The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced two major changes in its claim settlement process, making PF withdrawal faster, simpler, and more user-friendly. Starting April 2025, members can now withdraw their PF online without uploading a scanned copy of a cheque or passbook, and without requiring employer approval for updating bank details.
These reforms aim to reduce delays, eliminate documentation hassles, and improve transparency in the provident fund system—supporting the government's Digital India mission.
What Are the Two Key Changes in EPFO Rules? 1.
No Need to Upload Cheque Leaf or Passbook Copy
Earlier, EPFO members were required to upload a scanned copy of their bank’s cheque leaf or passbook for bank account verification while filing an online PF claim. However, this requirement has now been completely removed.
This new rule was first introduced on May 28, 2024, as part of a pilot project and has already benefited over 1.7 crore members. With its proven success, this feature has now been rolled out for all EPF members across India.
Benefits of this change:
-
No hassle of uploading scanned documents
-
Reduced chances of claim rejection due to unclear or incorrect documents
-
Faster processing and improved transparency
Employer Approval No Longer Required for Updating Bank Details
Previously, when members wanted to update or change their bank account linked to their Universal Account Number (UAN), the process required:
-
Bank account verification
-
Employer’s approval via Digital Signature or E-Sign
Now, EPFO has eliminated the need for employer approval entirely. Once the bank account is verified using the member’s Aadhaar-linked OTP, the new account gets directly linked to the UAN.
Why was this change introduced?
-
Employer approval used to take an average of 13 days, causing delays
-
Bank accounts are already being verified independently by the bank
-
Removing employer involvement reduces workload and speeds up the process
How to Update Bank Account on EPFO Portal
Follow these simple steps to update your bank account linked to your EPF account:
Visit the
Log in with your UAN and password
Go to the ‘Manage’ tab and select ‘KYC’
Enter your new bank account number and IFSC code
Authenticate the details using your Aadhaar OTP
Once verified, the new account will be updated and linked to your UAN
This process is completely online and does not require any physical documents or employer involvement.
Why This Matters
With millions of EPF members across the country, these rule changes significantly improve user experience. The EPFO’s new measures promote:
-
Faster claim settlements
-
A seamless digital experience
-
Enhanced autonomy for employees managing their provident fund accounts
If you haven’t updated your bank account details or faced issues in the past due to document upload errors or delays from employer approval, now is the perfect time to revisit your EPFO profile.
Final Thoughts
The latest update from EPFO is a game-changer for salaried employees. Removing unnecessary steps from the PF withdrawal and bank detail update process makes the entire experience more efficient, secure, and self-reliant.
As more services shift online, these changes reflect India’s growing commitment to digital governance and paperless administration—paving the way for smoother, faster financial services for every worker.
