New PF Withdrawal Rules: Can You Access Your Funds Before Three Years?

I have come to know that the PF Authority has changed PF Withdrawal Rules. Employees cannot withdraw their PF before three years starting from 1st February 2011.

If anybody has more details, please update me.

Thanks & regards,
Shila Tiwari

Hi All, My question is regarding the recent changes made by the PF Authority in the PF Withdrawal Rules. Employees are now unable to withdraw their PF before three years from 1st Feb 2011 onwards. If anyone has information about this, please respond as soon as possible.

Regards, Pritam [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Dear Shila Tiwari & Pritam, from where did you get the above information? The latest EPF amendment in 2011 is regarding the disallowing of interest on non-operative accounts after completion of 3 years. This amendment will come into force w.e.f. 01.04.2011. The above amendment is to enable the withdrawal of EPF at the earliest, i.e., the maximum period to withdraw without losing interest is three years. But by mistake, your understanding became reversed.

In the case of superannuation and journeys abroad, you may apply for withdrawal immediately. In other cases, you have to wait for two months to submit the application.

Regards,
Abbas P.S

If I'm not wrong, the restriction on the withdrawal of PF before three years has not come into effect. The same has only been suggested by a committee and has not been approved yet.

If I am not wrong, the restriction on the withdrawal of PF before three years has not come into effect. The same has only been suggested by a committee and not approved yet.

No, you are wrong. It is not merely a suggestion. It was a decision taken by the Central Board of Trustees (EPF) chaired by the Honorable Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Mallikarjuna Kharge, on 15.09.2010. Subsequently, the notification has already been released to implement the same w.e.f 01.04.2011.

Regards,
Abbas.P.S