The change takes effect after EPFO migrated its member database to a new Centralised IT Enabled Services (CITES) platform. Under the updated system, eligible PF balances move automatically to a new employer's account without the member needing to file a request.
Previously, employees had to apply for a PF transfer through the EPFO portal or offline after changing jobs. The request then went through employer verification and EPFO approval before the balance and service history were moved across. That additional step has now been removed for members whose Universal Account Number (UAN) is linked to Aadhaar and whose KYC details are verified.
For those not covered by the automatic route, EPFO has also introduced a second manual option. Members can now initiate a transfer either through the existing Online Services tab or through a newly added Claim link inside the Member Service History section on the portal. Both routes lead to the same Form 13 transfer flow, authenticated via an OTP sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
The practical stakes are significant for India's salaried workforce. Fragmented PF accounts across multiple employers can break an employee's continuous service record, which is relevant for pension eligibility and advance withdrawal limits. A consolidated account also helps avoid tax deducted at source that can apply when balances are withdrawn before five years of continuous service.
Professionals who have switched jobs recently and whose UAN is not yet Aadhaar-linked or KYC-verified will still need to raise a manual transfer request. EPFO has cautioned that some claims and service requests may take longer than usual while the new CITES system stabilises. Members can check their employment history and any pending transfers by logging in to the EPFO Unified Member Portal with their UAN and navigating to the Service History section after OTP verification.
