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Under the Centralized IT Enabled Services (CITES) project, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has migrated the data of all its members to a centralized digital platform. The objective of this major technological shift is to make EPFO ​​services faster, easier, and more transparent than before.

Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya has announced several significant changes under this new system. These include faster claim settlement, automatic transfer of PF accounts upon changing jobs, an increased limit for the auto-settlement of advance claims, the ability to avail services from any PF office in the country, and a simplified PF withdrawal process. Let us look at the 10 major changes introduced for EPF and EPS members.

1. EPF interest to be credited to accounts by July 15

According to Mansukh Mandaviya, the EPF interest for the financial year 2025-26 will be credited to members' accounts by July 15, 2026. Interest amounting to approximately ₹1.44 lakh crore will be transferred to around 34 crore EPF accounts following verification.

2. All PF information available in one place

EPFO members will now access a unified digital interface upon logging into the portal. Here, members can view their membership details, PF balance, claim status, pension records, and all benefits received to date in a single location.

3. Pre-verification of claims

The system will now automatically pre-validate claims before they even reach the EPFO ​​office. If there are any deficiencies in documents or information, the member will be informed in advance. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of claim rejection.

Members will also be able to know the maximum amount of PF they can withdraw for various needs.

4. Auto-settlement of advance claims up to ₹5 lakh

Advance PF claims of up to ₹5 lakh will now be processed via auto-settlement once KYC is completed. Previously, this limit was only ₹1 lakh.

5. Faster claim settlement

If additional information is required during the claim process, the EPFO ​​will be able to send queries online, and members will be able to respond online. This eliminates the need for repeated visits to the office and ensures faster claim settlement. Additionally, the claim amount will be credited directly to the bank account on the day of settlement.

6. Higher interest and simplified withdrawal rules

Interest on the final PF payment will now accrue up to the date of approval for payment. Previously, interest was calculated only up to the last day of the preceding month.

Furthermore, the earlier 13 distinct withdrawal rules have been consolidated into just three categories: essential needs, housing-related needs, and special circumstances. Members can now withdraw up to 75% of their total PF balance.

7. Automatic PF transfer upon changing jobs

There will no longer be a need to fill out a separate PF transfer form when changing jobs. The PF account will be automatically transferred to the new company via the Aadhaar-linked UAN.

8. Services available at any PF office in the country

EPFO members will no longer be restricted to their specific regional office; they can seek assistance and information from any PF office across the country.

9. Life Certificate submission anywhere

EPS pensioners can now visit any EPFO ​​office in the country to submit their Life Certificate or avail of other services.

10. Pension credited to any bank account

Under the new centralized pension payment system, the pension can now be credited to any bank account in the country. Previously, the pension was disbursed only through the specific bank branch linked to the PPO.

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