100% EPF withdrawal without giving any reason now possible in special situations. Know details

At this point, you may be wondering: What are these special situations, and how will the new rule help you?

Let us understand in detail in this article:

First, know what has been happening before the announcement of the new rules:

While making withdrawals due to special situations such as a natural disaster, pandemic, lockout, unemployment, etc., EPF members needed to clearly mention the reason. Not only this, but they were also required to submit the proof of "special situations," and very often claims were rejected if the reason was not mentioned in the EPFO's approved list.

Some of the special circumstances approved by the EPFO and the document required as "proof" were the following:

How will the new rule help you?

As per the decisions announced by EPFO, EPF members will now be allowed to withdraw under above-mentioned "special circumstances" without assigning any reasons. This means, you will have more control over your own money, and you don't need to justify the reason for withdrawal or be at the mercy of the provident fund body under special circumstances.

"Earlier, under ‘Special Circumstances,’ the member was required to clarify the reasons for partial withdrawals viz. natural calamity, lockouts/closure of establishments, continuous un-employment, outbreak of epidemic etc. This often led to rejection of claims and consequent grievances. Now, the member can apply without assigning any reasons under this category," EPFO said in a release dated October 13, 2025.

Moreover, under special situations, members will also be allowed to make 100% withdrawals from their EPF accounts. In normal situations, members will be allowed to withdraw only up to 75% of their EPF balance.

"75% of eligible amount now withdrawable at any time without any documentation; full withdrawal also allowed under special situations," EPFO said in another release dated October 15, 2025.