EPFO Simplifies Services: What Members Need to Know?

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has implemented a host of user-centric reforms to make its services faster, more transparent, and accessible. These efforts are part of EPFO's ongoing commitment to enhance service delivery and empower members, employers, and pensioners with hassle-free digital solutions.

Auto-Settlement Limit Enhanced to ₹1 Lakh

To ensure timely support for EPFO members, the organisation has increased the auto-claim settlement limit to ₹1 lakh for advances related to illness, housing, marriage, and education. This has enabled faster processing, resulting in 2.34 crore claims being settled automatically during FY 2024–25.

Simplified Transfer Claims and KYC Corrections

Effective January 15, 2025, EPFO has streamlined the transfer claim process by eliminating the need for employer approval in most cases. Additionally, Aadhaar-based authentication now allows members to correct their profile details online without depending on their employer or EPFO officials. A new facility also enables users to delink incorrect member IDs from their UAN, significantly reducing grievances.

Face Authentication for UAN via UMANG App

EPFO has integrated Face Authentication Technology (FAT) into the UMANG app for allotting and activating UAN. Members can now access a wide range of EPFO services — including KYC updates, claim submission, and passbook viewing — using their smartphone, eliminating the need for physical verification.

No More Employer Approval for Bank Details

From April 2025 onwards, members can seed or update bank account details linked to their UAN without needing employer approval. Also, the need to upload images of cheques or attested bank passbooks for online claim settlement has been removed to speed up the process and reduce claim rejections.

Beware of Cybercafes & Unauthorised Agents

Despite these advancements, EPFO has observed that many cybercafés and fintech agents are charging members for services that are free and easily available online. In several cases, these agents are misusing EPFO’s official grievance portal to earn unjustified fees. EPFO has cautioned users to avoid unauthorised third-party service providers to safeguard their financial data.

Robust Grievance Redressal Mechanism

EPFO’s grievance redressal systems, CPGRAMS and EPFiGMS, remain highly effective, with 98% of the 17.75 lakh grievances resolved within timelines in FY 2024–25. Members can directly raise issues through these portals or reach out to public relations officers at EPFO regional offices.

Also Read: What Happens if You Miss EPFO UAN Activation Deadline?

Conclusion

EPFO’s recent reforms mark a strong push toward digitisation, transparency, and member empowerment. Members are urged to make use of the free online services through the EPFO portal or the UMANG app and avoid paying third parties for services that are secure and simple to access.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.