During 2025 the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced several key changes to EPF rules throughout the year. These updates focus on simplifying processes, enhancing accessibility, liberalizing withdrawals, and improving digital services for over 73 million members.
Below is a point-by-point summary of the major changes:
☼ Simplified PF Account Transfers Without Employer Approval : Online PF transfer requests (via revised Form 13) no longer require approval from the previous or current employer in cases where the member's name, date of birth, and gender match across accounts, provided the UAN is Aadhaar-linked.
☼ Service Profile Updates Without Employer Approval : Corrections to EPF details (e.g., name, date of birth, marital status, employment history) via JD can now be completed online through the EPFO portal if the UAN is Aadhaar-linked. Minor changes (e.g., name or gender) allow self-approval by members, while complex ones still need employer/EPFO nod but with reduced steps.
☼ Updated Guidelines for Higher Pension Benefits : Clarifications issued for EPS members opting for higher pensions based on actual wages (beyond the statutory cap).
☼ Revised EDLI Scheme Rules with Minimum Life Cover: The Employees' Deposit-Linked Insurance scheme now guarantees a minimum benefit of ₹5,00,000 (up from variable amounts). Service continuity is extended to include breaks of up to 60 days between jobs, and coverage applies to all EPF contributors without separate enrollment.
☼ Liberalized Partial Withdrawal Rules : 13 complex provisions merged into three: Essential Needs (illness, education, marriage), Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances (e.g., natural calamities, unemployment). Auto-settlement expanded to housing, education, and marriage claims (previously only medical).
☼ 100% Withdrawal of Eligible PF Balance Allowed : Members can withdraw up to 100% of eligible balance for approved purposes, subject to maintaining a 25% minimum balance in the account at all times.
☼ Extended Periods for Premature Final Settlement and Pension Withdrawals : Unemployment-based full withdrawals extended from 2 months to 12 months of non-contribution; retirement-based from 2 months to 36 months.
Upcoming IT Upgrades: ATM/UPI Withdrawals and Potential Equity Investments.
☼ EPFO 3.0 rollout for faster claims; ATM cards for direct PF withdrawals post-settlement; potential direct equity investments beyond ETFs for higher returns. Wage contribution cap may be hiked or removed.
These changes aim to digitize and liberalize EPF services, but members should link Aadhaar to UAN and update KYC for full benefits. Thanks.
For more detail refer following link:
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