PF withdrawals to go digital with UPI and ATMs by March 2026

The Labour Ministry is preparing to enable EPF withdrawals through ATMs and UPI platforms, aiming to simplify access, reduce paperwork, and align provident fund services with India’s rapidly expanding digital payment ecosystem.

In a significant move for Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation subscribers, the Union Labour Ministry is working on a new facility that will allow members to withdraw their provident fund directly through ATMs and UPI platforms. The digital upgrade is expected to be rolled out by March 2026 and is designed to make EPF access faster and more convenient.

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the initiative builds on recent reforms that permit subscribers to withdraw up to 75 per cent of their EPF balance. He noted that while the money belongs to employees, the existing withdrawal process often involves multiple forms and procedural delays, making it difficult for members to access their savings when needed.

Moving EPF closer to everyday banking

The proposed ATM and UPI integration aims to bring EPF services closer to the payment systems people already use daily. Once implemented, subscribers will no longer need to depend heavily on online portals, employer approvals, or lengthy claim procedures. Instead, EPF withdrawals are expected to become as seamless as regular banking transactions.

By linking provident fund accounts with widely used digital payment infrastructure, the government hopes to cut down processing time and reduce claim settlement delays. The move is also intended to eliminate paperwork-related hurdles that often discourage members from completing withdrawal applications.

Built on recent EPFO reforms

The planned digital access follows a broader set of reforms approved by the EPFO in October 2025 to simplify provident fund operations. These changes focused on improving transparency, speeding up claims, and reducing rejections caused by complex eligibility rules.

Earlier, EPF withdrawals were governed by multiple categories, each with different conditions, often leading to confusion and errors. As part of the reforms, the Labour Ministry consolidated 13 withdrawal categories into a simpler framework, making it easier for members to understand and comply with the rules.

Together, the reforms and the upcoming ATM and UPI facility signal a shift toward making EPF services more user-friendly, efficient, and aligned with India’s digital-first financial ecosystem.