EPFO: Have you switched jobs frequently and found your previous Provident Fund (PF) funds scattered across different accounts? If so, no need to worry or rush between offices. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has introduced a new electronic portal that enables you to easily locate and transfer your dormant or inactive old PF accounts to your current UAN.
Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Labor and Employment, unveiled details about this innovative digital system in the Lok Sabha in response to a query from V.K. Sreekandan on July 27. Let’s delve into how this portal functions and how you can make the most of it.
EPFO’s fresh e-portal: What is its purpose and how does it operate?
This new digital interface, crafted by the government, functions based on Aadhaar authentication. In case your old PF account wasn’t linked during job changes, this portal will assist you in securely identifying your idle accounts. Once located, you can consolidate/shift your old PF balance to your presently active Universal Account Number (UAN). If you want to withdraw or claim those funds, this e-portal also furnishes that option.
What are the guidelines for individuals without an account number?
When questioned in the Lok Sabha if the portal would be expanded to accommodate those who have forgotten their old account or identification numbers, Minister Shobha Karandlaje clarified that “there is currently no such proposal under consideration.” This implies that members will still need to possess their former details or have their Aadhaar linked to avail the portal’s benefits.
Streamlining paperwork, enhancing transparency
As per the government, the primary advantages of this digital initiative will include:
Significant reduction in manual work and paper documentation.
Provision for online submission of a joint declaration for KYC updates, expediting the verification process.
Complete transparency in the entire claim procedure, eliminating any intermediaries or complications.
8.25% interest rate for FY26 starts being credited
In addition to the information regarding merging old accounts, there’s another positive development for EPFO subscribers. The EPFO has commenced crediting the annual interest at a rate of 8.25% for the financial year 2025-26 (FY26) into members’ accounts. Several employees have already begun receiving SMS notifications confirming the interest credit.