How Much PF Can Be Withdrawn: EPF Withdrawal Limit, Rules & Process Explained

Key Insights 

1. You can withdraw up to 90% of your PF balance if you want to buy a home.
    
2. Members are allowed to withdraw funds for education up to 10 times, and for marriage up to 5 times.
    
3. At least 25% of your PF balance must be kept to help protect your retirement savings.

 How many times we can withdraw pf advance under the new EPFO rules, members can now withdraw their entire provident fund balance, including both their own and their employer’s contributions. The previous 13 withdrawal options have been combined into three simpler categories:
 

• Essential Needs: This covers costs such as illness, education, and marriage. Now, you can withdraw for education up to ten times and for marriage up to five times, which is a significant increase from the earlier combined limit of three.
   
• Housing Needs: You can withdraw funds to buy, build, or repay loans for a house.
   
• Special Circumstances: This applies to situations like natural disasters or unexpected financial difficulties.

You can now make partial withdrawals after 12 months of service, and if you need to withdraw under special circumstances, you don’t have to provide extra explanations.

But we have a lot of questions like how much pf can be withdrawn for home purchase, how much pf can be withdrawn for illness, how much pf can be withdrawn for construction of house?

But this blog helps you to understand the PF rules, which help you find how much pf you can withdraw.

Bonus Tip: 1 or more recoverable advances. In case the closure is for above 5 years, the recoverable advance is converted to non-recoverable on the member’s request.

Important New Rules for PF Withdrawal

Do you think withdrawing your PF or natural calamities pf withdrawal limit is still as easy as it used to be? Recent rule changes might change when and how you can access your retirement money. 

Here’s what you should know.
 

• Members need to keep at least 25% of their PF balance untouched to help secure their retirement.
• To withdraw a pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), you now need to wait at least 36 months instead of just two. This change encourages long-term pension eligibility.
• If you lose your job, you can withdraw up to 75% of your PF balance right away, including employer contributions and interest. The remaining 25% can be withdrawn after one year of unemployment.
• You can fully withdraw your entire PF balance, including the protected 25%, if you retire after 55 years of service, become permanently disabled, are unable to work, are retrenched, take voluntary retirement, or leave India for good.

These rules are designed to provide both short-term financial help and long-term retirement security. They make sure that every member saves for the future.

Government’s Clarification for PF Withdrawal 

The government has made the rules for withdrawing PF clearer. Now, it is easier to see who can withdraw, what steps to take, and how taxes will be applied.

• Members need to keep at least 25% of their PF balance untouched to protect their retirement savings.
• Full withdrawal isallowed if you retire after age 55, become permanently disabled, are retrenched, take voluntary retirement, or leave India permanently.y.
• If you lose your job, you can access up to 75% ofyouir PF balanceright awaly, including employer contributions and interest. Thelastg 25% can be withdrawn afterae year of unemployment.
• To withdraw a pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), you now need to wait at least 36 months instead of two. This helps support long-term pension continuity.

These changes are meant to make the process easier and help your savings grow, with an annual interest rate of 8.25%.

Key PF Withdrawal Rules for Home Purchase (2025-2026)

If you want to use your Provident Fund to buy a home, you will need to meet the 2025-2026 eligibility rules, follow withdrawal limits, and provide the required documents.

• You can withdraw up to 90% of your total PF balance or the actual cost of the property or construction, whichever amount is less.
• To be eligible, you usually need at least 3 years of service, although some rules may still require 5 years.
• You can use the funds to buy a flat, build a house, or pay for down payments and EMIs.
• You can make this withdrawal only once in your lifetime.
• Withdrawals are tax-free if you have completed 5 years of service.

This framework guides members in making important life investments and sets clear limits to help protect their long-term financial stability.

How many times can you withdraw pf advance?

Here are the main rules and limits for making withdrawals from this information. You can know about how much pf can be withdrawn while working:
 

Your PF withdrawal limits are set at different levels to encourage good financial habits while still ensuring you have access to funds when you need them for important life events.

Conclusion

The updated PF framework is designed to give members easier access to their funds while still protecting their long-term retirement security. Members can withdraw money for important needs, but there are rules such as retention requirements, form 31 pf withdrawal limit and waiting periods to help safeguard their financial future.

FAQS

How often and how much can I withdraw from the EPF and EPS accounts of the old organisation? 

According to the 2025-2026 EPFO rules, you can take out your entire EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) balance if you leave your job and remain unemployed for 12 months. You can also withdraw for marriage up to 5 times or for education up to 10 times. You can only withdraw from your EPS (Pension) if you have worked for less than 10 years, and you must wait 36 months to do so.

What will happen to disciplinary action on EPFO Withdrawal if I withdraw money and don't use it for the reason given? 

If you use EPFO withdrawal funds for reasons other than what you declared, such as for something other than medical or housing needs, you are breaking EPF rules. This can result in having to pay the money back, paying penalty interest, being banned from making withdrawals for three years, and possibly facing disciplinary action from your employer.

How much can we withdraw from an Employee Provident Fund(EPF) during this crisis? 

Starting in 2025, EPFO members who lose their jobs can take out up to 75% of their total PF balance, including employer contributions, after being unemployed for one month. If unemployment continues for a year, they can access the remaining 25%. Active employees can get non-refundable advances for emergencies like illness, marriage, or education, and can withdraw up to 90% of their balance for housing needs.

What is the maximum number of times one can withdraw from their EPF account online? 

There is no single maximum limit on how many times you can withdraw from your Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) account online. The number of withdrawals depends on the reason, such as illness, marriage, or education. However, there are specific limits for partial withdrawals: up to 10 times for education, 5 times for marriage, and after 12 months of service for partial withdrawals.

 What is the purpose of the 25% minimum balance?

This rule helps make sure your retirement savings are not used up all at once, so you have money for the long term instead of just for immediate needs.