In a major step towards simplifying employee benefits, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced key reforms to improve the experience of its members. With the upgraded Form 13 and automated processes, transferring Provident Fund (PF) accounts has become faster, more transparent, and far less tedious for those switching jobs.
These changes are expected to impact over 1.25 crore EPFO members, making the retirement savings system more efficient and accessible than ever before.
PF Transfer Now Quicker with Simplified Form 13
Changing jobs used to mean navigating a complicated process just to transfer your PF account from one employer to another. This often involved approval from both current and new employers, with frequent delays.
That’s no longer the case.
What’s Changed in Form 13?
Form 13, the form required for PF transfers, has been upgraded into a digital one-stop dashboard for all PF-related data. Here’s what’s new:
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Instant Access to KYC: Your Know Your Customer details are now accessible on a single screen.
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Comprehensive Fund Summary: You can now see the total contributions from both you and your employer, along with the current balance.
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Detailed Contribution History: Every monthly deposit and its breakdown is now available.
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Past Transfers Tracked: View all your previous PF transfers at a glance.
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Withdrawal History: Easily access the records of any withdrawals made from your account.
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Interest Insights: Breakdown of taxable and non-taxable interest earned over time.
This streamlined view eliminates the need to shuffle between multiple platforms or request separate statements.
PF Transfer Becomes Automatic — A Game Changer for Job Switchers
Until now, the transfer of PF funds required a cumbersome two-way approval — both the old and new employers had to validate the process. With the 2025 update, EPFO has introduced a single-approval mechanism.
How It Works Now:
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Only old employer’s approval is needed.
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Once verified, the PF account automatically transfers to the new employer’s establishment.
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This eliminates redundant steps, reducing both paperwork and delays.
The result? Employees moving to new jobs can now expect quicker access to their retirement savings, without chasing multiple departments for approvals.
UAN Generation Made Easier — Even Without Aadhaar
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is central to all EPFO operations. Previously, generating a UAN without linking it to Aadhaar was not possible. This was a major hurdle for certain categories of employees.
Now, EPFO has relaxed this restriction — in specific cases:
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Members working with exempted PF trusts.
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Cases under quasi-judicial proceedings or recovery.
Key Condition:
These UANs will be inactive until Aadhaar is linked, ensuring that security and compliance remain intact.
This move is especially helpful for individuals caught in legal or administrative complications and ensures they are not left behind due to procedural barriers.
The Bigger Picture: ₹90,000 Crore in Transfers, Now Faster
These upgrades aren’t just about convenience — they’re about scale and impact.
Every year, approximately ₹90,000 crore worth of PF funds are transferred as employees move between jobs. With automated approvals and smarter tracking via Form 13, this massive fund movement can now be executed with greater accuracy and speed.
EPFO’s reforms also align with the government’s broader digital initiatives, promoting transparency, accountability, and user empowerment across all public service platforms.
Who Benefits the Most from These Changes?
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Employees frequently switching jobs (especially in IT, banking, and service sectors).
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Private sector workers in exempted trusts.
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Members facing issues with Aadhaar updates.
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HR departments, who will now manage fewer forms and escalations.
FAQs
What is Form 13 used for in EPFO?
Form 13 is used to transfer your PF balance from an old employer to your new employer when you change jobs.
Is employer approval still required for PF transfers?
Only the approval of the old employer is now required. The new employer’s approval is no longer mandatory under the 2025 rules.
Can UAN be generated without Aadhaar now?
Yes, but only under specific conditions such as being employed in exempted PF trusts or facing legal proceedings. The UAN will remain inactive until linked with Aadhaar.
How do I know if my PF transfer is complete?
You can check the transfer status and history using the newly enhanced Form 13 interface through the EPFO portal.
Who will benefit most from the EPFO 2025 update?
Employees frequently changing jobs, members in exempted PF trusts, and those with Aadhaar-related delays stand to gain the most.
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