An important piece of information has emerged for members of the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). According to the central government's EPF 2026 rules, some changes have been made to the rules for withdrawing PM-PM advances. An important update has now been released regarding the number of withdrawals allowed for illness, marriage, education, home purchase, or other needs.

The biggest change is that you'll now have to wait longer for the final settlement of your PF balance after losing your job. Previously, you could withdraw your entire PF balance after two months of unemployment. Under the new rules, you'll now have to wait 12 months for the final settlement.

Now, a minimum balance of 25% of the total balance in the PF account has been mandated. Eligible members can avail an advance of up to 100% of their eligible balance based on their needs, but a basic balance must be maintained.

You can withdraw as many advances as you need to cover medical expenses for your illness or those of your family members. For higher education, you can withdraw up to 10 advances for your own or your children's education during the entire membership period.

For wedding expenses, you can withdraw up to five advances for your own wedding, your children's wedding, or your eligible family members' weddings. You can also withdraw up to five advances from different categories to purchase a house, flat, plot, construct a house, repair a house, or repay a home loan.

In special or emergency circumstances, you can withdraw two advances in a financial year as per the rules approved by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT). Furthermore, after 12 months of becoming an EPF member, you can withdraw up to 75% of your total PF balance as per the relevant rules. However, the amount you receive will depend on the member's eligibility and applicable rules.