EPFO Interest Update 2026: If you are a PF account holder, this news could be very significant for you. It is worth noting that the PF (Provident Fund) is not merely a savings plan but a robust financial security plan for the future. During one’s employment, a fixed amount is deducted from the employee’s monthly salary and deposited into the PF account, with the employer contributing an equal amount. This accumulated sum grows over time through interest and serves as substantial financial support during retirement, job changes, or other times of need.

According to reports, the EPFO ​​has begun crediting annual interest at 8.25% to the accounts of crores of people for the financial year 2025-2026. This update brings relief to employees who had been waiting for the interest to be credited to their PF accounts. A notable feature this time is that notifications regarding the interest credit are being sent via text messages.

Individuals whose mobile numbers are linked to their UAN (Universal Account Number) and PF accounts have started receiving these messages. Details are provided below for those who have received an EPFO ​​message or wish to check whether the interest has been credited to their account.

What is an EPF?

The EPF is a social security scheme run by the Government of India and administered by the EPFO. The primary objective of this scheme is to provide financial security to salaried employees after retirement. Under this scheme, a fixed amount is deducted from the employee’s salary and deposited, while the company also makes a matching contribution. This accumulated amount grows annually with the addition of interest.

EPFO begins crediting 8.25% interest

The EPFO ​​has begun crediting annual interest at 8.25% to members’ accounts for the financial year 2025-2026. Crores of active PF account holders across the country will benefit from this. It is worth noting that the interest is credited directly to your EPF account, thereby increasing your total accumulated balance.

Interest Credited Earlier This Time

In previous years, PF interest typically appeared in members’ accounts in September or later; however, this time, the EPFO ​​has upgraded its IT systems and automated processes, resulting in the interest being credited to accounts sooner than before. This allows millions of employees to receive timely information regarding their investments.

What Are the Benefits of 8.25% Interest?

For instance, if an employee has a total balance of ₹5 lakh in their PF account, they could earn ₹41,250 in interest annually at a rate of 8.25%. Similarly, a balance of ₹1 lakh would yield ₹8,250 in interest; ₹2 lakh would yield ₹16,500; ₹3 lakh would yield ₹24,750; and ₹10 lakh would yield ₹82,500.

Information via SMS

This time, the EPFO ​​is sending messages to millions of its members on their registered mobile numbers. These messages inform members that the interest has been credited to their accounts and that they can now check their PF balance and updated total accumulated amount. If you haven’t received a message yet, there is no need to worry. There could be several reasons for this, such as an outdated mobile number, incomplete KYC, or an inactive UAN. In such cases, you can check your balance yourself using online or offline methods.

How ​​to Check PF Balance Online?

The easiest way to do this is through the EPFO’s Member Passbook facility.
First, visit the EPFO ​​passbook website.
Next, log in by entering your UAN, password, and the captcha code.
Once logged in, your complete passbook will open. Here, you can view details such as the employee’s contribution, the company’s contribution, interest earned, and the total balance.

Check balance via the UMANG App

If you use a mobile phone, the UMANG App is a convenient option.
First, download the UMANG app.
Next, select the EPFO ​​service.
Then, go to the ‘View Passbook’ option.
Enter your UAN.
Log in using the OTP.
You can now view your balance.

How to check PF balance via SMS?

You can easily check your balance even without internet access.
To do this, send a message with the text “EPFOHO UAN ENG” from your registered mobile number to 7738299899.
Shortly after, you will receive a message on your mobile device with details such as the total balance, the most recent credited amount, and other information.
For information in Hindi (or other languages), you can replace “ENG” with the specific language code.

Check balance via missed call

EPFO also offers a missed call service for employees.
Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number.
Within a few seconds, you will receive an SMS on your mobile showing both your PF balance and contribution details.

Why should the UAN be active?

The UAN (Universal Account Number) is the primary identifier for your PF account. If your UAN is not active, you will not be able to view your passbook or file claims. You may also face difficulties updating your KYC and will be unable to avail of online services.

Why is it important to keep KYC updated?

If your Aadhaar, PAN, bank account details, or mobile number are not updated, your claim could get stuck. Additionally, you might not receive timely interest information or SMS notifications, and you could face issues with online verification. Therefore, keep your KYC details up to date periodically.

EPFO’s New Digital System

It is worth noting that the EPFO ​​has recently significantly strengthened its IT system. Claim processing for users is now faster, passbooks are updated more quickly, and auto-settlement facilities are available. Server stability has improved compared to the past, and digital services have been enhanced—benefits that millions of employees are now enjoying.

Conclusion

The crediting of 8.25% interest into the PF accounts of millions of employees for the 2025-26 financial year is a crucial update for the workforce. This will boost employees’ retirement savings and further strengthen their financial security for the future. If your mobile number is linked to your UAN, you can receive an SMS notification once the interest is credited. Meanwhile, members who have not yet received a message can easily check their PF balance through the EPFO ​​website, the UMANG app, SMS services, or a missed call.