EPFO 3.0: No paperwork, no waiting — instant EPF withdrawal via ATM and UPI; what actually changes for EPF users

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation EPFO subscribers may soon be able to withdraw provident fund money directly into their bank accounts via UPI. No employer sign-off. No long processing delays. Just scan a QR code at an ATM and get your EPF money instantly.

Earlier this month, labour ,inister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is taking various initiatives to improve the quality of service delivery.

"We have completed the testing of the facility where members can withdraw EPF (employees' provident fund) through the use of the UPI payment gateway. The withdrawn amount will be directly transferred into the bank account of the member," Mandaviya said.

Currently, the EPFO has been trying to resolve software glitches for the smooth implementation of this system, which will benefit over seven crore members. Here's a look at what actually changes:

How the current system works:

• At present, EPFO members have to apply for withdrawal claims to access their EPF money, which is time-consuming.
• Submit a withdrawal claim on the EPFO website or at the office. Fill out the Form 31
• Wait for KYC verification

• Wait for employer approval
• If documents didn't match, you waited longer. If your employer had changed, you would have waited even longer.
• Then, you will have to wait for another 7 to 10 days for the process to complete
• If the withdrawal amount is over ₹1 lakh, then you will have to get it verified manually
• If the documents mismatch, restart the process

How the EPFO 3.0 will work:

• On UMANG, Check how much EPF money you can transfer directly to their linked bank accounts
• Generate QR code to securely transfer EPF money directly to their bank accounts.
• Once the money is transferred into bank accounts, you can use the the money as you want, like making payments or withdrawing through bank ATMs using debit cards.
• The limit of this auto-settlement mode has already been raised to ₹5 lakh from the existing ₹1 lakh.
• No employer involved. No waiting
• Tap at a UPI-enabled ATM or use UPI transfer

EPFO on whatsapp

EPFO plans to use WhatsApp to reach more members and make its services easier to access. The platform was chosen because it is widely used by mobile phone users across the country.

Under this facility, the members can simply type 'Hello' to EPFO's registered WhatsApp number, which is verified by a green tick mark for safety and assurance, to initiate the conversation with EPFO.

They can also choose to receive messages from EPFO on their mobile number registered with EPFO.