EPFO Rules: If you are an EPFO member, then this article is made for you. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization ( EPFO ) has provided significant relief to employees by amending its rules. EPFO ​​members will now be able to withdraw up to 100% of their PF account balance. However, the EPFO ​​has imposed a condition. According to the EPFO, at least 25% of the balance in the account must remain untouched to ensure some savings for retirement.
This means you must maintain a minimum balance of 25% in your account. Furthermore, the time limit for withdrawing the entire amount after losing a job has been extended from two months to 12 months. Furthermore, pension (EPS) withdrawals will now require a 36-month wait. The government states that these changes are designed to make PF withdrawals easier, digitally transparent, and secure long-term savings.
Why is the new rule of EPFO ​​special?
EPFO members can now withdraw up to 100% of their entire “eligible balance” (which includes both employee and employer shares) for essential reasons. However, 25% of the total EPF amount must always be maintained in the account. This ensures members have a basic balance that continues to earn interest and supports long-term savings.
What was there in the old rules of EPFO?
Previously, withdrawals were only allowed for specific reasons, such as education, home purchase, marriage, or illness. Each reason had different rules, such as the required years of service, conditions, and limits. At a meeting held in Delhi on October 13, 2025, Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the government was considering increasing the minimum pension by ₹1,000 per month. Although it was not on the agenda, trade unions strongly raised the issue at the meeting. The minister said the Cabinet was actively considering the proposal.
