Provident Fund (PF) Withdrawal

An individual is eligible to withdraw their Provident Fund (PF) without any minimum service years requirement if they need to undergo major surgery or medical treatment that requires hospitalization for more than a month, or if they have a physical handicap. The amount that can be withdrawn is either 6 months of the employee's salary or their own contribution to the PF, whichever is less.

Yes. If the employee has attained the age of 54 years or above, he/she can withdraw up to 90% of the PF balance with interest, one year before retirement

Any income received through a withdrawal of the Employee Provident Fund will be considered taxable under the current Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, if the withdrawal is made by the employee prior to five years of continuous service.
Exemptions are offered in the event that a business shutdown or poor health result in the cessation of employment. However, because the transferred EPF balance is a continuation of the account, income tax is not imposed on it.

The processing time for PF withdrawal can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months to receive the funds.