PF Withdrawal Rules 2025: Know How Many Times You Can Withdraw Your Money While Working
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The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is one of the most reliable savings schemes for salaried employees in India. While it is primarily designed to secure your retirement, many are unaware that the fund can also be accessed during employment under specific conditions. Knowing the withdrawal rules helps you make smarter financial decisions without disturbing your long-term savings goals.
Can You Withdraw Money From EPF While Still Employed?
Yes, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) allows partial withdrawals from your account even while you’re working. There’s no restriction on the number of withdrawals, but you can only access a portion of the balance. Full withdrawals are permitted only after retirement.
⚠️ Important Note: If you withdraw a lump sum before completing five years of service, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) will apply.
Situations Where PF Withdrawal is Allowed
1. Medical Emergencies
In case of hospitalisation or major health issues affecting you or your dependents, you can withdraw funds without any waiting period. The limit is six months of your salary or your personal PF contribution with interest—whichever is lower.
2. Buying or Building a House
After completing five years of service, you can use your PF savings to purchase or construct a house. The maximum withdrawal is the lowest of these three:
3. Repayment of Home Loan
If you’ve contributed to EPF for at least 10 years, you can withdraw up to 90% of your total balance to repay a housing loan. This option significantly eases financial stress for homebuyers.
4. Marriage Expenses
You can withdraw PF money for your marriage or the marriage of your children or siblings. After seven years of EPF contribution, up to 50% of your share with interest can be withdrawn. This benefit can be used a maximum of three times.
Your EPF is more than just a retirement fund - it can be a lifeline during important milestones and emergencies. However, frequent withdrawals can reduce your long-term savings. It’s wise to use this facility only when absolutely necessary and keep your retirement corpus intact.
Can You Withdraw Money From EPF While Still Employed?
Yes, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) allows partial withdrawals from your account even while you’re working. There’s no restriction on the number of withdrawals, but you can only access a portion of the balance. Full withdrawals are permitted only after retirement.
⚠️ Important Note: If you withdraw a lump sum before completing five years of service, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) will apply.
Situations Where PF Withdrawal is Allowed
1. Medical Emergencies
In case of hospitalisation or major health issues affecting you or your dependents, you can withdraw funds without any waiting period. The limit is six months of your salary or your personal PF contribution with interest—whichever is lower.
2. Buying or Building a House
After completing five years of service, you can use your PF savings to purchase or construct a house. The maximum withdrawal is the lowest of these three:
- 36 months of basic salary plus dearness allowance
- The combined balance of employee and employer contributions with interest
- Total cost of the property
- This facility can be availed only once.
3. Repayment of Home Loan
If you’ve contributed to EPF for at least 10 years, you can withdraw up to 90% of your total balance to repay a housing loan. This option significantly eases financial stress for homebuyers.
4. Marriage Expenses
You can withdraw PF money for your marriage or the marriage of your children or siblings. After seven years of EPF contribution, up to 50% of your share with interest can be withdrawn. This benefit can be used a maximum of three times.
Your EPF is more than just a retirement fund - it can be a lifeline during important milestones and emergencies. However, frequent withdrawals can reduce your long-term savings. It’s wise to use this facility only when absolutely necessary and keep your retirement corpus intact.
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