Can EPFO’s new auto‑settlement rules make PF access faster and easier?

EPFO has raised its auto-settlement limit for advance provident fund claims from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, aiming to process these within just 72 hours. This change, effective from late June 2025, will benefit members seeking quick access to funds for urgent needs like medical treatment, home repairs, education, or marriage. Earlier, only claims up to ₹1 lakh qualified for automatic settlement, and larger requests took longer due to manual checks.

The shift builds on the success of EPFO’s automation during the Covid years. In 2024–25, over 2.34 crore claims—around 59%—were cleared through the auto-mode, showing strong adoption.The raised limit will now settle many more requests without delays that physical paperwork or verification bottlenecks cause. This will reduce the processing load on regional offices while delivering faster relief to members when they need it most.

Members can now expect smoother, more transparent fund access. Once the EPFO enables UPI and ATM-based withdrawals for verified users, members could access PF advances nearly instantly. By cutting down on intermediaries and approvals, the EPFO makes it easier for crores of salaried Indians to access their own savings with less stress and more speed. This reform, if authorities roll it out well, could mark a turning point in how India manages and accesses retirement benefits.