New EPFO portal: How pension payments, PF claims and transfers are changing

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has started processing the 8.25% interest for FY2025-26, with members expected to see the updated balance in their passbooks by July 15.

Alongside the interest credit, EPFO has rolled out its new centralised IT-enabled system (CITES 2.01), bringing several changes to how members access PF services, file claims, transfer accounts and receive settlements.

Members can now view PF balance, claim status, pensionable service, benefits availed through a unified digital interface.

Claims will now be processed through the centralised system and paid using faster electronic payment channels, helping settlement amounts reach members' bank accounts more quickly.

Earlier, interest was calculated only up to the last day of the previous month. Now, it will be calculated up to the date of payment authorisation.

Instead of 13 different categories, EPFO has grouped partial withdrawals into just three:

• Essential needs (illness, education and marriage)

• Housing needs

• Special circumstances

The aim is to make the withdrawal process easier to understand.

Members can now withdraw up to 75% of their total PF balance, subject to applicable rules.

If your Universal Account Number (UAN) is Aadhaar-linked, you will no longer have to apply separately for transferring your PF balance after switching jobs.

The transfer process will be initiated and settled automatically.

Under the Centralised Pension Payment System, pension claims processed at any regional office can now be credited through any bank account across the country.

Earlier, pension payments were linked to a specific bank branch connected to the Pension Payment Order (PPO).

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said interest payments were earlier processed in October-November after government approval. This year, members are expected to see the FY26 interest reflected in their passbooks by July 15 under the new system.