PF Interest Credit: If you are an EPFO member, you should know whether the annual interest has been credited to your PF account. Every year, the EPFO credits interest to employees’ PF accounts at a fixed rate. This interest steadily increases your accumulated savings and provides financial security for the future.
Many employees are unaware of when the interest is credited to their accounts or how to check it. They also wonder how much money can be withdrawn if needed. Fortunately, the EPFO has made this process very simple. You can access information about your PF balance and interest from the comfort of your home using your mobile phone or computer.
Additionally, you can use missed call and SMS services. If an account holder needs funds for reasons such as illness, marriage, children’s education, purchasing a home, or other urgent requirements, they can withdraw an advance from their PF account in accordance with EPFO rules. Upon leaving a job, the entire amount can be withdrawn.
How is interest credited to the PF account?
Contributions are made to the PF account monthly by both the employee and the employer—the EPFO credits interest on these accumulated funds based on the annual interest rate determined by the government. The interest is calculated based on the balance maintained in the account throughout the financial year and is subsequently credited to the PF account. Once credited, the entry appears in your passbook; therefore, it is important to check your passbook periodically.
How to check if interest has been credited to your PF account:
You can easily check this via the EPFO Member Passbook Portal.
First, visit the EPFO Member Passbook website.
Enter your UAN (Universal Account Number).
Log in using your password.
Select the relevant Member ID.
Once the passbook opens, scroll down to look for the “Interest” or “Interest Credit” entry.
If the interest has been credited, the amount will be displayed there.
The passbook also displays the monthly contributions made by both the employee and the employer. Check Interest via the UMANG App
If you use a mobile phone, the UMANG app is the most convenient option.
Download the UMANG App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app.
Go to the EPFO section.
Select the ‘View Passbook’ option.
Enter your UAN.
Log in using the OTP.
Your passbook will open.
Details regarding the total balance, deposited amount, and interest will be displayed here.
Check Balance and Interest via Missed Call
If your mobile number is linked to your UAN, you do not need an internet connection.
Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.
You will receive your PF balance details via SMS on your mobile within a few seconds.
Get Information via SMS
If your UAN is active and KYC is complete, you can also use the SMS facility.
Send an SMS in the specified format to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number.
You will receive your account details via SMS shortly.
How much money can be withdrawn from the PF account?
EPFO allows members to withdraw an advance from their PF account when needed; however, this withdrawal is subject to certain conditions. You can make a partial withdrawal (Advance/Partial Withdrawal) for reasons such as serious illness, marriage, children’s education, buying a house, house construction, home repairs, natural disasters, unemployment, or other specified circumstances. Under new rules, once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can withdraw an advance of up to 75 per cent of your eligible PF balance.
Full Withdrawal
In certain situations, an employee can withdraw the entire PF balance. If you have quit your job and remained unemployed for two consecutive months, you can withdraw your full PF balance. Upon retirement—specifically, upon attaining the age of 58—an employee can withdraw the entire amount deposited in their PF account along with the accrued interest.
How to file an online claim for a PF advance?
EPFO has significantly simplified the online claim process.
First, visit the EPFO Member Portal.
Log in using your UAN and password.
Next, click on the “Online Services” option located at the top.
Select the “Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)” option.
Enter your bank account number.
Verify your bank details.
Click on “Proceed to Online Claim.”
Select “Form-31 (PF Advance)” from the dropdown menu.
Choose the reason for the withdrawal.
Enter the amount to be withdrawn.
Enter your full address.
Upload any required documents.
Complete the Aadhaar-based verification using an OTP.
Your claim will then be successfully submitted.
You will receive a reference number.
You can use this number to track your application status online.
How to check the claim status?
First, log in to the EPFO portal.
Go to “Online Services.”
Select “Track Claim Status.”
Here, you will see full details regarding the current stage of your application.
Prerequisites for online claims
Before applying online, ensure that your UAN is active, Aadhaar is linked to your UAN, your mobile number is linked to both Aadhaar and your UAN, your bank account is verified, your KYC is complete, and your PAN is up to date.
How long does PF withdrawal take?
If all documents are in order and KYC is complete, most online claims are settled within a few days. The amount is then transferred directly to your bank account.
Conclusion
PF is a crucial instrument for employees’ future financial security. Therefore, it is important to periodically check the status of the accumulated amount and the interest earned in your account. The EPFO has provided various facilities for this—such as the Passbook Portal, UMANG App, missed call service, and SMS—enabling you to access complete information within minutes from the comfort of your home.
If you require funds for emergencies or specific needs—such as illness, a wedding, children’s education, or purchasing a home—you can withdraw an advance of up to 75% of your PF balance, subject to eligibility under EPFO rules. Additionally, you have the option to withdraw the entire PF balance along with the accrued interest two months after leaving your job or upon attaining the age of 58.