New EPFO app to allow direct EPF withdrawals via UPI

Subscribers of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will soon be able to withdraw their EPF money directly to their bank accounts using UPI, thanks to a new dedicated mobile application set to launch in April this year. The move is aimed at simplifying the withdrawal process, reducing manual intervention, and improving service efficiency for over 8 crore EPFO members.

Currently, EPFO members access their accounts and services either through the Universal Account Number (UAN) portal or the UMANG app . These platforms will continue to operate, but the new app will provide enhanced convenience and faster service. Members will be able to view their eligible EPF balance available for withdrawal and use their linked UPI PIN to complete secure transfers directly to their seeded bank accounts.

Under the auto-settlement mode , EPFO already settles withdrawal claims electronically, without manual intervention, within three days of application. The withdrawal limit under this mode has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh , enabling members to access funds for purposes such as illness, education, marriage, and housing. The new UPI-enabled system will further streamline this process, allowing members to bypass the time-consuming claim application procedure entirely for eligible amounts.

Currently, EPFO handles over 5 crore claims every year , mostly for EPF withdrawals. While the organisation does not hold a banking licence and cannot directly allow unrestricted withdrawals, the government aims to make EPFO services more bank-like in efficiency and accessibility . The mobile app is being tested using 100 dummy accounts to ensure smooth functioning and resolve any technical issues before its public rollout.

The initiative is expected to bring significant relief to subscribers who previously faced delays in accessing their funds. Transactions through the new app are expected to be free of bank charges , as UPI transfers generally do not involve fees. The app will also continue to provide other services such as passbook viewing and balance tracking, further enhancing convenience for members.

The EPFO’s new mobile app represents a major step in modernising India’s retirement fund services, enabling secure, quick, and seamless access to savings for millions of workers.