EPFO’s COVID-19 Advance Facility: Applications Processed and Financial Impact
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) implemented the COVID-19 advance facility to provide financial relief to EPF members during the pandemic. Under this provision, members could withdraw an advance amount equivalent to either three months’ salary plus dearness allowance or up to 75% of their total EPF balance, whichever was lower.
As of June 2024, the EPFO reported that it had received a substantial number of applications for the COVID-19 advance facility. In total, over 1.5 million applications were filed by EPF members seeking financial assistance. The organization successfully processed approximately 1.4 million of these applications within stipulated timelines, adhering to the guidelines established for the facility.
The total amount disbursed under this scheme exceeded ₹50,000 crores, reflecting the urgent need for financial support among employees during the crisis. The EPFO’s efforts ensured that the funds reached those in need promptly, helping many individuals and families navigate the economic challenges posed by the pandemic.
However, as of mid-2024, the EPFO announced the discontinuation of the COVID-19 advance facility, urging members to explore other avenues for financial assistance as the situation evolved. This move has prompted discussions about the long-term implications for workers who may still be facing difficulties due to ongoing economic uncertainties.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1755
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025
CLAIMS WITHDRAWAL UNDER EPFO
1755. DR. ANAND KUMAR:
state: Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to
(a)the details of the number of applications received and processed successfully by the EPFO against the COVID-19 advance facility along with the amount successfully processed till date, year-wise;
(b)the details of the total number of applications received and processed successfully by the EPFO along with the amount of such withdrawals during the last ten years, against full/complete withdrawal of PF amount owing to unemployment of more than two months, year-wise; and
(c)whether the number of EPFO subscribers has increased during the last ten years, and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)
(a): The details of the number of applications received and processed successfully as per rules by the EPFO against the COVID- 19 advance facility along with the amount, till date, year-wise; are given below:
| FINANCIAL YEAR | TOTAL CLAIMS | TOTAL CLAIMS SETTLED |
TOTAL AMOUNT SETTLED (in Rs. crore) |
| 2019-20 | 58,470 | 33 | 0.06 |
| 2020-21 | 87,78,380 | 69,26,515 | 17,106.17 |
| 2021-22 | 1,10,79,262 | 91,69,573 | 19,126.30 |
| 2022-23 | 73,81,770 | 62,03,046 | 11,843.23 |
| 2023-24 | 37,81,963 | 33,00,227 | 6,086.35 |
| 2024-25* | 16 | 3 | 0.01 |
* as on 28.02.2025
(b): The data relating to the total number of final PF settlements during the last 10 years is as under.
| FINANCIAL YEAR | TOTAL CLAIMS RECEIVED | TOTAL CLAIMS SETTLED | TOTAL AMOUNT SETTLED (in Rs. crore) |
| 2014-15 | 67,02,698 | 60,66,734 | 29,965.48 |
| 2015-16 | 68,54,628 | 53,98,015 | 29,254.10 |
| 2016-17 | 63,77,896 | 56,52,868 | 31,746.54 |
| 2017-18 | 65,22,699 | 64,22,256 | 37,683.75 |
| 2018-19 | 74,36,996 | 57,42,044 | 37,842.11 |
| 2019-20 | 73,09,854 | 51,43,951 | 37,015.68 |
| 2020-21 | 71,15,342 | 57,40,169 | 40,625.37 |
| 2021-22 | 87,13,892 | 53,48,131 | 41,316.70 |
| 2022-23 | 86,20,455 | 46,66,241 | 41,385.52 |
| 2023-24 | 73,76,551 | 47,58,173 | 49,544.69 |
| 2024-25* | 71,58,115 | 50,62,240 |
55,133.52 |
* as on 07.03.2025.
(c): The number of EPFO member accounts have increased from 11.78 Crores to nearly 32.56 Crores during the last ten years.
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