If you have a Provident Fund (PF) account, here’s a significant change you should know about. In a welcome move for lakhs of salaried employees across India, the central government has made it easier for PF account holders to access their money during emergencies. EPFO Hikes Minimum Pension 2025 Check here
What’s New for PF Account Holders in 2025?
In March 2025, the Central Board of Trustees of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) approved a major update:
Now, PF account holders can withdraw up to ₹5 lakh in advance through an auto-settlement process, without the need for manual verification.
Previously, the auto-claim limit was capped at ₹1 lakh. This latest enhancement significantly improves both speed and convenience, especially for members facing urgent financial needs.
Big Update for EPFO Members
If you’ve ever had to wait for manual verification to access your PF money — especially in times of medical emergency or urgent home repairs — you’ll understand why this is such a big relief.
Here’s why this update matters:
- No paperwork or delays: Claims are processed digitally.
- Faster fund release: Especially important in emergency situations.
- Trusted facility: Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help members access funds quickly.
PF Advance Withdrawal Limit Increases 2025
| Time Period | Auto-Settlement Limit |
|---|---|
| May 2024 | ₹50,000 → ₹1,00,000 |
| March 2025 | ₹1,00,000 → ₹5,00,000 |
After the recent approval by EPFO’s executive committee, the number of claims has grown dramatically. In FY 2023–24, nearly 90 lakh members used the auto-settlement option. By FY 2024–25, this number jumped to approximately 2 crore claims.
Who Can Use the ₹5 Lakh Advance Facility?
This auto-withdrawal option is available to any eligible EPFO member who needs to access their PF funds in the following situations:
- Medical emergencies (self or dependent family members)
- Higher education expenses for children
- Marriage-related expenses
- Home purchase or construction
These are considered valid and pre-approved reasons, so members can request funds without needing employer confirmation or manual verification.
How to Apply for the ₹5 Lakh Auto-Advance from EPFO
If you’re eligible and need to access your funds:
- Log in to the EPFO member portal at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in
- Go to “Online Services” > “Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)”
- Choose Form 31 for “Advance PF Withdrawal”
- Enter the required details — purpose, amount, bank details
- Submit and wait for digital confirmation
Since the process is fully automated up to ₹5 lakh, the amount is typically disbursed within a few working days.
