- KR Bharat
- 2025-10-19
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced new guidelines to simplify the PF withdrawal process. Under the revised rules, withdrawal categories have been consolidated into three main types: essential needs, housing, and special circumstances. Partial withdrawals for purposes like education, marriage, or medical emergencies are now easier, with a reduced minimum service period of 12 months. Full withdrawals are permitted in cases of unemployment exceeding a year, retirement after 55, permanent disability, or migration abroad, ensuring members can access their funds when genuinely needed.
The new guidelines also require that 25% of total contributions remain in the account to maintain interest accrual and retirement savings. The process has been streamlined through digitization, minimizing paperwork and enabling faster settlement of claims. These changes aim to provide greater financial flexibility while protecting members’ long-term savings, making it simpler for employees to manage their funds responsibly and access them during emergencies or critical life events.
