EPFO PF Withdrawal via UPI & ATM – A Complete Guide (2025)

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a new and revolutionary step towards digitizing retirement fund access in India. With the introduction of PF withdrawal via UPI and ATM facilities in 2025, members can now access their funds faster and easier than ever before.

This guide from CMA Knowledge will walk you through the entire process, benefits, eligibility, and important tips related to withdrawing PF via the latest digital modes—UPI and ATM. Whether you're a salaried employee, HR professional, or finance enthusiast, this article is designed to answer every question.

🔍 What Is EPFO and Why PF Withdrawal Matters?

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. It manages the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), which is a retirement benefits scheme where both employee and employer contribute a fixed percentage of salary every month.

PF withdrawal becomes relevant when an individual:

• Retires from service
• Changes jobs (and doesn’t transfer account)
• Faces unemployment for 2+ months
• Needs partial withdrawal for emergencies (education, illness, home purchase, etc.)

📱 PF Withdrawal via UPI – How Does It Work?

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a real-time payment system developed by NPCI, widely used in India for mobile-based transactions. In 2025, EPFO partnered with NPCI to allow PF withdrawals through UPI-linked bank accounts.

✅ Key Features of UPI PF Withdrawal

• Instant Transfer: Withdrawal amount is credited in real-time.
• Available 24/7: No dependency on banking hours or EPFO office visits.
• No Physical Documents: Paperless and completely online.
• Safe & Secure: UPI authentication using PIN and registered mobile.

📝 Steps to Withdraw PF via UPI

1. Visit the EPFO Member Portal.
2. Log in with your UAN and password.
3. Ensure KYC, Aadhaar, and bank details are updated.
4. Click on ‘Online Services’ → ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)’.
5. Enter the last 4 digits of your bank account for verification.
6. Select the purpose and amount of withdrawal.
7. Choose UPI as the preferred payment method.
8. Enter your UPI ID (linked to your bank account).
9. Submit the claim and receive instant credit upon approval.

👉 Want to know how to activate your UAN? Read our detailed guide.

🏧 PF Withdrawal via ATM – A New Milestone

In addition to UPI, EPFO is also testing ATM-based PF withdrawals in collaboration with nationalized banks. With a specialized EPFO-linked debit card or integration with regular debit cards, users can withdraw approved PF amounts from designated ATMs.

📌 Highlights of ATM PF Withdrawals

• Works like a debit card: Users can withdraw directly from ATMs.
• Limit per transaction: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 depending on eligibility and bank.
• 24/7 access: No reliance on EPFO working days or offices.
• Integrated with bank KYC and Aadhaar for verification.

🏦 How to Use ATM for PF Withdrawal

1. Once your PF claim is approved, you will get an EPFO e-card or linked access.
2. Visit any supporting ATM (mostly public sector banks initially).
3. Select the ‘EPFO Withdrawal’ option on screen.
4. Authenticate via Aadhaar-linked OTP or biometric if applicable.
5. Enter withdrawal amount and complete the transaction.

This method is expected to be rolled out city-by-city in phases, with full national coverage by the end of 2025.

💡 Tip:

Keep checking the EPFO Digital Services page for updates on cities and banks participating in ATM PF withdrawal rollouts.

👤 Who Is Eligible for PF Withdrawal via UPI or ATM?

EPFO has defined clear eligibility conditions for withdrawing funds through UPI and ATM. Here’s who can avail the facility:

• Members with active UAN: Your Universal Account Number (UAN) must be activated and KYC-compliant.
• Aadhaar-linked UPI: Your UPI ID must be linked to your Aadhaar and registered mobile number.
• Minimum employment duration: For final settlement, you must have contributed to EPF for at least 5 years. For partial withdrawal, 5 years is not mandatory.
• Unemployed for 2 months or more: If you're withdrawing the full amount due to unemployment, a 60-day gap is mandatory.

👆 Note: PF withdrawals via ATM may initially be restricted to public-sector bank accounts. Keep checking for your bank's inclusion.

📂 Documents Required for UPI/ATM PF Withdrawal

Before initiating a withdrawal, ensure the following are updated in your EPFO portal:

• Aadhaar card (linked to UAN)
• UPI ID (such as user@upi, user@okhdfcbank)
• Bank passbook or canceled cheque (same account as UPI ID)
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
• EPFO Form 19/31/10C/10D (auto-filled online)

Ensure that the bank and UPI details match for a successful withdrawal. A mismatch can lead to claim rejection.

🧾 Step-by-Step Guide to PF Withdrawal Online via UPI

Here’s a comprehensive walkthrough to withdraw your PF online using your UPI ID:

1. Go to the EPFO Member Portal.
2. Login using your UAN, password, and captcha.
3. Click on ‘Online Services’ → ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)’.
4. Verify your KYC status. If pending, complete KYC under ‘Manage’ → ‘KYC’.
5. Click ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ and select the claim type (final/partial withdrawal).
6. Choose ‘UPI’ as payment method and enter your UPI ID carefully.
7. Agree to terms and submit the claim.

You will receive SMS confirmation. Upon approval, the amount is instantly transferred to your bank account via UPI.

⚠️ Things to Double Check Before Submission

• Your UPI ID must be active and Aadhaar-linked.
• Name on UAN and bank account should match.
• No multiple active claims should be running.
• Minimum balance required for partial withdrawal should be maintained.

📈 Tax Implications of PF Withdrawal

Taxation of PF withdrawal depends on your employment tenure and withdrawal amount:

• Tax-Free: If you withdraw after 5 years of continuous service.
• Taxable: If withdrawn before 5 years—TDS applies as follows:

Condition	TDS Rate
Withdrawal > ₹50,000 before 5 years with PAN	10%
Withdrawal > ₹50,000 without PAN	30% + surcharge

👉 Tip: Use Form 15G/15H to avoid TDS if your income is below taxable limit.

🚫 Common Errors in Online Claims and How to Fix Them

• Error: UPI ID invalid or not linked to Aadhaar
  Fix: Use UPI app like Google Pay/PhonePe and re-link Aadhaar before retrying.
• Error: “Bank KYC not approved”
  Fix: Update bank details under KYC tab and wait for employer/EPFO approval.
• Error: “Claim rejected due to mismatch in credentials”
  Fix: Match the name on PAN, Aadhaar, UAN, and bank exactly.
• Error: “Transaction failed after approval”
  Fix: Contact EPFO helpdesk or raise grievance at EPF i-Grievance portal.

🧭 Need Help Tracking Your PF Claim?

You can check claim status by:

• Visiting EPF Passbook Portal
• Sending SMS: EPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899
• Using EPFO Umang App → Services → Claim → Track

Read our guide on How to Track EPFO Claim Status for a full walkthrough.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on EPFO PF Withdrawal via UPI/ATM

1. Can I withdraw EPF using my UPI ID only?

Yes, EPFO has started allowing UPI-based withdrawals for eligible users. Ensure your UPI ID is Aadhaar-linked and KYC is complete in the EPFO portal.

2. Is PF withdrawal taxable?

Withdrawals after 5 years of continuous service are tax-free. If withdrawn earlier, TDS may apply depending on the amount and PAN status.

3. How long does PF withdrawal via UPI take?

Once your claim is approved, UPI-based settlements are typically processed within 1–3 working days.

4. Can I withdraw PF using a mobile phone?

Yes, you can use the Umang App to initiate and track your PF withdrawal claims.

5. Can I withdraw my full PF amount while still working?

No. Full PF withdrawal is allowed only after resignation or retirement. However, partial withdrawals (advance) are permitted under specific circumstances.

6. What is the minimum balance required for PF withdrawal?

There’s no fixed minimum, but partial withdrawals must meet purpose-specific eligibility (e.g., medical, education, or marriage).

7. Why is my PF withdrawal claim rejected?

Common reasons include Aadhaar mismatch, UPI ID issues, incomplete KYC, and incorrect bank details. Update all records before applying again.

8. Can I file Form 15G online to avoid TDS?

Yes, you can submit Form 15G online during the claim process if your annual income is below the taxable threshold.

9. Can I use multiple UPI IDs to withdraw from EPF?

No. Only one Aadhaar-linked UPI ID should be used, and it must match the EPFO records for seamless transactions.

10. Is employer approval needed for UPI-based withdrawal?

For final settlements, employer exit date should be updated. For Form-31 (advances), employer approval is not always required.

🧾 Related Guides for You

Explore our other detailed articles to manage your EPFO account more efficiently:

• How to Link Aadhaar with UAN
• How to Track EPFO Claim Status Online
• EPF vs. PPF: Which Is Better for Retirement?
• Correct Name or DOB in EPF Account – Complete Guide

📝 Final Thoughts: Is UPI-Based PF Withdrawal Safe & Efficient?

EPFO’s decision to allow UPI and ATM-based withdrawals is a game-changer for crores of Indian workers. It reduces the settlement time from 7–10 days to mere hours in some cases. But success depends on ensuring:

• 100% KYC-compliance of your UAN
• Matching UPI ID and bank credentials
• Accurate documentation while applying

By using the above steps and avoiding common mistakes, your PF withdrawal can become hassle-free, fast, and secure.

📢 Share Your Experience

Have you used the UPI or ATM-based EPF withdrawal method? Let us know in the comments below. Your feedback can help others!

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📎 Useful Resources

• EPFO Member Portal
• EPF Grievance Portal
• Official EPFO Website
• UMANG App (EPFO Services)

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