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PF withdrawal for home loan prepayment in India

PF withdrawal for home loan prepayment in India

So, it’s time to repay your home loan. But wouldn’t it help to have some extra funds at hand? After all, having a few extra bucks always comes in handy. And if so, there are various ways you can take the weight of a home loan off your shoulders, even if only for a short time.

One of the ideal options is withdrawing your provident fund (PF or EPF). Essentially, it is money you and your employer put away for your retirement. However, in case you need to withdraw the money sooner, there is a solution. The EPF Scheme of 1952 allows you to withdraw up to 90% of PF for a home loan. Read further to learn more about PF withdrawal for home loan prepayment.

What is a Provident Fund?

Provident Fund (PF)’s meaning in India is a long-term retirement savings scheme managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) for salaried employees. Every month, the employee and employer set aside a defined percentage of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance into the account. This joint contribution creates a corpus, giving employees financial security during retirement and emergencies.

While PF supports post-retirement needs, it also allows partial withdrawals for specific purposes. For instance, you can withdraw PF for home loan and housing-related needs, such as purchasing or constructing a home, paying a down payment, or repaying an existing home loan. Withdrawals are also permitted for medical emergencies, education, marriage, or unemployment, if you are eligible. 

Using PF for a home loan down payment

Using PF for a home loan down payment can ease the initial financial burden of buying a house. EPFO allows eligible members to withdraw up to 90% of their PF balance after completing three years of continuous service. You can withdraw and use PF for a home purchase or construction. Alternatively, you can use the withdrawn PF for a home loan down payment or paying off EMIs, reducing the need to use personal savings. 

PF withdrawal for home purchase is typically tax-free if service conditions are met. The process is simple and can be completed online through the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal. However, you should plan carefully, as withdrawing PF may impact long-term retirement savings.

Also, read – How To Check PF Balance Online?

PF withdrawal rules for home purchase

The PF withdrawal rules for home purchase are as follows:

  • Minimum service requirement: EPFO members must complete at least three years of continuous service to become eligible for PF withdrawal for home purchase.
  • Maximum withdrawal limit: Members can withdraw up to 90% of their total PF balance, including both employee and employer contributions.
  • Purpose of withdrawal: PF funds can be used to purchase a house or flat, buy land for construction, or construct a residential property.
  • Ownership condition: The property must be registered in the member’s name or jointly with a spouse.
  • Minimum balance: The member should have a balance of more than Rs. 20,000 individually or with a spouse who is also a PF account holder. 
  • Frequency: The EPF withdrawal eligibility for a house is only once in a lifetime. 

Pros of using PF for a down payment

The benefits of PF withdrawal for a down payment are: 

  • PF withdrawal reduces the upfront financial burden by allowing you to use accumulated savings instead of liquid cash.
  • It lowers the loan amount required, which directly reduces EMIs and total interest payable over the loan tenure.
  • There is no interest cost involved, unlike personal loans or borrowing from other sources.
  • It is a tax-efficient option, as PF withdrawal for housing is tax-free if eligibility conditions are met.
  • There is an easy online process through the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal with minimal documentation.
  • It improves loan eligibility, since a higher down payment can increase lender confidence.
  • PF withdrawal for home purchase helps with better cash flow management, allowing you to preserve emergency savings for future needs.

Cons of using PF for a down payment

The disadvantages or risks of using PF for a home loan are:

  • It reduces retirement savings as PF is primarily meant for long-term financial security after retirement.
  • There is a loss of compounding benefits, since withdrawn funds no longer earn interest over the years.
  • You have limited withdrawal flexibility, as PF withdrawals for housing are subject to strict eligibility and service conditions.
  • It may affect future financial stability, especially if no alternative retirement investments are in place.
  • There can be processing delays or rejections due to KYC mismatches or documentation issues.
  • There is a one-time withdrawal restriction, allowing the use of PF only a limited number of times for housing purposes.
  • It is not ideal for younger employees, who benefit more from letting PF grow over the long term.

Also, read – Pros and Cons of Withdrawing from PF for Home Loan Down Payment

When to withdraw PF for a home loan?

The following scenarios highlight the best time to withdraw PF for a home loan:

  • Withdraw PF when you need to arrange a down payment and want to reduce the loan amount and future EMIs.
  • It is advisable to withdraw PF if you have completed the minimum service period and meet EPFO eligibility rules.
  • Consider PF withdrawal when your retirement corpus is sufficient or supported by other long-term investments.
  • Use PF funds if withdrawing helps you avoid high-interest borrowing, such as personal loans.
  • PF withdrawal is also suitable when you are purchasing a self-occupied residential property in your name or jointly with your spouse.
  • Withdraw PF only after assessing the impact on long-term financial goals and retirement planning.

Alternatives to PF withdrawal

If you don’t wish to withdraw from your PF, you can explore other options for a down payment. The other alternatives to PF withdrawal are:

  • Increase personal savings by planning expenses early and building a dedicated down payment fund.
  • Opt for higher home loan eligibility through a co-applicant, which can reduce the immediate cash requirement.
  • Use fixed deposits or mutual fund investments that offer better liquidity without impacting retirement savings.
  • Consider loans against assets, such as loans against FD, LIC policy, or securities, which usually have lower interest rates.
  • Seek family financial support as an interest-free or low-interest option for short-term needs.
  • Utilize employer benefits or bonuses to fund the down payment.
  • Explore government housing subsidies, such as PMAY, to lower the overall home purchase cost.

Also, read – How To Pay Home Loan EMIs If You Lose Your Job?

How to withdraw PF for a home loan?

The PF withdrawal process for a home loan is as follows:

  1. Check that you have completed the minimum required service period and are eligible for PF withdrawal for housing purposes.
  2. Log in to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal using your UAN and password.
  3. Verify that your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are correctly linked and approved.
  4. Go to Online Services – Claim (Form 31/19/10C) and select the housing-related withdrawal reason.
  5. Enter the required amount and upload supporting documents.
  6. Submit the claim and track the status online until the amount is credited to your bank account.

Things to know before PF withdrawal

Before initiating a PF withdrawal for a home purchase, it is vital to understand important PF withdrawal rules and their long-term impact. PF is primarily meant for retirement, so withdrawing it early can reduce your future financial security and compounding benefits. 

Before withdrawing, you must check whether you meet the minimum service requirement for your withdrawal purpose, such as housing, medical needs, or education. Ensure your KYC details, including Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account, are correctly linked to avoid rejection or delays. 

Additionally, be aware of tax implications if your service period is less than three years. Also, review withdrawal limits, permitted purposes, and processing timelines before applying to make an informed decision.

Conditions for PF withdrawal

PF home loan rules that determine your conditions for withdrawal are:

  • You must be in service for a minimum of 3 years.
  • The PF balance must be a minimum of Rs. 20,000.
  • PF withdrawal for a home loan is possible only once in a lifetime.
  • Your employer must sign a letter of authorisation for PF withdrawal (you can avoid this by verifying your Aadhaar Card).
  • You should be a member of a housing society with at least ten members in it.

Required documentation

Before you apply for PF withdrawal, there are certain documents required for PF withdrawal for home loan repayment.

  • Aadhaar Card (Or LoA by employer)
  • PAN Card
  • Universal Account Number
  • Bank account details
  • Phone Number

Online withdrawal

Wondering how to withdraw pf for home loan? There is a very straightforward process for online PF withdrawal. However, you must have a UAN (Universal Account Number) and an available phone number. Once these are ready – you can log into the UAN portal.

You must verify your details, such as PAN Card, Aadhaar, family details, and approve a certificate of the undertaking. After this, you will choose the “Claim” option in the menu and fill out another form. In this form, you should specify “Home Loan” as the reason for withdrawal.

Once you apply, the funds should reflect in your account soon.

Offline withdrawal

In case you would like an offline PF withdrawal, the process is simple. All you have to do is log onto the EFPO website and download a claims form. The details you fill in are similar to the ones required on the online portal. Once filled, you can apply at a physical location and wait for a revert.

Easy home loan financing

Are you struggling with financing your home loan? Confused about future steps or the best course of action? Wondering “how much PF can I withdraw for home loans”? If yes, then reach out to Tata Capital today.Whether you are just browsing your options or want a home loan with a reliable lender, Tata Capital’s home loan app has your back. We offer housing loans with affordable home loan interest rates, flexibility in repayment and many other benefits. Give us a call today!

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FAQs

How much PF can be withdrawn for a home purchase or loan prepayment?

You can withdraw up to 90% of your EPF balance for purchasing or constructing a house, or for repaying a home loan. This facility is available after completing five years of EPF membership, including service with previous employers.

What documents are necessary for PF withdrawal?

 

The documents necessary for PF withdrawal include Form 31, Aadhaar-linked UAN, PAN, cancelled cheque, and a declaration form. You may also need property documents, a loan sanction letter, or a repayment certificate for PF withdrawal for home purchase.

How to apply for PF withdrawal online?

 

To apply for PF withdrawal online, log in to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal. Make sure your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are verified. Select “Online Services - Claim (Form 31/19/10C)”. Choose the withdrawal reason, like a PF withdrawal for a house purchase, and submit the request. You can track the status online on the same website using your details.

Is PF withdrawal taxable for home loan purposes?

 

PF withdrawal is tax-free after five years of continuous service. If withdrawn before five years, the amount may be taxable as per income tax rules, and TDS may apply, except in certain exempt cases.

What happens if a PF withdrawal request is rejected?

 

If your PF withdrawal request is rejected, EPFO provides a rejection reason on the portal. The most common issues include KYC mismatch or incomplete details. You can correct the errors and reapply, or raise a grievance through the EPFiGMS portal.

Can PF funds be used with home loans?

 

Yes, PF funds can be used for a down payment, house construction, purchase, or home loan repayment. Many members use EPF withdrawals to reduce loan burden or EMI, helping lower overall interest outflow.