In response to my post on why you shouldn’t opt for a decrease in your Employee Provident Fund contributions in lieu of an increase in your take home pay, reader Siva commented:

But, in need, it’s always a problem to get back your money from the Government PF office. When a friend wanted to start on his own, he had big troubles while withdrawing the PF money from his previous employments. In fact, it was a nightmarish experience for him at the Government PF office.

I’ve heard similar stories in the past and hence thought I’d open up this question for you to answer. How easy (or difficult) is it to withdraw your EPF balance?

Do you have an experience to share?