In a Ground Breaking move to simplify financial access for millions, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is gearing up to launch instant PF withdrawals of up to ₹1 lakh through UPI and ATMs. Backed by the Ministry of Labor and Employment and powered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), this initiative aims to replace tedious paperwork with real-time digital transactions. According to IANS, the system is slated to go live by May/June 2025, offering subscribers unprecedented liquidity during emergencies. 

1. Instant Access, Zero Delays 

   – Employees can withdraw up to ₹1 lakh instantly via UPI or ATMs, bypassing the current multi-day approval process. 

   – Check PF balances directly on UPI apps like PhonePe, GPay, or Paytm, and transfer funds to any bank account seamlessly. 

2. Expanded Withdrawal Scope 

   – Beyond medical crises, funds can now be tapped for critical life needs: home loans, education fees, weddings, and more. 

3. Faster, Smarter Processing 

   – EPFO has slashed claim checks from 27 to 18, with plans to trim them further to six. 

   – 95% of claims are now auto-processed in just three days, up from 90 lakh settlements last year to nearly 1.9 crore this fiscal. 

4. Pensioners Included

   – Since December 2024, over 78 lakh pensioners can withdraw funds from any bank branch, eliminating earlier restrictions. 

Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra explained to TOI that the NPCI-backed UPI integration will let users view EPFO accounts on UPI platforms, submit auto-claims, and receive instant approvals if eligible. “Funds will hit accounts in minutes, not days,” she emphasized. 

EPFO’s centralized database and integration of 120+ verification systems have turbocharged efficiency. Dawra told ANI that upcoming upgrades aim to shrink processing times from days to real-time, calling it a “milestone in financial inclusivity.” 

Gone are the days of waiting weeks for PF cash during crises. With ATM access and UPI’s 24/7 convenience, EPFO is rewriting the rules of retirement savings—making them as fluid as everyday money. 

The rollout marks just the start. EPFO plans deeper tech integrations to further streamline services, ensuring every Indian worker can unlock their hard-earned savings with a tap, swipe, or scan. 

PF Withdrawal From ATM News: In a significant move towards financial ease and accessibility, soon the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to introduce instant provident fund (PF) withdrawals through UPI and ATMs.

This development, supported by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and approved by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is expected to revolutionize the way millions of employees across the country interact with their retirement savings.

By the end of May or early June 2025, EPFO members will be able to access their PF savings seamlessly without the need for long procedural delays, news agency IANS reported.

Instant Withdrawals Up to Rs 1 Lakh

Sumita Dawra, Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, has confirmed that employees will be allowed to withdraw up to Rs 1 lakh instantly. This will significantly enhance liquidity for EPFO members in times of urgent financial need.

PF Withdrawal UPI

In addition to instant withdrawals, employees will also be able to check their PF balances directly on UPI platforms and transfer funds to their preferred bank accounts without unnecessary delays.

From Lengthy Processes to Seamless Transactions

Currently, withdrawing PF funds requires employees to submit online claims and wait for approvals, a process that can take several days or even weeks. The upcoming UPI integration aims to eliminate these waiting periods, ensuring hassle-free access to funds in real time.

With this upgrade, employees can not only withdraw funds instantly but also check their balance and make transactions effortlessly.

Expanded Withdrawal Options for Employees

EPFO is also widening the scope of PF withdrawals. Beyond medical emergencies, members will now be able to access their funds for essential life expenses such as housing, education, and marriage. This initiative will provide more financial flexibility and security to employees.

Digital Transformation Enhancing Efficiency

According to Dawra, EPFO has significantly improved its digital infrastructure by integrating over 120 databases. This has reduced claim processing time to just three days, with 95% of claims now being processed automatically. Further technological upgrades are in progress to enhance efficiency even more.

Pensioners Also Reaping Benefits

EPFO’s digital advancements are not just limited to active employees. Since December 2024, approximately 78 lakh pensioners have been able to access their funds from any bank branch, a major improvement from the earlier system that restricted withdrawals to specific branches.

The Road Ahead

This major leap in EPFO’s digital evolution is expected to set a new benchmark in financial convenience for employees across the country. As the organisation continues to innovate, members can look forward to even more seamless financial transactions in the near future.

UPI Comes to EPFO: Faster Provident Fund Withdrawals and Fewer Checks

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) further plans to streamline its claim settlement procedure along with incorporating UPI payments for up to Rs. 1 lakh. Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra told TOI that the UPI framework has been provided by NPCI, and EPFO is anticipated to put it into action in the upcoming months to enable easier fund access for subscribers.

“This will benefit all members, as they will be able to view their EPFO accounts directly in the UPI interface and make auto-claims. If the subscriber is eligible, the approval process will be instant, ensuring quick credit to their accounts,” Dawra said.

This feature will enable subscribers to access their funds for purposes ranging from medical emergencies to education and housing. EPFO has improved its validation process, cutting checks from 27 to 18, with suggestions to lower them to six. As per Dawra, the auto settlements time frame has been reduced to three days, with the total rising from about 90 lakh last year to close to 1.9 crore in the ongoing fiscal year.

Sunita Dawra, speaking to ANI, also added that by the end of May or June, EPFO subscribers will be able to gain access to their provident fund using ATM and UPI facilities.

This new system is going to bring huge relief by cutting down on processing time from 2-3 days to minutes. Dawra highlighted that EPFO has now established a centralised database, representing a major milestone.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) further plans to streamline its claim settlement procedure along with incorporating UPI payments for up to Rs 1 lakh. Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra told TOI that the UPI framework has been provided by NPCI, and EPFO is anticipated to put it into action in the upcoming months to enable easier fund access for subscribers.