Bhubaneswar, March 27: In a significant step towards enhancing accessibility to retirement savings, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to launch a new mobile app that will revolutionize the process of provident fund (PF) withdrawals. The upgraded system, expected to be operational by April 1, 2026, will allow users to access their funds faster and more conveniently through digital platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and ATMs.

This new system is designed to simplify the traditionally cumbersome withdrawal process, which typically involves multiple verification steps and waiting periods. With UPI integration, EPFO subscribers will soon be able to transfer their PF balances directly into their bank accounts within minutes or a few hours following approval.

Additionally, EPFO is working on facilitating ATM withdrawals, which will allow users to access their funds through Aadhaar-linked authentication methods, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and biometric verification.

A major feature of this new system is speed. Reports suggest that users will be able to withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance almost instantly, or within 24 hours, in the case of partial withdrawals. This will be especially beneficial for emergencies, such as medical needs or urgent personal expenses, where quick access to funds is essential.

The move is expected to benefit over 8 crore EPFO subscribers across India. In addition to withdrawals, the new mobile app will offer a suite of services, such as balance checks, account management, and claim tracking, making the entire PF experience more in line with modern digital banking platforms.