New EPF Withdrawal Rules for Education, Marriage, Housing
You can withdraw PF advances up to 10 times for education and up to five times for marriage-related expenses under the essential needs category
UdaipurTimes, Oct 15, 2026 - The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued a smart guide outlining the revised rules on withdrawal limits for certain categories. As per the standard EPFO rules, 75% of a member’s EPF balance can be withdrawn on completion of just 12 months of membership, subjected to eligibility.
Under the new framework, introduced through the EPF Scheme, 2026, three categories have been identified for partial withdrawals - essential needs, housing-related needs and special circumstances. Eligibility criteria will remain the same of up to 75% of the EPF balance and at least one year of membership requirement.
Going forward, during the entire EPF membership, you can withdraw PF advances up to 10 times for education and up to five times for marriage-related expenses under the essential needs category. There is, however, no limit on withdrawals for medical treatment which also falls under this category but subject to applicable rules.
Under the housing-related category, you can withdraw funds up to five times for purchasing a house, flat or plot, constructing a house, repaying a home loan or carrying out repairs.
Under the third category, which covers special circumstances as notified by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) and EPF, you can apply for an advance a maximum of twice in a financial year.
