Before the 2025, EPFO issues new rules. The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has implemented major modifications to the regulations concerning PF claims. Aadhaar is no longer a requirement for all employees when filing PF claims. The compulsory connection of Universal Account Number (UAN) with Aadhaar has been revoked for specific groups of employees. The decision has brought relief to employees who cannot obtain Aadhaar. This alteration will offer significant relief to those workers who have faced Aadhaar-related challenges that have hindered PF claims until now.
Employees lacking Aadhaar can still make claims under the EPFO. They can verify their identity using a passport, citizenship certificate, or other official ID cards. In addition to this, identity verification will be carried out using PAN card, bank account information, and additional criteria. For claims exceeding ₹5 lakh, the employer will verify the member’s authenticity.
Which employees will get the discount?
According to EPFO rules, if any employee wants to settle the PF claim i.e. withdraw money from the PF, then his Universal Account Number and Aadhaar number should be linked for it. Now EPFO has exempted some employees from this rule. These employees are…
1. International employees who have returned to their country after working in India and could not get Aadhaar.
2. Indians with foreign citizenship who could not get Aadhaar.
3. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, who will not have Aadhaar mandatory.
4. Former Indian citizens who have gone abroad permanently are also eligible for this exemption.
Rules of Claim Process
The EPFO has instructed officials that any claims should be carefully examined. Thereafter, the approval will be given through e-office file through the Sanction Officer-in-charge (OIC). Also, employees have been advised to maintain the same UAN number or transfer their previous service records to the same UAN. This will make the claim process simpler and faster.
