If you’ve ever found the PF withdrawal process complicated or slow, there’s good news on the horizon. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is working on a major upgrade that could let you access your PF money directly through ATMs and UPI just like a regular bank account.
New EPFO Withdrawal via ATM/UPI
The Ministry of Labour, along with EPFO, is reportedly setting up a system that would allow members to withdraw a portion of their Provident Fund balance using ATM debit cards or UPI apps. This means you wouldn’t need to fill out claim forms — online or offline — to get access to your own savings.
That’s a big shift from the current system, where you must submit a claim and then wait several days for processing.
But there’s one important point to note: you won’t be able to withdraw your entire PF amount. A part of the balance will remain locked for your retirement, ensuring long-term financial security.
How Will This System Work?
Since EPFO isn’t a licensed bank, it can’t directly issue ATM cards or UPI access. But here’s how it’s expected to work:
- Your PF account will be linked to your bank account.
- When you want to withdraw funds, you’ll use your existing bank’s ATM or UPI interface.
- EPFO’s system will approve and release the eligible amount in real-time, without the need for a formal claim.
The back-end integration — which includes software updates and system compatibility between EPFO and banks — is currently under development.
When Can You Expect This Facility to Launch?
Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has confirmed that work is underway to link EPFO accounts with members’ bank accounts. While an official launch date hasn’t been declared yet, reports suggest that the new ATM/UPI withdrawal feature could go live by July 2025.
It’s important to keep your bank details updated in the EPFO portal to avoid any delays once the feature rolls out.
How Do You Withdraw PF Right Now?
Currently, withdrawing PF — whether partial or full — requires filing a claim via:
- The EPFO member portal (online), or
- Offline forms submitted through your employer.
Even with the auto-settlement feature introduced during COVID-19, you still need to apply. Though faster than manual approval, it still takes up to 3 days for the funds to reflect in your account.
What Has Already Changed in June 2025?
On June 24, 2025, the government announced a significant improvement:
- The auto-settlement limit for PF withdrawals was increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
- This means claims up to ₹5 lakh can now be settled without human intervention, speeding up access to larger sums.
Other Major Updates in the EPFO System
To make PF access quicker and simpler, the EPFO has also rolled out the following changes:
No need to upload cheque or passbook photos during online claim filing
Employer verification for bank updates is no longer needed
You can now update your bank details using Aadhaar-based authentication
These changes aim to reduce paperwork, speed up processing, and make EPFO services more accessible — especially in emergencies.