Access to EPF corpus made easier, but use the facility only in emergencies

EPF subscribers should continue to save separately for housing, and children's education and marriage

The Central Board of Trustees of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has overhauled its withdrawal framework. It has replaced 13 complex provisions with three simplified categories — essential needs (illness, education, marriage), housing needs, and special circumstances. The move makes access to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) easier but also requires members to exercise caution to avoid eroding their retirement corpus.

 

Withdraw up to 100 per cent of balance

 

Members can now withdraw up to 100 per cent of their eligible provident fund balance, including both employee and employer contributions. “Eligible provident fund balance refers to the total amount