for withdrawal are met, you could, for instance, withdraw up to 75% of the total amount.
Total amount in the PF account: ₹2,00,000
75% withdrawal: ₹1,50,000
Remaining balance in the account: ₹50,000
In other words, withdrawing 75% of a ₹2 lakh balance would yield ₹1.50 lakh, leaving ₹50,000 in the account. The new rules include a provision to maintain a minimum balance of 25% in the PF account following a partial withdrawal. The objective is to allow employees to access funds when needed, while ensuring that their total savings for retirement are not entirely depleted.
PF funds can be withdrawn after completing 12 months of membership:
The 'EPF Scheme 2026' has simplified the membership duration requirements for partial withdrawals. For most eligible purposes, an employee must have completed 12 months of EPF membership. Previously, there were varying service-duration requirements for different types of withdrawal needs.
Withdrawals for Education: Up to 10 Times
Under the new rules, employees can take an advance from their PF account for their own education or that of eligible family members. This facility can be availed a maximum of 10 times throughout the entire duration of one's membership.
Withdrawals for Marriage: Up to 5 Times
Employees can also withdraw funds from their PF account to cover expenses related to their own marriage or the marriage of eligible family members. For this category, withdrawals are permitted up to a maximum of five times over the entire period of membership.
Withdrawals for Medical Treatment and Housing-Related Expenses
The new rules also cover medical requirements. Employees can take an advance from their PF for the medical treatment of themselves or eligible family members. Additionally, withdrawals are permitted—subject to specific conditions—for purposes such as purchasing a house, flat, or plot; constructing a home; repaying a home loan; or carrying out home repairs. Under these rules, you may make withdrawals for these purposes up to 5 times.
Withdrawing the Full PF Amount After Job Loss
There are different rules for PF withdrawals in the event of job loss. Under the EPF scheme, in the event of unemployment, one can withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance. To withdraw the entire amount, a condition of being unemployed for 12 consecutive months generally applies. Different rules may apply in specific circumstances, such as upon reaching retirement age or in the event of permanent disability.
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