The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to bring a major digital change in the social security system, making PF withdrawals faster and simpler for millions of employees. The new facility aims to provide quick financial relief during emergencies like health, education, or other critical needs.
Over 30 crore beneficiaries can soon withdraw PF advances instantly through the BHIM App.
EPFO has partnered with NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) to implement this feature.
Initially, the facility will be exclusive to BHIM, but may expand to other UPI apps later.
Employees submit a PF advance request via BHIM App.
EPFO verifies the claim on the backend system.
Once approved, the amount is instantly transferred to the employee’s UPI-linked bank account via SBI.
Currently, online PF claims under ₹5 lakh take at least 3 days, but the new system will allow instant transfer within minutes.
Initially, EPFO may set a withdrawal limit to prevent misuse.
RBI-imposed UPI limits will also apply, so withdrawing the entire PF balance at once may not be allowed.
The transferred amount will only go to a pre-linked UPI bank account, so beneficiaries must ensure their bank and UPI details are correct.
Full Withdrawal:
After retirement (age 58)
During permanent disability
If settling permanently abroad
After 2 months of unemployment: 75% after the first month, remaining 25% after the second month
Partial Withdrawal:
For medical treatment: no minimum service period
Buying or constructing a house: 5 years of service
Home loan repayment: 3 years of service
Children’s education or marriage: 7 years of service
Natural disasters: allowed
EPFO manages over ₹26 lakh crore in funds.
Instant withdrawal will provide significant relief to millions of employees.
Strengthens Digital India, giving employees quick and easy access to their own money.
