Good news for PF account holder’s. If you’re working and have your PF deducted each month, this update is definitely for you. The settlement of EPFO advance withdrawal claims has seen a huge boost lately. In fact, 60% of these claims are now being processed through an automated payment system. So far this financial year, 2.16 crore claims have been settled, which is a significant jump from the 89.52 lakh claims settled last year.
Labor and Employment Minister Shobha Karandlaje shared this information in a written response in the Lok Sabha. She mentioned that the limit for advance claims has been raised to one lakh rupees, making it much easier for members to access their funds when they need them. To speed things up, EPFO has automated claims related to medical emergencies, housing, education, and wedding expenses. Thanks to this new system, claims are now processed in just three days.
Members can now update their information without needing EPFO’s approval. Those with an Aadhaar-verified Universal Account Number (UAN) can make updates easily. Currently, 96% of corrections can be done without a trip to the EPFO office, simplifying the process for users.
Additionally, over 99% of claims are now submitted online. By early March 2025, 7.14 crore claims had been filed digitally. This shift to digital has cut down on paperwork and significantly improved efficiency. Plus, there’s no need for employer verification for transfer claims linked to Aadhaar-verified UANs, making everything much more convenient for EPFO members.