Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation India (EPFO)

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is one of the world's largest social security bodies. It manages over 29.88 crore member accounts across India. Established by law in 1952, EPFO provides essential financial security to millions of employees in India's organised sectors.

 

EPFO administers three key schemes to support financial well-being. The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) helps workers build retirement savings through regular contributions. The Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) provides steady pension income after retirement. The Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI) offers crucial life insurance protection.

 

EPFO operates under the Ministry of Labour & Employment with 147 offices nationwide. Governance is led by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT). This board includes representatives from the government, employers, and employees. This structure ensures balanced management and effective financial protection for workers.

Here is how you can easily understand the latest highlights from EPFO for April 2025:

• EPFO added 19.14 lakh net new members in April 2025, a 31.31% rise from March

• Total corpus of various funds managed by EPFO reached ₹24.75 lakh crore as of 31 March 2024

• New EPFO subscribers reached 8.49 lakh in April, increasing 12.49% from the previous month

• Young workers (aged 18–25) added the highest members at 4.89 lakh, accounting for 57.7% of new subscribers

• The net payroll increase among 18–25-year-olds was 7.58 lakh, rising 13.6% from March

• Former EPFO members rejoining the scheme numbered 15.77 lakh, up 19.19% compared to March

• Female payroll additions increased significantly, reaching 3.95 lakh, a monthly growth of 35.2%

• The number of new female subscribers was 2.45 lakh, marking a 17.6% increase over March

• Expert services, including manpower suppliers, accounted for 43.7% of total new members

• Manpower suppliers alone contributed significantly, adding approximately 4.24 lakh members

• Maharashtra led regional payroll additions, representing 21.12% of the total growth

• Total corpus of various funds managed by EPFO was Rs. 24.75 Lakh Crore as on 31.03.2024

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) helps you save money for retirement through contributions made by both you and your employer. As an employee, you contribute 12% of your basic salary plus Dearness Allowance (DA).

 

Illustration

For example, if your monthly salary plus DA is ₹20,000, your EPF contribution is ₹2,400 each month.

Your employer also contributes 12%, but this is split into two parts. Of this, 8.33% goes into the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), and 3.67% directly into your EPF account. On the same salary of ₹20,000, your employer would put ₹1,666 towards EPS and ₹734 into your EPF savings.

In addition, employers pay extra amounts for insurance and administration. They pay 0.5% of your salary to the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI), giving you life insurance coverage, and another 0.5% for EPFO administrative costs.  

 

For a ₹20,000 monthly salary, this amounts to ₹100 each for EDLI and administrative expenses.

Some smaller or financially weak companies may use a lower rate of 10%. With a ₹20,000 salary, your contribution would reduce to ₹2,000 per month. Employer contributions also reduce to ₹2,000, with EPS at ₹1,666 and EPF at ₹334.

The Finance Ministry has confirmed an interest rate of 8.25% for Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) accounts for the fiscal year 2024–25. This rate was finalised at the 237th Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting held in New Delhi on February 28, 2025, chaired by Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Labour and Employment.

Here is a summary of EPF interest rates over recent years:

Year	Interest Rate
2024-25	8.25%
2023-24	8.25%
2022-23	8.15%
2021-22	8.10%
2020-21	8.50%
2019-20	8.50%
2018-19	8.65%
2017-18	8.55%
2016-17	8.65%
2015-16	8.80%
2014-15	8.75%

 

Here are essential points you should understand about EPF interest rates clearly explained:

• The current EPF interest rate is 8.25%, effective for the current fiscal year
• EPF interest is calculated monthly, but the total amount is credited just once a year on March 31
• The credited annual interest amount gets added to your EPF balance in April, boosting next year’s interest calculation
• Your EPF account turns inactive if no contributions are made continuously for 36 months
• Interest continues to accrue on inactive EPF accounts if you haven’t reached retirement age
• Interest earned on inactive accounts is taxed based on your income tax slab rate
• No interest is earned on amounts transferred by employers into the Employees’ Pension Scheme, which provides a pension after age 58

Here are clear, practical reasons why contributing to EPF can greatly enhance your financial well-being:

Guaranteed Retirement Savings

EPF automatically deducts a fixed percentage from your salary each month, helping you build a substantial retirement corpus without active effort.

Employer’s Additional Contribution

Your employer matches your EPF contributions every month, effectively providing extra financial support and boosting your overall retirement savings.

Attractive Tax Savings

Your EPF contributions offer tax deductions up to ₹1.5 Lakhs per year under Section 80C, making it one of the most tax-efficient savings options available.

Competitive Interest Rates

EPF interest rates, regularly reviewed by the government, often exceed those offered by bank fixed deposits, ensuring steady growth of your retirement funds.

Compound Interest Growth

The interest on your EPF balance compounds annually, significantly increasing your savings, especially if you contribute consistently from early in your career.

Life Insurance Protection

The Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme provides life insurance, ensuring your family receives financial support in case of your untimely demise during employment.

Easy Access to Loans

EPF allows you to access loans against your accumulated savings for essential expenses like home construction, medical needs, or significant life events without liquidating your savings.

Partial Withdrawals in Emergencies

You can withdraw part of your EPF balance for crucial expenses like marriage, education, or medical emergencies, ensuring you have access to funds when needed.

Financial Security During Unemployment

EPF provides critical financial support, allowing withdrawals up to 75% of your balance after one month of unemployment, helping you manage expenses between jobs.

Easy Account Management Online

With digital services, you can conveniently manage your EPF account online, check balances, monitor contributions, and apply for withdrawals, enhancing transparency and accessibility.

Portability Across Jobs

Your EPF account is easily transferable between employers using your Universal Account Number (UAN), ensuring seamless continuity and eliminating the hassle of multiple accounts.

Secure Government-backed Investment

EPF offers government-guaranteed safety for your savings, providing peace of mind by minimizing risk, making it ideal for those seeking secure and stable returns.

Flexible Contribution Options

Through the Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF), you can increase your contributions voluntarily beyond mandatory limits, tailoring your savings according to your financial goals and capabilities.

Substantial Retirement Corpus

Upon retirement, you can withdraw your entire EPF balance, providing a significant financial cushion to manage post-retirement expenses or reinvest for regular income.

Here are accurate and convenient methods you can use to check your EPF balance online, through mobile apps, SMS, missed calls, or even without your registered phone number:

Using EPF Portal with UAN

Here is the easiest method to check your EPF balance via the official EPF portal with your activated UAN:

1. Visit the EPF passbook portal at passbook.epfindia.gov.in and click ‘For Employees’ under the ‘Services’ menu
2. Select ‘Member Passbook’ from the options provided
3. Enter your activated UAN, password, and captcha, then click ‘Sign In’
4. Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked registered mobile number
5. Your EPF balance and transaction details will appear on the screen

Using UMANG App

Here is a convenient way to view your EPF balance using the UMANG mobile app:

1. Download the UMANG app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Register and log in using your UAN-linked mobile number
3. Select ‘All Services’, then tap ‘EPFO’ listed under the ‘Social Security’ category
4. Choose ‘View Passbook’ under ‘Employee Centric Services’
5. Enter your UAN and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
6. Select your employer account to view your EPF passbook
7. Your EPF passbook and balance details will display on-screen
8. Download your EPF passbook by tapping the ‘Download’ button

Through SMS

Here is a quick and simple method to get your EPF balance by sending an SMS:

1. From your UAN-registered mobile number, send an SMS ‘EPFOHO UAN ENG’ to 7738299899
2. You will immediately receive an SMS reply containing your current EPF balance and last contribution details

By Missed Call

Here is the easiest way to check your EPF balance with just a missed call:

1. Give a missed call from your UAN-registered mobile number to 9966044425
2. Shortly after, you will receive an SMS providing your latest EPF balance details

Without Registered Mobile Number (via EPF Portal)

Here is how you can access your EPF balance online even without your registered mobile number:

1. Visit the official EPF passbook portal at passbook.epfindia.gov.in
2. Log in using your activated UAN, password, and the displayed captcha
3. Click the ‘Passbook’ tab after logging in
4. Select your specific Member ID to view detailed EPF transactions and balance information
5. You can download your EPF passbook as a PDF file for printing or future reference

Here is a simple and secure way to withdraw your EPF online, saving you time and paperwork:

1. Visit the official UAN portal at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in

2. Log in using your activated UAN and password, enter the captcha, and then click ‘Sign In’

3. Under the ‘Manage’ tab, click ‘KYC’ to verify your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details

4. After confirming your KYC details, select ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C, and 10D)’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu

5. Verify your bank account details displayed on the screen by entering your account number and clicking ‘Verify’

6. Confirm your agreement to the certificate of undertaking by clicking ‘Yes’, then proceed to the next step

7. Click on the ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ button shown on the screen to continue

8. Under ‘I Want To Apply For’, select your required claim type (Full EPF Settlement, Partial Withdrawal, or Pension Withdrawal)

9. For partial withdrawal, select ‘PF Advance (Form 31)’, enter withdrawal purpose, required amount, and your current address

10. Click the checkbox to certify the details, submit your application, and upload scanned documents if requested.

     

After submitting your EPF withdrawal request, you can easily track its progress using various online methods provided by EPFO.

Tracking your EPFO claim status online ensures transparency and allows easy monitoring of your EPF withdrawal or transfer request. Here are simple ways to complete an EPFO claim status check using different online methods:

EPFO Claim Status through EPF Portal

Visit the official EPFO member portal to perform an EPFO online claim status check after logging in with your activated UAN.

EPFO Passbook Claim Status

Log in to the EPFO passbook portal with your UAN credentials to check your EPFO passbook claim status instantly.

EPFO Track Claim Status via UMANG App

Use the UMANG app to easily track EPFO claim status online by selecting ‘Track Claim Status’ under the EPFO section.

EPFO Login Claim Status on Member Portal

After EPFO login, access the ‘Online Services’ tab on the member portal to quickly verify your EPFO claim status online.

EPFO Transfer Claim Status Verification

To perform EPFO claim status verification for transfers, log in to the unified EPFO portal, select ‘Online Services’, and click ‘Track Transfer Claim Status’.

EPF funds can be withdrawn fully or partially based on specific situations and set limits.

Complete Withdrawal

Full EPF withdrawal is permitted under two clear conditions. If unemployed, withdraw 75% after one month of unemployment, and remaining 25% after two months. Upon retirement, you can freely withdraw your entire EPF balance without restrictions.

Partial Withdrawal Limits

You can partially withdraw EPF funds under certain scenarios, each with defined limits and specific conditions:

Medical Expenses

Withdraw up to six months' basic salary plus DA or your EPF share plus interest, whichever is lower.

Education

After seven years, withdraw up to 50% of your EPF contribution plus interest for children's education after class 10.

Marriage

Withdraw up to 50% of your EPF share plus interest for marriage expenses after completing seven years of contribution.

Buying Land or House

After five years, withdraw up to 24 months' salary plus DA for land or 36 months for house purchase or construction.

Home Renovation

After five years, withdraw 12 months' salary plus DA, or your EPF contribution, or actual renovation cost, whichever is least.

Loan Repayment

After 10 years, withdraw the lowest of 36 months' salary, total EPF balance, or outstanding loan amount plus interest.

Pre-Retirement Expenses

Once you turn 54, withdraw up to 90% of your accumulated EPF balance plus interest to manage pre-retirement expenses.

Special Cases

If your workplace closes for over 15 days without pay, or no salary for two months, withdraw your entire EPF balance.

Keep these important documents ready to smoothly complete your EPF withdrawal process:

• Universal Account Number (UAN): Your unique identification number linked to your EPF account

• Bank Account Details: Account number, bank name, branch, and IFSC code to directly transfer funds

• Identity Proof: Valid identity documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID

• Address Proof: Accepted documents like Aadhaar card, passport, or utility bills confirming your address

 

Cancelled Cheque: A cheque with your bank details clearly printed, including account number and IFSC code.

The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), managed by EPFO, ensures employees receive a steady monthly income after retirement. Under EPS, a fixed percentage of your employer’s contribution (8.33% of your basic salary plus DA) is directed to a pension fund. This fund accumulates throughout your employment and is used to calculate your pension based on your average salary and total service period.

Here are the essential eligibility conditions you must meet to qualify for the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS):

• You must be a member of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

• You must have completed at least 10 years of eligible service.

• You become eligible to receive your full pension benefits at the age of 58.

• You can opt for early pension withdrawal starting from age 50, but at a reduced pension rate.

• You may also defer your pension up to the age of 60, receiving a 4% increase for each deferred year

You can easily submit grievances related to your EPF account using the EPF i-Grievance Management System by following these simple steps:

1. Visit the EPF i-Grievance Management System website and select the ‘Register Grievance’ option

2. Enter your Universal Account Number (UAN), Pension Payment Order (PPO), or Establishment Number and fill in the security code displayed

3. Click the ‘Get Details’ button to retrieve your account information

4. Review the details displayed and click ‘Get OTP’ to verify your identity

5. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click ‘Submit’ to confirm verification

6. Fill in your personal details, including gender, address, pin code, country, state, and security code

7. In ‘Grievance Details’, select your PF account number or choose ‘Other’ if the grievance is not account-specific

8. Specify your grievance by choosing the grievance type and category, then describe your issue clearly

9. Upload supporting documents by clicking ‘Choose File’, then ‘Attach’, and finally click the ‘Add’ button

10. Submit your grievance by clicking the ‘Submit’ button and note the grievance registration number sent via email and SMS

You can also reach EPFO directly for grievances or queries through these alternative methods:

Via Email

• Employees can send grievances to: employeefeedback@epfindia.gov.in

• Employers should use: employerfeedback@epfindia.gov.in

Through Helpdesk

• Call EPFO’s toll-free helpline at 14470 to quickly resolve your EPF-related questions and grievances

Via Postal Address

• Send a signed written complaint, along with supporting documents, to:

The CVO, EPFO Vigilance Headquarters,

14 Bhikaji Cama Place,

New Delhi – 110066