Every month, part of your salary goes into your PF account. This money is saved for your retirement. But how many times have you wanted to use this money now? To buy a house, pay for your children’s education, or spend on weddings?
Right now, rules stop you from taking all the money early. But the government is planning to change this. Soon, you may be able to withdraw your full PF amount even before retirement. The government is preparing a big change in the PF withdrawal rules.
What Could Change?
According to reports, the central government is thinking about giving EPFO subscribers more freedom. The plan may allow people to withdraw their full PF balance before retirement. This means they will not have to wait until 58 years old. It is said that if someone completes 10 years of service, they may be able to withdraw their full PF balance if needed. However, there is no official announcement yet.
Current Rules and Who Will Benefit
- Right now, to withdraw the full PF balance, you must be 58 years old or unemployed for more than two months.
- After 5 years of service, you can withdraw part of PF to build a house, buy a flat, or buy land.
- For marriage or education, you must have 7 years of service.
- Even for marriage, only 50% of your contribution and interest can be withdrawn.
- For buying or building a house, you can withdraw 90% of PF if the property is in your or your spouse’s name.
- If the new rule comes, it will help those who want to retire early or leave their job. They will not have to wait until 58 and can take out their PF money.
Major Changes in EPFO So Far
- Instant withdrawals via UPI: Up to ₹1 lakh can be withdrawn instantly through UPI or ATM.
- Auto settlement increased: The automatic claim limit increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
- Reduced documents: Documents needed for claims reduced from 27 to 18. Process now takes 3–4 days.
- Home purchase facility: After 3 years of service, you can use 90% of PF for down payment or EMI.
- EPFO 3.0 coming: Features like UPI payments, mobile app, ATM card withdrawals, and online tracking.
The government wants employees to get easy access to their PF funds. If the new rule is made, it will give relief to millions of workers. We have to wait to see when this will happen.
