The government has notified a brand-new Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, 2026, which supersedes the decades-old EPF Scheme, 1952. It came into force on 29 June 2026, and it changes how and when you can take money out of your PF account while keeping your monthly contribution rate the same.
Quick answer: Yes, you can still withdraw your PF. The EPF Scheme 2026 keeps contributions at 12 percent from you and 12 percent from your employer. You can take a partial advance after 12 months of membership, but at least 25 percent of your contributions must stay in the account until final settlement at superannuation.
This is the fastest way to see what is different for your money. The new scheme was notified by G.S.R. 525(E) dated 29 June 2026 under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
| Feature | EPF Scheme 1952 (old) | EPF Scheme 2026 (new) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 framework | Made under the Code on Social Security, 2020 |
| Contribution rate | 12 percent employee + 12 percent employer, 10 percent for notified establishments | Unchanged: 12 percent + 12 percent, 10 percent for notified establishments |
| When you can take an advance | Different waiting periods tied to each separate purpose | Eligible after completing 12 months of membership |
| Minimum balance rule | No single across-the-board minimum retention rule | Minimum 25 percent of contributions must stay until final settlement |
| Withdrawal purposes | Long list of separate advance purposes | Streamlined into broad heads such as illness, education, marriage and housing |
| Digital access | Mostly portal and form based | UPI-to-bank withdrawal and WhatsApp services being rolled out |
If you already have a PF account, your balance and Universal Account Number (UAN) carry forward. The new scheme governs the rules from 29 June 2026 onward.
You can take a partial advance if:
What stays locked:
Final settlement is referenced in the scheme at these points:
The 25 percent minimum-balance rule is new. Even when you qualify for an advance, plan the amount so that a quarter of your contributions stays parked until you finally settle the account.
EPFO has announced that PF withdrawals to a bank account through UPI, and member services over WhatsApp, are being rolled out. Use these once they are live in your region, but until then the member portal remains the main route.
If your genuine claim is delayed without explanation, you can use the Right to Information Act to ask your EPFO office for the status and the reason. See The RTI Playbook for how to frame a clear request.
Yes. The new scheme keeps partial advances and final settlement. You become eligible for an advance after 12 months of membership, and at least 25 percent of your contributions must stay in the account until final settlement.
No. The rate is unchanged at 12 percent from the employee and 12 percent from the employer. The existing 10 percent rate continues for establishments notified by the central government.
Under the EPF Scheme 2026 you can take an advance up to your eligible balance, but a minimum of 25 percent of your contributions must remain in the account until you finally settle it, usually at superannuation.
The scheme allows advances for specified needs such as illness or medical treatment, education, marriage and housing. The earlier long list of separate advance purposes has been streamlined into broad heads.
The scheme references superannuation at age 58, early exit provisions from age 55, and settlement on permanent or total incapacity for work.
EPFO has announced that UPI-to-bank withdrawals and WhatsApp-based member services are being rolled out. Treat this as coming soon rather than guaranteed everywhere, and keep using the member portal until it is live for you.