EPF Withdrawal: If you also contribute a portion of your salary to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), these new and significant updates for 2026 are crucial for you. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has simplified withdrawal rules for subscribers. You no longer need to go through lengthy paperwork when you need money, as the EPFO has consolidated the entire process into just three major categories. However, ease of withdrawal doesn’t mean you should withdraw your retirement funds without thinking.
The True Purpose of EPF
The primary purpose of EPF is to provide a secure and self-reliant future for employees upon retirement. The longer you contribute to your PF account, the faster the power of compounding will grow your money. Therefore, experts advise that even though the rules have become simpler, withdraw PF funds only when necessary.
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Withdrawals Upon Job Loss or Retirement
Subscribers can withdraw their entire deposit at the time of retirement (at age 58 or 60). However, if the situation is not normal, it is important to understand the following rules. If an employee takes voluntary retirement (VRS), becomes permanently disabled, or leaves the country to settle abroad, they can withdraw the entire amount.
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EPFO also provides significant relief in the event of job loss. You can withdraw 75% of your funds within one month of losing your job. This provision prevents you from relying on others during times of financial hardship. If a person remains unemployed for 12 consecutive months, they can withdraw the remaining 25% and close their account completely.
Home Purchase and Medical Emergency
Building a house or treating an illness is one of life’s biggest expenses. EPFO allows withdrawal of a significant portion of your funds in these situations. After completing 5 years of continuous service, you can withdraw up to 90% of your PF funds to buy or build a house. If you have completed 10 years of service, you can also withdraw money to pay your home loan EMIs.
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EPFO’s approach is most flexible in case of medical emergencies. There is no minimum service period required for treatment. You can withdraw funds immediately if needed for the treatment of yourself, your spouse, children, or parents.
Withdrawal Rules for Marriage and Education
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EPFO has also made special provisions for children’s higher education or marriage in the family. The rule for this is that you must have completed at least 7 years of service. In this case, you can withdraw 50% of your total contributions (including interest). Furthermore, if you have reached the age of 54, you are entitled to withdraw up to 90% of your funds one year before retirement.
Tax on PF Withdrawals
It’s important to understand the income tax rules before withdrawing money. Withdrawals after five years of continuous service are completely tax-free. However, if withdrawals are made before the five-year mark, tax is applicable. Withdrawals exceeding ₹30,000 are subject to a 10% TDS deduction if you submit your PAN card. Without a PAN, this deduction can be even higher, so keep your KYC up-to-date.