The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out several major reforms to make PF services faster and simpler.
From withdrawal and transfer to pension and insurance, most processes are now digital and less complicated.
These changes aim to reduce paperwork, cut delays, and give better service to employees and pensioners.
Here’s a simple breakdown of 15 important updates you should know.
PF Withdrawal and Transfer Made Simpler
Earlier, PF withdrawal rules were spread across 13 different provisions.
Now, they have been merged into one clear rule.
Members can withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance, while 25% remains for retirement.
The auto-advance claim facility, which was earlier limited to medical emergencies, now covers marriage, education, and housing.
The withdrawal limit has also been increased, and many claims are now settled automatically.
Changing jobs has also become easier. Employees no longer need approval from their old employer for PF transfer.
If your UAN is active and KYC is updated, you can apply directly through your current employer.
Faster Bank Verification and No Cheque Hassle
Bank account verification is now quicker.
Members can update bank details through the UMANG app or the Unified Member Portal using Aadhaar-linked OTP verification.
Verification is now done digitally through the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
There is no need to upload a cancelled cheque or passbook copy, which reduces errors and delays.
New Online Facilities for Members
EPFO has introduced a ‘Passbook Lite’ feature on the Unified Member Portal.
Members can now check their PF balance, deposits, and withdrawals directly after logging in.
Creating and activating a UAN is also easier.
Using the UMANG app and Aadhaar Face Authentication, you can generate and activate your UAN from home.
No office visit or employer approval is needed.
If there is a wrong Member ID linked to your account, you can correct it online through the portal using Aadhaar OTP verification.
Profile updates are also simpler. Once Aadhaar and UAN are linked, you can update details like name, date of birth, or gender online.
Big Relief for Pensioners
A centralized pension system was launched in January 2025.
Pensioners can now receive their pension in any bank account across India without branch restrictions.
EPF interest for FY 2024–25 has been fixed at 8.25%.
Though interest is credited once a year, it is calculated monthly, so members do not lose any amount even if there is a delay.
To reduce pension settlement issues, EPFO has issued uniform guidelines to correct errors in pension contributions.
Doorstep digital life certificate services have also started in partnership with India Post Payments Bank.
This is especially helpful for pensioners living in remote areas.
Insurance Benefits and ATM Withdrawal Facility
Under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme, eligibility rules have been relaxed.
The minimum insurance benefit has been increased to ₹50,000, offering better financial support to families of deceased members.
In another major step, EPFO has announced that from April 2026, members will be able to withdraw PF money through ATMs.
The withdrawal limit is yet to be clarified, but this move is expected to make access to funds much easier.
Overall, these reforms mark a big step toward making the PF system more transparent, digital, and user-friendly.
For millions of employees and pensioners, this means less hassle and faster service.
