The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued a strong advisory to its over seven crore subscribers, urging them to avoid relying on third-party agents for any provident fund-related activities. Instead, the retirement fund body encourages members to use its official, free digital services available via the EPFO portal and the UMANG app.
EPFO emphasized that subscribers can independently carry out key tasks such as submitting claims, updating KYC, correcting personal details, and linking bank accounts with their Universal Account Number (UAN)—all without third-party assistance or employer approval. In fact, since April 2025, several processes have been significantly simplified to empower members with direct access and control.
Among the notable updates:
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Bank accounts can be linked with UAN without employer verification.
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Personal information (like address or bank details) can be updated online without managerial intervention.
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Transfer claims no longer require employer approval.
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There’s no need to upload cheque leaf images or attested passbook copies.
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Subscribers can even withdraw PF amounts via ATMs.
The EPFO has reiterated that these services are entirely free and warned members to be cautious of unauthorized agents who falsely promise assistance but may exploit subscribers instead.
With these improvements, EPFO aims to offer a seamless, secure, and user-friendly experience—eliminating delays and reducing dependency on intermediaries.
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