The EPFO allows members to make partial withdrawals (called "advances") from their EPF account for specific purposes without resigning from their job. These are not loans — the amount is deducted from your EPF balance and does not need to be repaid. The six main purposes are housing, medical, education, marriage, pre-retirement, and natural calamity. Each has different eligibility criteria, waiting period, and withdrawal limits.
Quick Answer
Quick AnswerCan I withdraw EPF partially while still employed in India? Yes. EPFO allows partial withdrawal (advance) from your EPF account while employed for specific purposes: housing (up to 90% after 5 years), medical (up to 6 months basic salary, anytime), education/marriage (up to 50% employee share after 7 years), and pre-retirement (up to 90% after age 57). Apply online at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
Source: The Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, 1952 (Paragraphs 68B, 68BB, 68K, 68N, 68NN). Official site: epfindia.gov.in.
Answer Engine Summary
EPF partial withdrawal (advance) is allowed in India for housing, medical, education, marriage, and pre-retirement without quitting the job. The housing withdrawal permits up to 90% of EPF balance after 5 years of service. Medical advances are available at any time with no minimum service requirement. Apply online via the EPFO Unified Member Portal.
Last updated: 13 July 2026
Educational information only. Verify applicability with official guidance and qualified professionals where needed.
EPF partial withdrawal for housing loan or purchase (Paragraph 68B)
Under Paragraph 68B of the EPF Scheme 1952, you can withdraw up to 90% of your EPF balance (employee + employer share + interest) for purchasing or constructing a house or land, or repaying an outstanding housing loan.
Eligibility: minimum 5 years of EPF membership (not just service at current employer — cumulative across all employers). The property must be registered in your name or jointly with your spouse.
This advance can be taken only once in a lifetime. For repaying a housing loan, the remaining loan term must be at least 3 years.
Under Paragraph 68BB (introduced in 2017), you can also withdraw up to 90% specifically for construction on land you already own — with the same 5-year membership condition.
- Purpose: purchase land, construct house, or repay home loan
- Amount: up to 90% of total EPF balance
- Minimum service: 5 years EPF membership
- Can be claimed only once in a lifetime
- Property must be in your name or spouse's name
EPF Partial Withdrawal — Purposes, Eligibility & Limits
Housing, medical, education, marriage — what is allowed and when
EPF withdrawal for medical emergency (Paragraph 68J)
Under Paragraph 68J, you can withdraw from EPF for major medical treatment of yourself, spouse, children, or dependent parents. There is no minimum service requirement — you can claim this even in the first year of employment.
The maximum amount allowed is 6 months of your basic salary plus dearness allowance (or your entire employee share with interest, whichever is lower).
Eligible medical conditions: hospitalisation of more than 1 month, major surgery, or treatment for specified serious illnesses like cancer, tuberculosis, paralysis, heart disease, leprosy, or mental illness. Your doctor's certificate recommending hospitalisation or treatment is required.
Medical advances are tax-free when received. Verify the latest list of eligible illnesses at epfindia.gov.in.
EPF withdrawal for marriage or higher education (Paragraph 68K)
Under Paragraph 68K, you can withdraw up to 50% of your own (employee) contribution with interest for: your own marriage, marriage of a sibling or child, or higher education of yourself or your child after Class 10.
Minimum service required: 7 years of EPF membership. This advance can be taken a maximum of 3 times in your working life.
For marriage, a wedding invitation or marriage certificate is required. For education, an admission letter from a college or educational institution is needed.
- Purpose: own wedding, sibling/child wedding, or higher education
- Amount: up to 50% of employee EPF contribution (not employer share)
- Minimum service: 7 years EPF membership
- Can be claimed up to 3 times in total
How to apply for EPF partial withdrawal online
Step 1 — Log in to EPFO Unified Member Portal (unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in) using UAN and password.
Step 2 — Ensure KYC is complete: Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account must be verified (green tick under Manage → KYC).
Step 3 — Go to Online Services → Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C). Select "PF Advance (Form 31)".
Step 4 — Choose the purpose of advance from the dropdown (housing, medical, marriage, etc.). Enter the required amount.
Step 5 — Upload supporting documents if required (medical certificate for 68J; wedding invitation for 68K). Submit.
Processing time: 15–20 working days. Amount is credited to your registered bank account. You can track at Online Services → Track Claim Status.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is EPF partial withdrawal taxable in India?
For most permitted purposes, EPF partial withdrawals are not taxable. Medical advances are fully tax-free. Housing, education, and marriage advances are also not treated as income by the IT department. The exception: if your total continuous service is under 5 years and the withdrawal exceeds Rs 50,000, EPFO deducts TDS at 10%. Submit Form 15G if your income is below the basic exemption limit to avoid TDS. Verify at incometax.gov.in or consult a CA for your specific situation.
How much EPF can I withdraw for a home loan down payment?
Under Paragraph 68B of the EPF Scheme, you can withdraw up to 90% of your total EPF balance (employee + employer contributions + interest) after 5 years of membership, for the purpose of purchasing or constructing a house. The amount can be used as a down payment. However, this reduces your EPF retirement corpus significantly — carefully weigh this before withdrawing.
Can I withdraw EPF for my sister's wedding?
Yes. Under Paragraph 68K of the EPF Scheme 1952, you can withdraw up to 50% of your employee contribution with interest for the wedding of a sibling (brother or sister), subject to a minimum of 7 years of EPF membership. Supporting document (wedding invitation or marriage certificate) is required.
What is the maximum number of EPF advances allowed?
It depends on the purpose. Housing advance (68B): once in a lifetime. Medical advance (68J): no explicit limit, but subject to reason and documentation. Marriage/education advance (68K): maximum 3 times in your working life.
Educational Disclaimer
The content on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Individual situations vary; always consult with a certified tax expert or financial advisor before making major financial decisions.