By Team Nevesh
Changing jobs, checking a PF balance or withdrawing money from an EPF account has traditionally meant dealing with forms, employer approvals and, sometimes, a long wait.
EPFO has been trying to change that.
Several digital and process changes are now either in place or being rolled out, making UAN management, PF transfers and claims less dependent on paperwork. Some of these reforms began earlier but have become more relevant in 2026 as EPFO moves members towards a more digital system.
For salaried employees, five changes stand out.
1. UAN generation and activation now happens through UMANG
The process of generating or activating a Universal Account Number (UAN) has moved away from the EPFO member portal.
EPFO’s current member portal states that direct UAN allotment and UAN activation through the portal have been discontinued. Members can now generate a new UAN or activate an existing one through the UMANG app using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT).
The change is particularly relevant for new employees entering the formal workforce. Instead of depending entirely on an employer to complete the process, members can use the digital route themselves.
Existing UAN holders can also use face authentication to verify their details.
The shift is part of EPFO’s larger effort to reduce errors in member records and move more services onto a digital platform.
2. PF transfer after changing jobs can happen automatically
Switching employers no longer has to mean manually chasing a PF transfer in every case.
EPFO has moved towards automatic transfer for members whose UAN is Aadhaar-verified and whose accounts meet the required KYC conditions.
The aim is straightforward: when an employee changes jobs, the PF balance should move to the new account without the member having to initiate a separate transfer request in eligible cases.
EPFO had already simplified the transfer process by removing employer approval requirements in most cases from January 2025.
The change matters because a PF account is designed to follow the employee through different jobs. A smoother transfer process reduces the chances of old balances being left behind simply because the employee did not complete the paperwork.
Members should still make sure their Aadhaar, bank details and KYC information are correctly linked to the UAN.
3. More PF claims are being moved towards faster settlement
EPFO has already been using auto-settlement for eligible advance claims, with the limit raised to ₹5 lakh.
These advances can cover specified needs such as illness, education, marriage and housing. Eligible claims can be processed without going through the full manual approval route.
EPFO is now looking to take the process a step further.
The organisation has said it plans to extend auto-settlement to final PF withdrawal claims as well. That would be a bigger change because final withdrawal is generally associated with a more extensive claim process.
For now, employees should treat this as a planned expansion rather than an already available facility.
EPFO has also indicated that it wants most fresh PF withdrawal claims to be settled on the same day or within two days, although the actual timeline will depend on the claim and the checks required.
4. Passbook Lite makes it easier to check your PF balance
Employees no longer have to rely only on the separate EPFO passbook portal to get a quick view of their PF account.
Passbook Lite, introduced on the EPFO member portal, provides a simpler summary of contributions, withdrawals and the account balance.
The full passbook remains available through the existing passbook service for members who want more detailed information. But the lighter version is meant to make routine checks easier from the member portal itself. (EPF India)
This may sound like a small change, but it addresses one of the most basic PF needs: knowing whether the employer’s contributions have been credited and how much money is actually sitting in the account.
EPFO has also made Annexure K, the transfer certificate, available online, giving members greater visibility into PF transfers.
5. Less paperwork for online PF claims
One of the more practical changes for employees is the reduction in documents required for eligible online claims.
EPFO has removed the requirement to upload an image of a cheque leaf or an attested bank passbook copy for online claims, a move intended to speed up processing and reduce claim rejections.
The broader direction is clear. More of the claim process is being tied to Aadhaar, UAN and digitally verified bank details rather than physical documents.
That does not mean every PF claim will be approved instantly. Claims can still be subject to verification, eligibility conditions and other checks.
But for members whose records are properly updated, there is less paperwork to deal with.
What about PF withdrawals through UPI?
Another change is on the way, although it should not yet be treated as an operational facility for every member.
EPFO has said it plans to introduce PF claim settlement through the BHIM app, with approved claims credited to a member’s UPI-linked bank account.
The facility was expected to be introduced around the middle of 2026, but members should wait for an official EPFO rollout before relying on it.
The proposed system could make PF withdrawals considerably more convenient by connecting the claim process directly with a member’s UPI-linked bank account.
EPFO is also linked to the government’s employment scheme
EPFO’s digital changes are not limited to PF account management.
The organisation is also involved in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), the government’s employment-linked scheme.
The scheme requires new joiners and first-time EPF members to complete Aadhaar-based Face Authentication for UAN verification. The government has also prescribed digital compliance requirements linked to the release of benefits. (Press Information Bureau)
For employees entering the formal workforce, this makes having a properly verified UAN even more important.
What salaried employees should check now
The changes are useful only if an employee’s PF records are in order.
Salaried employees should check that their UAN is active, Aadhaar is correctly linked, KYC details are updated and the bank account connected to the UAN is correct.
Employees who have changed jobs should also check whether their old PF balance has moved to the current account rather than assuming the transfer has happened automatically.
The bigger shift at EPFO is towards fewer forms and more digital verification. But that also puts more responsibility on employees to keep their records accurate.
For someone who changes jobs several times during a career, that could make a meaningful difference. A PF account that follows the employee without repeated paperwork is considerably easier to manage than one that requires a fresh administrative process every time the employer changes.
Risk Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, legal or investment advice. Employees should verify the latest rules and their individual eligibility through official EPFO channels before submitting a claim or making any decision relating to their provident fund.