Why must some EPFO members wait 36 months to withdraw their pension money?

The EPFO has introduced a 36-month waiting period for withdrawal benefits under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS). The rule reportedly aims to discourage premature withdrawals and encourage members to complete the 10 years of EPS membership required for pension eligibility. However, this does not mean members who lose their jobs must wait three years to withdraw their EPF money.