EPF changes 2025: 12 big provident fund (PF) rule updates every employee must know

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has implemented several changes that affect almost all its members. Whether it's pensioners submitting life certificates, long-term contributors preparing withdrawals, or new employees obtaining their UAN, as 2025 draws to a close, let's take a look at these 12 changes.

1. Passbook Lite

2. Annexure K is now directly downloadable

A big relief for job-switchers is that Annexure K (Transfer Certificate) is now directly downloadable from the member portal in PDF format. Earlier, members could only get this through PF offices.

This document helps track PF transfers, service history and balances, making transitions between jobs less stressful.

3. Faster claim settlements

EPFO has reworked its internal approval hierarchy. With more powers now delegated to Assistant PF Commissioners and junior officers, claim settlements and approvals should become much faster and more transparent.

4. EPFO Employee Enrolment Scheme 2025

5. Aadhaar-based face authentication mandatory for UAN generation

6. Simplified withdrawal rules

EPFO has overhauled withdrawal rules to make them easier to understand and use:

Members can now withdraw up to 100% of their eligible balance, but must keep at least 25% in the account to maintain retirement savings.

The previous 13 withdrawal categories have been merged into three simple groups:

• Essential Needs (illness, education, marriage)

• Housing Needs

• Special Circumstances

Minimum service required for partial withdrawal is now just 12 months.

7. Longer waiting period for full withdrawal after job loss

• EPF full withdrawal: Waiting period increased from 2 months to 12 months.

• EPS (Pension) full withdrawal: Waiting period increased from 2 months to 36 months.

8. Easier PF transfers

From 15 January 2025, PF transfers after job change become easier, in many cases, employer approvals are not needed.

9.  Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS)

EPFO’s new Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS), live from 1 January 2025, is crediting pensions directly through NPCI to any bank account. No more transferring Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) or dealing with paperwork when pensioners change banks or locations.

10. Vishwas Scheme for settling long-pending PF penalty cases

• 0.25% per month (delay up to 2 months)

• 0.50% per month (delay up to 4 months)

• 1% per month (beyond 4 months)

This scheme aims to reduce litigation and offer closure to long-pending compliance cases.

11. Life certificate for pensioners from home via IPPB

12. EPF interest rate for FY 2024–25 set at 8.25%