Can members lose their EPF benefits, and under what circumstance?

Members can lose their EPF benefits primarily due to non-compliance or unemployment. The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is designed to encourage saving for retirement, and it has specific rules and regulations in place to maintain the integrity of the fund. If a member fails to make the necessary contributions, whether due to an extended period of unemployment or other forms of non-compliance with EPF regulations, they could potentially lose out on the benefits they would otherwise accrue.

Being unemployed means that the regular contributions, which are typically made through salary deductions, cease. If this unemployment lasts for a long duration and the member does not take the appropriate actions to maintain their account, such as continuing voluntary contributions or meeting certain compliance requirements, their account may be adversely affected.

In contrast, while early withdrawal may also lead to a reduction in benefits, it is not the lone reason for loss. Relocating abroad does not necessarily mean members lose their benefits either; they may have options to manage their EPF accounts even while living overseas. The notion that benefits are guaranteed doesn't hold, as compliance with EPF's set guidelines and maintaining active contributions are crucial for members to retain full benefits.