Millions of EPFO subscribers have received news that will forever transform their PF withdrawal experience. The Ministry of Labor is now digitally integrating the PF account withdrawal process. No longer will you have to endure lengthy paperwork or wait weeks for your own money, as from March 2026, you will be able to withdraw funds directly from your EPF account through ATMs and UPI.
This step has been taken specifically to provide immediate financial assistance to employees in emergencies. This article will explain in detail how this new scheme by Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will work and how it will help you avoid the hassle of claim rejections.
Major Announcement by Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently clarified that the money deposited in an EPF account belongs entirely to the employee, but due to the current complex system, employees have to fill out numerous forms and run around to their employers to withdraw their own funds. The government has already allowed withdrawals of up to 75% of the PF balance, but now this process is being made high-tech.
Under the proposed digital system, PF withdrawals will be made as simple as withdrawing money from a bank. Once implemented, in case of a medical emergency or other need, employees will be able to make a UPI transfer directly from their mobile or withdraw cash from the nearest ATM. This system will be linked to the EPFO’s central IT system, allowing transactions to be processed in real-time.
Freedom from forms and office visits
Currently, if an employee needs to withdraw PF funds, they must visit the EPFO’s online portal, select the correct form, and then wait for approval from the bank and employer. Claims are often rejected due to minor technical errors, causing significant mental stress for employees.
The new facility will ensure instant access to funds in case of an emergency, just like a bank withdrawal, eliminating the need to fill out or upload numerous forms. The biggest relief will be that there will be no need to wait for company approval to withdraw funds, and digital verification will also reduce the scope for errors.
EPFO Reforms 2025
In October 2025, the EPFO launched a major wave of reforms, the next step of which is this ATM facility. Previously, there were 13 different categories for PF withdrawals, covering various reasons such as illness, marriage, house construction, and education. The different rules and conditions for each category often confused employees and resulted in rejection of their applications.
Now, the government has created a simple framework by combining all these categories. This simplification aims to ensure that members can easily understand their rights and minimize the time taken for claim settlement. The government aims to move towards a ‘zero rejection’ policy, where genuine claims can be approved immediately through technology.
How will employees’ lifestyles change
Suppose someone suddenly needs money at the hospital at night. Under the current system, it takes at least 3 to 7 days for PF funds to arrive. However, after March 2026, employees will be able to make payments directly from their PF account by scanning the hospital’s QR code on their phone. This will not only provide financial security but also increase employees’ confidence in their funds.
The government believes that this digital access will change people’s perception of the EPFO, enabling it to function more as an active savings account, rather than just a retirement fund, that can be used whenever needed.