The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a major update under its EPFO 3.0 framework, allowing members to withdraw up to 75% of their total EPF balance instantly, without the need for any supporting documents. The change aims to give salaried employees easier access to their savings while ensuring long-term financial stability through the remaining 25% balance that continues to earn interest.
Let’s break down what this new rule means, how much you can withdraw depending on your balance, and what happens in case of job loss.
What is EPFO 3.0 and What Has Changed?Under the earlier EPF rules, partial withdrawals were allowed only under specific conditions — such as medical emergencies, marriage, or education — and required documentation. However, EPFO 3.0 introduces a flexible withdrawal system, where members can withdraw up to 75% of their total EPF corpus at any time.
The remaining 25% must stay in the account, which continues to accrue annual interest. This ensures that the account remains active and grows steadily for the member’s future needs, including retirement.
It’s important to note that this rule applies to the EPF corpus only — which includes both the employee’s and the employer’s contributions. The Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) portion remains untouched, as it is strictly meant for pension benefits after retirement.
How Much Can You Withdraw? — Full Calculation ChartHere’s how much you can withdraw depending on your total EPF balance:
Total EPF Balance (₹) Withdrawable Amount (75%) (₹) Amount Remaining (25%) (₹)5,00,000 | 3,75,000 | 1,25,000 |
10,00,000 | 7,50,000 | 2,50,000 |
20,00,000 | 15,00,000 | 5,00,000 |
30,00,000 | 22,50,000 | 7,50,000 |
40,00,000 | 30,00,000 | 10,00,000 |
50,00,000 | 37,50,000 | 12,50,000 |
So, for example, if your EPF balance is ₹10 lakh, you can withdraw ₹7.5 lakh immediately, while ₹2.5 lakh will remain invested in your EPF account — continuing to earn interest.
Why EPFO Introduced the 25% Retention RuleAfter the announcement of EPFO 3.0, there was widespread confusion on social media about whether employees are restricted from withdrawing more than 75% of their funds. Some even believed that 25% would be locked permanently.
EPFO has clarified that the 25% retention rule is meant to keep the account active and ensure interest accrual continues. This way, members can enjoy liquidity when needed, without completely draining their long-term retirement corpus.
This approach balances immediate financial flexibility with future savings discipline, a move seen as a major modernization step by EPFO.
Withdrawal in Case of Job LossIf you lose your job, the EPFO 3.0 rules allow you to withdraw 75% of your EPF balance immediately. The remaining 25% can be withdrawn after one year during final settlement, provided you remain unemployed during that period.
This change is expected to help thousands of employees who face sudden job loss or financial emergencies, offering instant access to a significant portion of their accumulated funds.
No Documentation Required for Partial WithdrawalAnother major relief under EPFO 3.0 is the elimination of paperwork for partial withdrawals. Earlier, members had to submit forms and supporting documents to justify their withdrawal reasons.
Now, the entire process can be completed online through the EPFO Member Portal or UMANG app, making it faster and more transparent.
Final ThoughtsThe new EPFO 3.0 system marks a progressive shift in how employees can manage their provident fund savings. With the flexibility to withdraw up to 75% without documentation, and the assurance that 25% remains invested for long-term growth, the updated framework strikes a healthy balance between immediate liquidity and future financial security.
For salaried employees with EPF balances between ₹5 lakh and ₹50 lakh, this update offers both freedom and safety, empowering them to use their hard-earned money wisely — whenever the need arises.
SEO Keywords: EPFO 3.0 withdrawal rules, EPF 75 percent withdrawal, EPF calculation chart, EPF new rules 2025, EPFO job loss withdrawal, EPF online withdrawal process
You may also like
Class 9 student's throat slit by unknown attacker in Andhra's Alluri Sitharama Raju, condition critical
POLL: Is Rachel Reeves wrecking the UK economy?
Ukraine-Russia war: Trump-Putin meet in Budapest put on hold; Rubio calls Lavrov
British tourist 'raped on Greek holiday island' as police arrest Nigerian hotel worker
Bangladesh's new blame game (IANS Analysis)