EPFO Introduced Two key Reforms to Simplify its Claim Settlement Process

Current Context: On April 3, 2025, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) introduced two significant reforms to simplify and accelerate its claim settlement process.

• Elimination of Cheque Leaf/Passbook Upload: EPFO has removed the need for members to upload images of their cheque leaf or attested passbook while filing claims.
• This change benefits over 7.7 crore members, reducing paperwork, minimizing errors, and cutting down the chances of claim rejection due to incorrect uploads.
• No Employer Approval for Bank Seeding: Bank accounts linked with the Universal Account Number (UAN) no longer require employer approval once verified by the bank.
• This reform addresses 15 lakh pending cases, streamlining the process and offering immediate relief to members.

Question:

Q.1 What major procedural requirement did the EPFO eliminate on April 3, 2025, to simplify claim settlements?
a) Linking PAN with UAN
b) Uploading images of cheque leaf or attested passbook
c) Aadhaar authentication for members
d) Submission of physical claim forms

Answer: b) EPFO eliminated the requirement of uploading images of cheque leaf or attested passbook while filing claims. This reduces paperwork, errors, and the chances of rejection due to incorrect uploads.