Hyderabad: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made a significant update for salaried workers in India. They have increased the auto-settlement limit for advance claims from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This change will help employees access their funds faster during urgent financial situations.
The announcement came during a session in the Lok Sabha. Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, stated that the new limit is meant to speed up claim settlements under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme. This initiative aims to enhance digital efficiency and cut down processing time, especially during emergencies like medical issues or job loss.
Officials highlighted that this increase is part of EPFO’s ongoing efforts to improve member services through digital transformation. Eligible members can now have advance claims up to Rs 5 lakh processed automatically, which reduces delays and paperwork.
In response to a question by MPs D.K. Aruna, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, and Eatala Rajender, the Minister noted that there have been no reports of violations or procedural complaints. This suggests the new system is running smoothly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and Kerala.
The Ministry is committed to resolving any grievances and making access easier for EPFO members. With over 27 crore subscribers nationwide, this update should benefit many by providing financial flexibility and reducing the need for manual approvals.
