Payroll and Compliance Awareness
EPF Scheme 2026: faster claims, simpler withdrawals, and what is still only announced
The EPF Scheme 2026 replaced the 1952 scheme from 1 July 2026. Claims now carry a three-day settlement target — but UPI and ATM withdrawals are not yet generally live.
A new rulebook
The Ministry of Labour notified the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme 2026, the Employees’ Pension Scheme 2026 and the EDLI Scheme 2026 under the Code on Social Security. The EPF Scheme 2026 was notified on 29 June 2026 and took effect on 1 July 2026, replacing the 1952 scheme.
Settlement timelines
PF withdrawal claims must be settled within three days, and pension and insurance claims within 20 days, with an accountability mechanism for officials who miss deadlines and a largely paperless process.
Simplified withdrawals
The earlier 13 partial-withdrawal provisions are consolidated into three categories — essential needs (illness, education, marriage), housing, and special circumstances — subject to conditions and a minimum balance. Members can withdraw up to 75% of their balance on job loss, with reduced service requirements for several purposes.
Separate fact from rumour
EPFO 3.0 features such as UPI and ATM withdrawals have been announced and tested, but as of mid-September 2026 there was no general public launch. Advise employees to rely only on services shown on the official EPFO portal or UMANG app.
What HR should do
Update employee FAQs on withdrawals and transfers, ensure UAN–Aadhaar seeding and correct bank details for every employee, and keep exit documentation timely so claims are not delayed on the employer side.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal, tax, or regulated statutory advice. Requirements vary by business and location; seek appropriately qualified advice where needed.