1. What is EPFO & PF?

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) looks after your retirement money if you are salaried. Every month, a part of your salary (and a matching part from your employer) goes into this Provident Fund or PF account.

You get this money after you retire or in emergencies. You can also use it for buying a house, serious illness, or children’s education.

2. What’s New in EPFO Rules (2025)?

• Face Authentication: Must use your face (using UMANG app + Aadhaar) to create/activate/update PF from August 1, 2025. No more paperwork or employer sign needed for most things.
• No Employer Approval Needed: If your account is Aadhaar and NPCI (bank transfer) verified, you change/complete details yourself online
• Quick PF Transfers: Change jobs? Money moves fast, auto-transfer happens if new job uses same UAN + Aadhaar. No more paperwork or employer chasing.
• Faster Withdrawals: Emergencies? Up to ₹1 lakh can be withdrawn instantly using UPI or ATM.
• Withdraw PF for House: Buy new home or pay EMI? You can use 90% of PF after just 3 years service (was 5 years before).
• Bigger Insurance (EDLI): Life cover to your family up to ₹7 lakh (earlier only ₹6 lakh), with simpler rules.
• More People Covered: Now, gig, contract, and platform workers (like cab drivers, food delivery) also get PF security benefits.
• No Cheque Image Needed: No need to upload cancelled cheque or passbook while claiming PF (if NPCI-verified).
• Job Creation Bonus (ELI Scheme): Special bonus and benefits if you join a new formal job (see below for details).

3. Employer & Employee Rules (Simple Table for 2025)

If you work in a company with less than 20 staff, the company can still join PF, but this is voluntary.

4. About Face Authentication & Digital KYC

• After August 1, 2025, you must use your phone camera and UMANG app to show your face for identity. If you update details or get a new PF number (UAN), no more paperwork or trips needed
• All changes (name, date of birth, gender, bank account) are checked using your Aadhaar database, making mistakes and fraud almost impossible.
• If any of your PF details (like name or date of birth) do not match Aadhaar, you must first update Aadhaar before updating PF.

5. How To Update Your PF Account (Step By Step)

1. Open EPFO Member Portal on your mobile or computer.
2. Login using your UAN (Universal Account Number), password, and captcha.
3. Go to “Manage” and pick “Modify Basic Details”.
4. Choose what you want to update—like name, address, date of birth, bank account, or gender.
5. Enter correct details, as per Aadhaar (must match).
6. Submit. The website will check your details with Aadhaar instantly.
7. If your UAN is created after October 2017 and is linked to Aadhaar, most updates are done instantly. For older UANs or failed Aadhaar match, employer approval might be needed (rare now).

6. How To Update KYC & Bank Details in PF?

1. Login to EPFO Member Portal with your UAN.
2. Click “Manage”, then “KYC”.
3. Select the document you want to add, like Aadhaar, PAN or Bank Account.
4. Type in your correct bank account number and IFSC code, Aadhaar, PAN, as needed.
5. Click “Save” and your details will be updated or go to employer for e-approval.

If your bank account is verified through NPCI (your bank lets you do UPI, IMPS, etc.), most changes are instant. No need to upload cancelled cheque anymore.

7. PF Transfer When You Change Job

Earlier, if you changed jobs, you had to fill forms and chase old and new employers to get your PF transferred. Not anymore!

1. Login to EPFO portal, click “Online Services” → “One Member – One EPF Account”.
2. Select your old PF account and new employer details.
3. System will check if your old and new jobs have same UAN and Aadhaar number.
4. If they do, your money moves automatically, fast, no employer approval needed.[2]

8. New Rules for PF Withdrawals (2025 Update)

• Instant Withdrawal: Need money for hospital, urgent repair, or tuition? You can take out up to ₹1 lakh, instantly, using UPI or ATM, if your Aadhaar and bank are linked.
• Normal Withdrawal: For all other cases, use portal, fill claim, get OTP on Aadhaar-registered mobile, and money arrives in 2-5 working days.
• Partial Withdrawal: You can take money out for marriage, education, home repairs, medical emergencies, homebuying, and more.
• Tax Rules: If you worked less than 5 years, some tax (TDS) may apply; after 5 years, 100% tax free.

9. PF For Buying House and New EDLI Benefits

Using PF for Home

• After just 3 years working, you can withdraw up to 90% of your PF balance to buy a house or pay home loan EMI.
• This is allowed only once in your lifetime.
• Check with your housing loan provider if they accept PF withdrawal forms.

Bigger EDLI Insurance in 2025

• If a worker dies while in service, family gets up to ₹7 lakh from EDLI (Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance). This is separate from PF balance.
• There is no rule for minimum service for this now. Even if you just joined a job and something happens, your family gets this benefit.[10]
• Short gaps in employment (less than 60 days) will not make family lose this insurance.

10. What is the New EPFO ELI Job Bonus Scheme?

To help new job seekers and businesses, the government started an ELI scheme in 2025.

• For Employees: If you start first-time PF job and earn under ₹1 lakh/month, you can get an extra one month’s salary as bonus (in two parts, after 6 and 12 months, if you complete certain online money classes).
• For Employers: If a company hires more workers (at least 2-5 depending on company size), they get bonus for two years for every new employee (₹3,000/month for non-manufacturing; for manufacturing, up to 4 years).

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is UAN?

Universal Account Number—one number for all PF accounts you hold now and in future jobs.

Can gig workers (taxi, delivery, app jobs) join PF?

Yes, most major platforms now enroll workers under PF security, as per 2025 rules.

What if my PF and Aadhaar do not match?

First, fix details in Aadhaar, then update PF (online); both must match for any update or claim.

Can I put more than 12% in my PF?

Yes, you can put extra (VPF – Voluntary Provident Fund), but employer only pays their fixed part.

How do I check PF balance quickly?

SMS ‘EPFOHO UAN ENG’ to 7738299899 (from your registered mobile) or use UMANG/EPFO app.

How soon do I get money after withdrawal online?

Most claims (if all documents OK) are settled within 3-5 working days in 2025.

Whom do I contact for PF claim problems?

Raise complaint at EPFO Grievance Portal, or visit nearest PF office.

12. Tips & Mistakes To Avoid

• Always keep Aadhaar, PAN, mobile, and bank details updated on PF portal.
• Never share your UAN, PF password, or Aadhaar OTP with anyone.
• Download your PF passbook every 3-6 months for your own records.
• Read updates at official EPFO Circulars section.
• If you switch jobs, make sure new company uses the same UAN to avoid confusion and delays in PF transfer.
• Don’t panic if your claim is delayed—most delays are due to mismatched KYC or bank details. Correct and resubmit.

13. Disclaimer

This guide is based on EPFO rule circulars, the Social Security Code, and public information as of August 2025. Always double-check latest updates on www.epfindia.gov.in before making financial decisions.