Overview

• Partial withdrawal provisions are consolidated from 13 rules into three categories—Essential Needs, Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances—with a uniform 12‑month minimum service and no reason required under Special Circumstances.
• Members may withdraw up to 100% of the eligible balance, covering both employee and employer contributions, subject to maintaining a 25% minimum balance in the account.
• A phased EPFO 3.0 digital revamp aims for documentation‑free, auto‑settlement of partial claims, and an MoU with India Post Payments Bank will provide doorstep Digital Life Certificates for EPS’95 pensioners.
• Final settlement timelines are revised, allowing premature EPF settlement after 12 months and permitting final pension withdrawal after 36 months.
• The time‑limited Vishwas Scheme reduces penal damages to a flat 1% per month with lower graded rates for shorter defaults, and four fund managers were appointed to manage EPFO’s debt portfolio for five years.