EPFO fund withdrawal rules for illness: How much EPF can you withdraw for medical treatment?

If you need money for medical treatment, your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) savings can provide financial support. Under the latest EPF withdrawal rules, eligible Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) members can withdraw up to 75% of their EPF balance for illness-related expenses after completing 12 months of EPF membership.

EPF illness withdrawal: How much can you withdraw?

An eligible EPF member can withdraw only up to 75% of the EPF balance for illness expenses after completing 12 months of EPF membership.

Members must retain at least 25% of their EPF balance

As per the new EPF rules, EPF members must retain 25% of their PF balance. Say for example, if you have an eligible PF balance of Rs 4 lakh, up to Rs 3 lakh can be withdrawn under the 75% provision for illness, while Rs 1 lakh should remain in the account.

How many times can you withdraw PF for illness?

There is no limit on the number of illness-related withdrawals under the revised framework, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.

EPF illness claim: How quickly will the EPF amount be credited?

An illness-related advance can be processed through the EPFO's auto-settlement facility if the claim meets the eligibility conditions.

The EPFO says claims processed under the auto-settlement system are settled within three days, or 72 hours, without manual intervention.

The auto-settlement facility covers eligible advance claims made for purposes including illness, education, marriage and housing.

The three-day timeline applies to claims that qualify for auto-settlement and does not mean that every EPF claim will necessarily be settled within 72 hours.

EPF auto-settlement limit increased to Rs 5 lakh

In 2025, the EPFO increased the limit for advance claims eligible for auto settlement from Rs1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

The higher limit means eligible advance claims can be processed through the faster digital route up to the prescribed amount.

What is the 12-month EPF membership rule for fund withdrawals?

The new EPF rules require members to complete 12 months of EPF membership for eligible partial withdrawals across different categories.

After completing 12 months of EPF membership, an EPF member can apply for an advance according to the rules applicable to the purpose for which the withdrawal is being made.