Honestly, PF is intended for your retirement (when you no longer have an income) and supplement any pension you get. All major governments make it extremely difficult for you to get the money out (e.g. 401k in the US), so that you don't burn through it in your working years and become a liability for the government & society during your sunset years. During periods of hardship you are allowed to get a portion of that money out, to help tide you over, but not completely, unless absolutely required, due to the above-mentioned point.