PF Account Rules - Big news for PF Account holders. The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) allows you to withdraw money from your account if needed, even while you're still employed. Fortunately, there's no limit on the number of withdrawals.

However, the full balance will only be available after two months of leaving your job or after you've retired. Recently, the EPFO warned its subscribers that if you provide a false reason for withdrawing your PF funds, you may have to return the money, along with interest and penalties.

EPFO said on its official X account, "PF withdrawal for wrong reasons is subject to recovery under the EPF Scheme 1952. Secure your future and use PF only when required. Your PF is the safety shield of your life."

EPFO rules clearly state that you can withdraw your entire PF balance only after retirement or upon reaching the age of 58. Partial withdrawals are only permitted under certain circumstances, such as:

If a member withdraws PF funds for the purpose of purchasing a house and later uses the money for something else, the EPFO has the right to take it back. Section 68B(11) of the EPF Scheme 1952 clearly states that if a member misuses the withdrawn funds:

He will not be able to make any further withdrawals from PF for the next three years.

The new advance request will not be approved until the old money is returned along with interest.

This means that withdrawing PF for the wrong reason can create problems for you in the future.

There are different forms for claiming PF online and each form has its own purpose. If you have left the job or have retired, then you can withdraw the entire amount from your PF account by filling Form 19. If your service is less than 10 years and you have left the job, then you can withdraw the money related to the pension scheme (EPS) through Form 10-C, whereas for those with more than 10 years of service, this form is used for transferring the pension. Whereas, if you want to withdraw a partial amount from PF on special occasions like marriage, children's education, serious illness or buying a house, then Form 31 has to be filled for this.