EPFO Interest Update: 8.25% Interest Likely to Be Credited Soon, Here’s How to Check Your PF Balance

Millions of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) subscribers may soon receive a boost to their retirement savings as the government has approved the interest rate for the financial year 2025-26. With the approval process now complete, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is expected to begin crediting interest into members’ accounts in the coming weeks.

The development comes as welcome news for salaried employees who have been waiting for the annual interest credit to reflect in their EPF accounts.

Government Approves 8.25% EPF Interest Rate

The government has approved an annual interest rate of 8.25% on EPF deposits for FY 2025-26. Earlier, the proposal had been recommended by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of EPFO during a meeting chaired by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

This marks the third consecutive year that the EPF interest rate has been maintained at 8.25%, ensuring stable returns for millions of subscribers across the country.

The decision benefits more than seven crore EPF account holders who rely on the provident fund as a key retirement savings instrument.

When Will the Interest Be Credited?

According to reports, the Ministry of Labour may soon direct EPFO to begin transferring interest amounts into members’ accounts.

While EPFO has not announced an official credit date, expectations are that the process could begin within the current month.

Since EPFO manages millions of accounts nationwide, interest crediting is generally carried out in phases and may take some time to appear in every member’s passbook.

Subscribers should remember that even if the interest entry appears later, they do not lose any amount because interest is calculated for the entire financial year and credited accordingly.

Why Checking Your PF Balance Is Important

Regularly monitoring your EPF account can help you:

• Verify interest credits.

• Track employer and employee contributions.

• Plan retirement savings effectively.

• Estimate available funds during emergencies.

• Detect discrepancies or missing contributions early.

Keeping track of your PF balance allows better financial planning and ensures that all account details remain updated.

Four Easy Ways to Check Your EPF Balance

EPFO offers multiple methods for subscribers to access their account information quickly.

1. Check PF Balance Through SMS

If your Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated and linked with Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details, you can obtain account information through SMS.

To receive details:

• Open the messaging application on your phone.

• Type: EPFOHO UAN ENG

• Send the message from your registered mobile number.

Replace "ENG" with the preferred language code if you want information in another supported language.

You will receive an SMS containing your EPF balance and account details.

2. Check Balance Through Missed Call Service

EPFO also provides a simple missed-call facility.

Steps:

• Dial 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.

• The call will disconnect automatically after a few rings.

• An SMS containing your PF account balance and details will be sent to your phone.

This service is available free of cost.

3. Use the UMANG App

The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) allows members to access various EPFO services directly from their smartphones.

To check your balance:

1. Download and install the UMANG app.

2. Log in using your credentials.

3. Navigate to the "All Services" section.

4. Search for EPFO services.

5. Select "Employee-Centric Services."

6. Click on "View Passbook."

7. Enter your UAN.

8. Verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

Once verified, your updated balance and transaction history will be displayed.

4. Check PF Balance Online Through the EPFO Portal

Subscribers can also access their passbook online through the official EPFO member portal.

Steps:

1. Visit the EPFO Passbook website.

2. Enter your UAN and password.

3. Complete the captcha verification.

4. Log in to your account.

5. Select the relevant PF account from the dropdown menu.

You will be able to view:

• Total balance

• Employer contribution

• Employee contribution

• Interest credits

• Transaction history

Benefits of the 8.25% Interest Rate

The continued 8.25% interest rate offers several advantages to EPF subscribers:

• Attractive returns compared to many fixed-income options.

• Government-backed retirement savings security.

• Long-term wealth accumulation through compounding.

• Stable growth despite market fluctuations.

• Enhanced retirement corpus over time.

For salaried employees, EPF remains one of the most reliable retirement savings tools available.

What EPF Members Should Do Now

As EPFO prepares to begin the interest credit process, subscribers should ensure that:

• Their UAN is activated.

• Aadhaar is linked with the EPF account.

• Mobile number details are updated.

• Bank account information is accurate.

• Passbook is checked periodically for updates.

Taking these steps can help ensure smooth access to account information and timely verification of interest credits.

Conclusion

The approval of an 8.25% EPF interest rate for FY 2025-26 brings positive news for millions of employees across India. With the interest credit process expected to begin soon, subscribers are encouraged to monitor their accounts regularly using the EPFO portal, UMANG app, SMS service, or missed-call facility.

As one of the country's most trusted retirement savings schemes, EPF continues to provide stable and attractive returns, helping employees build a stronger financial future.