EPFO New Rules: The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has introduced important reforms to benefit its more than 7 crore members. These include simplifying the joint declaration process, implementing a centralized pension payment system (CPPS), changes in policies related to higher pensions for members, an online member profile update facility, and making PF transfer easier. The aim of these changes is to help EPFO subscribers manage their Provident Fund more effectively. Let’s take a detailed look at these changes.

Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS)

EPFO launched the Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS) on January 1, 2025. This system is now fully operational in all EPFO regional offices across India. It allows pensioners to receive their pension from any bank or branch nationwide. More than 78 lakh pensioners in India will benefit from CPPS.

The system will especially help pensioners who relocate to their hometowns after retirement. Previously, pensioners had to transfer their Pension Payment Order (PPO) if they moved cities or switched banks. Now, pensioners can access their funds more easily without needing to transfer PPOs. CPPS has simplified the pension disbursement process, eliminating physical verification visits.

New Guidelines for Higher Pension

EPFO has issued new guidelines to clarify the process for higher pensions. Employees and employers can now apply online for a higher pension. This follows the Supreme Court’s decision on November 4, 2022, that allowed EPFO to offer the higher pension option. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2025.

If an employee or pensioner applies for a higher pension, EPFO will verify the details. If the application is incomplete, EPFO will request additional information from the employer.

EPFO Members Profile Update

EPFO now allows members to update details like their name, date of birth, gender, nationality, father/mother’s name, marital status, spouse’s name, and dates of joining and leaving an organization. This can be done without uploading documents, provided the Universal Account Number (UAN) is linked with Aadhaar. However, for UANs received before October 1, 2017, employer certification will be needed for updates.

Simplified Joint Declaration Process

On January 16, 2025, EPFO introduced new guidelines to simplify the joint declaration process. These changes are aimed at making the process easier by removing some steps from the previous Standard Operating Procedure (SOP Version 3.0). The updated guidelines streamline classifications for members, document submissions, and procedures for employers and claimants.

After October 1, 2017, members with Aadhaar-linked UANs can apply online, but older or non-Aadhaar-linked UANs cannot be updated online.

Simplified PF Account Transfer Process

EPFO has simplified the process of transferring PF accounts for members who change jobs. Previously, members had to manually request the transfer of their EPF funds, but now the transfer will start automatically when the Universal Account Number (UAN) is linked with a new employer. This makes it easier for employees to manage their retirement savings, as their UAN remains the same even if they change jobs.