EPF members take note! The EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization) has rolled out significant service modifications, including a streamlined joint declaration procedure, the launch of CPPS (Centralized Pension Payment System), pension policy clarifications for higher wages, online profile modification capabilities, and straightforward PF transfer processes. Understanding these modifications can assist in better EPF management.
We take a look at 5 major EPF changes in 2025 that members should know:
EPF Member Profile Updates
The EPFO has streamlined its procedures for updating member profiles. For members with Aadhaar-verified Universal Account Numbers (UAN), the process now allows direct modifications to personal details without documentary evidence.
These details include name, birth date, gender, nationality, parental information, marital status, spouse details, and employment dates. However, for UANs issued before October 1, 2017, certain modifications may require employer verification.
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PF Account Transfer
The EPFO has implemented a more straightforward process for PF account transfers when members switch employment.
As per the EPFO directive dated January 15, 2025, certain online transfer applications can now proceed without mandatory routing through former or current employers.
- Transfers between Member IDs linked with the same UAN, where the UAN was allotted on or after 01/10/2017 and linked with Aadhaar.
- Transfers between Member IDs linked with different UANs, where such UANs were allotted on or after 01/10/2017 and linked with the same Aadhaar.
- Transfers between Member IDs linked with the same UAN, where the UAN was allotted prior to 01/10/2017, is linked with Aadhaar, and the name, date of birth (DOB), and gender are identical across the Member IDs.
- Transfers between Member IDs linked with different UANs, where atleast one of the UANs was allotted prior to 01/10/2017, is linked with the same Aadhaar, and the name, DOB, and gender are identical across the Member IDs.
Joint Declaration Modifications
The EPFO has released fresh guidelines regarding the Joint Declaration procedure, introducing a simplified approach that supersedes specific recommendations from SOP Version 3.0. These new directives replace the previous Standard Operating Procedure issued on July 31, 2024.
The recent modifications comprise particular adjustments designed to enhance efficiency, including novel member classifications, updated document submission protocols, and revised guidelines for employers and claimants.
According to the EPFO directive dated January 16, 2025, “1. In supersession of the directions contained in the Joint Declaration SOP Version 3.0 issued on 31-July-2024, following directions are issued to simplify the process:-a) The process is simplified based on the classification of members as below:-A. Member Id linked with UAN generated based on Aadhaar from 1st Oct, 2017 (JD request received online) B. Member Id linked with UAN generated prior to 1st Oct, 2017 wherein Name, Dob & Gender, Aadhaar validated by UIDAI (JD request received online) C. Member Id having UAN but not Aadhaar validated by UIDAI or without any UAN or belonging to deceased members (JD request filed in physical mode by member/claimant).”
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Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS)
The EPFO has issued a fresh circular detailing the launch of CPPS, which commenced from January 1, 2025.
The system facilitates pension disbursements via NPCI, enabling payments to any account in scheduled commercial banks throughout India. The Regional Offices have received necessary upgrades to support CPPS operations.
Starting January, there will be no requirement to transfer PPOs due to banking jurisdictions. The system will accommodate new banking entities with their IFSC codes. Pensioners can utilise their UAN-KYC linked accounts for pension receipts, minimising payment discrepancies. New pension orders require Aadhaar registration to facilitate Digital Life Certificate submissions.
The EPFO said in a circular dated January 17, 2025, “It is reiterated that as CPPS is implemented w.e.f 1st Jan 2025, there shall be no transfer out to another RO. For cases which are already marked for transfer out but not yet transferred through e office as per Instructions Issued, the original RO in which claim is received, shall process it without transferring to any other RO. The claims erroneously transferred to another office in e office after 1st Jan 2025, shall be returned back to original office for necessary action.”
Higher Pension Guidelines Update
The EPFO has released fresh guidelines providing policy clarifications regarding the processing of pension applications for members eligible for enhanced benefits under EPS. Various field offices had sought guidance on specific aspects of Pension on Higher Wages cases, prompting consultation with the MoL&E for definitive answers.
The key areas addressed include:
* Fair and uniform pension calculation across all pensioner groups
* Strict adherence to trust regulations for exempted establishments
* Separate and distinct handling of dues collection and pension arrear payments
These detailed instructions seek to standardise the implementation process whilst ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and maintaining procedural clarity in PoHW case management.
