The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is gearing up to introduce a new withdrawal facility that will allow subscribers to access their provident fund in real time using UPI. According to a CNBC-TV18 report citing government sources, the functionality is being worked upon for release, while the labour ministry is developing systems to enable instant withdrawals of up to 75 per cent of balances. The rollout is expected around March–April 2026 through a dedicated mobile application and a special window on the EPFO portal, alongside existing platforms.
Key Takeaways on EPFO UPI-Based PF Withdrawals
- EPFO is preparing a new app and portal window for UPI withdrawals.
- CNBC-TV18 cited government sources on imminent rollout plans.
- Up to 75% of EPF balances can be withdrawn instantly under rules.
- Testing is underway on about 100 dummy accounts.
- Launch is expected by end-March 2026, with UPI use from April.
EPFO Prepares New Digital Withdrawal System
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is gearing up to roll out a new withdrawal facility that will allow subscribers to access their provident fund in real time using UPI. According to a CNBC-TV18 report, government sources said the functionality is being worked upon for release.
Alongside this, the labour ministry is working on a system through which people can withdraw up to 75 per cent of their available EPF balance instantly through UPI. The service is being rolled out through a new mobile application as well as a dedicated window on the EPFO portal. The tentative timeline for launching this application is said to be April.
Dedicated Mobile App and Portal Window
The upcoming EPFO app will be separate from the existing UMANG app and will be linked directly to subscribers’ bank accounts. It is being integrated with BHIM and other UPI platforms so that funds can be transferred without relying on older systems.
Existing access points, including the UAN portal and the UMANG app, will continue to operate as usual. The new application is meant to supplement, not replace, these platforms. Besides withdrawals, the app and portal window will allow members to check their EPF passbook balance and access other account-related services.
UPI Withdrawals for the First Time
Currently, EPFO withdrawals are possible only through the UAN portal, with no UPI option. The new app changes that arrangement. Subscribers will be able to move their EPF balance into their bank accounts and then withdraw instantly using UPI.
EPFO is also aiming to cut claim-processing time to three days. Once Aadhaar verification is completed, funds can be transferred quickly, reducing the waiting periods faced by many members today.
Current EPF Withdrawal Rules
According to EPFO, the present rules allow subscribers to withdraw up to 75 per cent of their available EPF balance immediately.
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People who want to withdraw up to 100 per cent of their pension fund are allowed to do so only if they have been unemployed for a year. Under the system being developed, members can withdraw up to 75 per cent of their EPF balance, while at least 25 per cent must remain in the account as per rules. In case of job loss, the remaining 25 per cent can be withdrawn only after 12 months.
How the Withdrawal Process Works
To initiate a transaction, members have to select a reason for withdrawal, such as illness, education, marriage, or housing, after which the eligible amount is transferred directly to the savings bank account linked with their PF account.
The transaction is authenticated using the subscriber’s linked UPI PIN, and the transfer is routed through the UPI payment gateway, enabling near-instant settlement.
Testing Phase and Planned Timeline
EPFO is currently testing the system using around 100 dummy accounts to identify technical glitches and improve stability before a public rollout.
Testing of the app has already been completed, and the rollout is expected by the end of March 2026. From April onwards, subscribers are expected to use UPI for withdrawals, marking a step in the digital transformation of retirement-fund services.
EPFO 3.0 Upgrade Features
The new app forms part of the broader EPFO 3.0 upgrade. Key features include:
- No requirement for employer signatures during claims
- ATM-style withdrawals for half the balance
- Self-corrections using OTPs
- Support in multiple Indian languages
These upgrades are being designed to reduce paperwork and make EPF access similar to modern digital banking.
What This Means for Subscribers
The planned system positions UPI as a central channel for provident-fund withdrawals while keeping existing platforms operational. With instant transfers of up to 75 per cent, reduced claim-processing timelines, and additional account-service features within the app, EPFO is working toward expanding digital access for millions of subscribers, subject to the rollout schedule around March–April 2026 and the completion of ongoing testing.
FAQs on EPFO UPI-Based PF Withdrawals
Q1. When is the EPFO UPI withdrawal app expected to launch?
By end-March 2026, with UPI withdrawals expected from April.
Q2. How much EPF can be withdrawn instantly under rules?
Up to 75 per cent of the available balance.
Q3. Which platforms will remain active after the new app?
The UAN portal and the UMANG app will continue operating.
Q4. How is EPFO testing the new system?
Using around 100 dummy accounts to check stability.
Q5. Which report cited government sources on the rollout?
A CNBC-TV18 report cited government sources.
