🏦 1. What’s New: Direct PF Withdrawal via UPI

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is planning to launch a new mobile application (separate from the current UAN portal or UMANG app) that will allow members to withdraw money from their EPF accounts directly to their bank accounts using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) — just like you would transfer money with apps like BHIM, google pay or PhonePe.

  • The app is expected to be launched around march or April 2026 after trial runs and final testing.
  • Subscribers will see the eligible PF balance and can transfer funds using their UPI PIN.

💡 2. How It Will Work

  • The EPFO app will be linked to your bank account and UPI (including BHIM and other UPI platforms).
  • You’ll be able to initiate transfers of eligible withdrawal amounts almost instantly, without needing to file a claim through the old UAN system.
  • A portion of your EPF will remain frozen as per rules (usually to preserve retirement savings), while the rest can be accessed via UPI.

⏱️ 3. Why This Is a Big Deal

Traditionally, to withdraw PF money you had to:
• Submit a claim through the UAN portal or UMANG app
• Wait for processing and approvals, which could take several days

With UPI integration (EPFO 3.0), you’ll be able to move money to your bank account directly and quickly, similar to a bank transfer — cutting down time and paperwork.

📊 4. Limits and Protections

While details are still being finalized:
• Officials have discussed a cap per transaction (e.g., ₹25,000) to prevent misuse.
• At least 25 % of the EPF balance will generally remain locked to protect long‑term retirement savings.

This balance between convenience and safeguard aims to let people handle urgent needs (like medical, education, marriage, housing) while retaining retirement security.

📌 5. When Will It Be Available

• The feature is expected to roll out by April 2026 (some reports suggest late March).
• Trials with dummy accounts are already underway to fix technical glitches.

🧠 Quick Summary

✅ EPFO will soon let members withdraw PF funds directly via UPI using a dedicated new mobile app.
✅ The launch is likely in March–April 2026 after testing.
✅ Withdrawals will be fast, digital, and UPI‑driven, bypassing older portals.
✅ A portion of your PF will stay frozen for retirement, while a usable portion can be accessed quickly.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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Kokila Chokkanathan

10/02/2026 03:06 PM