The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced several major reforms to make PF services faster, simpler, and fully digital.
From withdrawals and transfers to pensions and insurance, the process has become smoother for employees and pensioners.
Here are 15 important changes you should know about.
PF Withdrawal and Advance Rules Made Simple
Earlier, PF withdrawal rules were spread across 13 different provisions.
Now, they have been merged into one simple rule.
Members can withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance, while 25% stays in the retirement fund.
The auto-advance claim facility has also been expanded.
Earlier, it was limited to medical emergencies.
Now, members can take advance PF for marriage, education, and housing as well.
The withdrawal limit has also been increased, and many claims are now settled automatically.
Job Change? PF Transfer Is Easier Now
Previously, PF transfers required approval from the old employer, which often caused delays.
Now, if your UAN is active and KYC is updated, you can submit the transfer request directly through your current employer.
This has reduced waiting time significantly.
Bank account verification has also become faster. Members can update bank details through the Unified Member Portal or UMANG app using Aadhaar-based OTP verification.
Thanks to integration with the National Payments Corporation of India, cheque or passbook uploads are no longer required.
This reduces errors and speeds up verification.
Check Balance Easily with Passbook Lite
EPFO has launched a ‘Passbook Lite’ feature on the Unified Member Portal.
Members can now check PF balance, contributions, and withdrawals directly after login.
There is no need to visit a separate website. The same facility is also available on the UMANG app.
Create and Correct UAN from Home
Generating and activating a Universal Account Number (UAN) is now possible from home.
Using the UMANG app and Aadhaar Face Authentication, members can create and activate their UAN without visiting any office or seeking employer approval.
Incorrect member IDs can also be corrected online through the portal.
Profile details like name, date of birth, and gender can be updated under the “Modify Basic Details” section once Aadhaar is linked.
Pension System Gets a Big Upgrade
The Centralized Pension Payment System, launched in January 2025, allows pensioners to receive payments in any bank account across India.
Interest on EPF continues to be credited annually. For FY 2024-25, the interest rate is 8.25%.
Though credited once a year, interest is calculated monthly, so members do not lose out even if there is a delay.
To make life easier for pensioners, EPFO has partnered with India Post Payments Bank to offer doorstep digital life certificate services, especially helpful for those living in remote areas.
Insurance and ATM Withdrawal Facility
Under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI), eligibility rules have been relaxed.
The minimum insurance benefit has been increased to ₹50,000, providing better financial support to families of deceased members.
In another major relief, EPFO has announced that from April 2026, members will be able to withdraw PF money directly from ATMs.
While the withdrawal limit is yet to be clarified, this move is expected to make access to funds much easier.
A Big Relief for Employees and Pensioners
Overall, these reforms mark a major step toward making the PF system more transparent, digital, and user-friendly.
From faster withdrawals to doorstep pension services, EPFO’s changes aim to reduce paperwork, cut delays, and provide better financial security for millions of Indians.
