EPFO Update: EPFO has made 7 major changes for PF account holders. This has made UAN activation, PF transfer, bank linking and claim process easier and digital than ever before. Let’s know the complete details.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has recently made many important changes in its functioning. Its aim is to make the process faster, simpler and digital for Provident Fund (PF) account holders. These changes are not only technologically advanced, but are also directly benefiting millions of employees. Let us know the 7 major changes of EPFO which were implemented in recent months.
1. Form 13 process for PF transfer simplified
EPFO has simplified the process of Form 13 from January 2025. Now in most cases, employer approval is not required. This will make PF transfer faster. Automatic merger of old and new PF accounts has also become possible. Also, clarity on the taxable and non-taxable part of the PF amount will also make the calculation of TDS accurate.
2. UAN activation through Aadhaar face authentication
EPFO has introduced the facility to generate and activate UAN through UMANG app by implementing Aadhaar based face authentication technology. This is especially beneficial for those 70% members who have not been able to activate UAN till now.
3. Employer approval requirement for bank account linking is abolished
Now PF account holders can link their bank account to UAN directly through NPCI/Bank. Earlier this process required the approval of the employer, which took an average of 16 days. This hurdle has now been removed.
4. No need to upload check leaf or passbook
Now, members need not upload the image of cheque leaf or bank passbook while filing online claim, provided their bank account is verified through NPCI.
5. PF advance will be available for home repair through self-declaration
Under Para 68B(7) of the EPF Scheme 1952, now members can take PF advance for repairs only on the basis of self-declaration after 5 years of construction of the house. However, this facility will be available only if it is not linked to the housing advance taken earlier.
6. Facility of UAN generation in bulk without linking Aadhaar
EPFO has implemented a new system through which employers can generate UAN even for those employees whose Aadhaar is not linked. This facility has been provided especially in those cases where old PF contributions are now being merged into EPFO.
7. One-time payment of dues is now possible through demand draft also
EPFO has allowed one-time payment of old dues through demand draft in cases where payment through electronic challan is not possible. This facility will be given only under special circumstances on the satisfaction of the regional officer.
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