EPFO Withdrawal System – For millions of salaried employees in India, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) acts as a financial safety net. But until recently, withdrawing money from your PF account was a slow and bureaucratic process—loaded with delays, employer approvals, and confusing paperwork. Not anymore. In a stunning new move, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out an instant PF withdrawal facility using UPI and ATM—making it possible to get your PF money within minutes without employer intervention. This article reveals how the new system works, how to apply, who is eligible, and the five-step shortcut to unlock your cash.
What is EPFO’s New UPI-Based Withdrawal System?
The EPFO has integrated a modern, digital infrastructure that now allows select users to withdraw their PF balance instantly using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and even through select ATMs. This is aimed at reducing dependence on employers and eliminating delays caused by paperwork.
Key Benefits of Instant PF Withdrawal
- No employer approval required
- Funds transferred directly to your UPI-linked bank account
- 24×7 availability including holidays
- Minimal documentation
- Real-time tracking via EPFO portal and UMANG app
Who Is Eligible for UPI/ATM-Based PF Withdrawal?
Before attempting the process, here are the basic eligibility requirements:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Linking | Must be linked to UAN and verified with EPFO |
| UAN Status | Should be active and KYC compliant |
| Bank Account | Linked bank must support UPI and be Aadhaar-seeded |
| Employment Status | Active or exited employee with PF balance |
| Mobile Number | Must be Aadhaar-linked and active |
| EPFO Portal Access | User must be registered on EPFO portal |
| UMANG App | Optional, but recommended for real-time updates |
| ATM Withdrawal (Pilot Only) | Available in select cities with linked banks |
5-Step Shortcut to Instantly Withdraw PF via UPI
This is your step-by-step guide to withdraw your PF in minutes:
Step 1: Verify UAN and KYC
- Log into EPFO Member Portal
- Ensure UAN is active
- Confirm KYC (Aadhaar, PAN, Bank Account) status is approved
Step 2: Link Aadhaar to UPI
- Use your UPI app (PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM, Paytm, etc.)
- Ensure your Aadhaar number is seeded with your bank
- Link the UPI ID to the Aadhaar-registered mobile number
Step 3: Log in to EPFO and Initiate Withdrawal
- Visit EPFO Portal > Online Services > Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C)
- Select “PF Advance (Form 31)”
- Choose purpose as “Out of necessity” or “Medical Emergency”
Step 4: Enter UPI ID and Amount
- Enter exact UPI ID (e.g., yournumber@upi)
- Mention the desired withdrawal amount (partial or full)
- Click “Validate” and then “Submit”
Step 5: Get Funds Instantly
- Once submitted, the request is verified instantly
- Funds are credited to your UPI-linked bank account within minutes
- Track status via UMANG or EPFO portal dashboard
Where Is ATM-Based EPFO Withdrawal Available?
The ATM-based feature is still under pilot testing. As of now, it is limited to a few banks and cities, but EPFO plans to expand it nationwide soon.
| Bank | City/Location | ATM Availability | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Bank of India | Mumbai, Delhi | Available in select ATMs | Aadhaar biometric required |
| Punjab National Bank | Chandigarh, Lucknow | Beta testing in progress | Requires EPFO UAN linkage |
| Canara Bank | Bangalore, Hyderabad | Coming soon | UPI withdrawal active via mobile app |
| Union Bank | Ahmedabad | Available with OTP access | Pilot program only |
| HDFC Bank | Mumbai (only 1 branch ATM) | Invite-only pilot users | Requires pre-registration |
| Bank of Baroda | Jaipur, Surat | Limited deployment | Aadhaar-enabled ATMs only |
| Axis Bank | Chennai, Pune | Yet to be rolled out | Testing in internal phase |
| ICICI Bank | Delhi, Noida | App-based UPI only | ATM not enabled yet |
Common Mistakes to Avoid During PF UPI Withdrawal
Make sure you don’t fall into these traps when initiating your claim:
- Wrong UPI ID – Always double-check the ID; even a typo may reject your request
- Incomplete KYC – If Aadhaar or bank not verified, withdrawal won’t proceed
- Old Mobile Number – Keep your mobile number updated with Aadhaar
- Attempting from Unlinked Bank – Use only Aadhaar-linked UPI accounts
- No Purpose Selected – Select a valid reason even if withdrawal is general
Key Terms and Forms You Should Know
| Term/Form | Description |
|---|---|
| UAN | Universal Account Number, unique for each PF subscriber |
| Form 31 | PF Advance withdrawal form |
| Form 19 | Final PF Settlement after resignation or retirement |
| Form 10C | Pension withdrawal benefits under EPS scheme |
| KYC | Know Your Customer—includes Aadhaar, PAN, Bank verification |
| UPI | Unified Payments Interface, used for real-time fund transfer |
| UMANG App | Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance by Govt |
| Aadhaar Seeding | Linking Aadhaar to UAN and bank account |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I withdraw my full PF amount using UPI?
Yes, if you have left your job and completed your notice period, you can apply for full settlement using Form 19 via UPI.
Q2. Is employer approval still needed for UPI-based withdrawal?
No. The new UPI withdrawal option removes the need for employer approval for advance withdrawals.
Q3. Can I withdraw through UPI if I am still employed?
Yes, partial withdrawals are allowed for medical, marriage, education, and emergency purposes even if you’re still employed.
Q4. What is the processing time for UPI withdrawals?
Once your application is submitted correctly, the withdrawal is processed within minutes or hours—far faster than the old system.
Q5. Is ATM-based EPFO withdrawal available nationwide?
Not yet. It’s currently in pilot testing and limited to specific cities and banks, but a national rollout is expected soon.