A big update has come out regarding the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). The government is considering various measures to provide benefits to PF-registered employees. In particular, it is considering significant benefits for employees who contribute to the pension plan. Currently discussions are going on to increase the EPS-95 pension.
Labor unions are demanding that the government increase the pension under EPS from ₹1,000 to ₹7,500. If the government accepts this proposal regarding pension, it will result in a 7.5 times increase. A parliamentary committee has also recommended an increase in pension. Furthermore, the government has indicated that the interest earned on PF accounts will soon be credited to the accounts of employees. The interest rate of 8.25%—which employees were eagerly waiting for—is expected to be credited to the accounts of PF account holders soon. The process is awaiting approval from the Finance Ministry; Once approved, the funds will be transferred to the respective accounts. It is expected that the PF interest amount can be deposited in the accounts in May.
PF withdrawal facility through ATM
Several technical modifications are being implemented within the EPFO portal and are expected to be rolled out soon. Most notably, a major change is going to be introduced regarding the withdrawal of PF funds through ATMs. This feature is expected to go live soon. Once the ATM-based PF withdrawal facility is operational, members will have easier access to their PF funds. After this, just like a savings bank account, individuals will be able to withdraw money from their PF accounts using an ATM card.
EPFO created a new record
During the financial year 2025-26, EPFO settled a total of 8.31 crore claims. This marks a significant increase compared to the 6.01 crore claims settled last year. Of these, 5.51 crore claims were related to advance or partial withdrawal. As per available data, EPFO processed 71.11% of advance claims within just three days—a substantial improvement compared to the figure of 59.19% recorded last year. Digital features have streamlined processes.
6.68 crore claims processed without the need to upload image of cheque; 1.59 crore accounts linked to bank accounts without employer approval; 70.55 lakh transfer claims processed automatically; And 29.34 lakh members updated their profiles themselves. During April 2026, 61.03 lakh claims were settled. Additionally, 98.70% of these claims were settled within 20 days.
New Initiative: E-PRAAPTI Portal
EPFO has also launched a new initiative—E-PRAAPTI Portal—which provides a new platform using Aadhaar-based access. This makes it easier to link inactive PF accounts and helps in merging old accounts together. This initiative will benefit those accounts which are not currently linked to UAN, and in future, it will also benefit those users who do not have a Member ID.