Top News

Millions of salaried employees have reason to celebrate as the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has started crediting 8.25% annual interest for the financial year 2025–26 into employees' Provident Fund (EPF) accounts. The process has commenced after the approval of the interest rate, and EPFO has instructed its field offices to begin updating subscribers' accounts.

The interest credit will benefit more than 80 million EPF subscribers across the country by increasing their retirement savings. Since the process is being carried out in phases, not every account will be updated on the same day.

Here's everything you need to know about the latest EPF interest update, expected timelines, and how you can check your balance from home.

EPFO Starts Crediting 8.25% Interest

EPFO has initiated the process of transferring interest at the approved 8.25% rate for FY 2025–26 into members' accounts.

As millions of EPF accounts need to be updated, the organisation is carrying out the exercise in phases across its various regional and field offices. Subscribers may therefore notice the interest entry appearing in their passbooks on different dates.

Employees whose passbooks have not yet been updated need not worry, as the interest will be credited according to EPFO's processing schedule.

Why the Interest May Not Reflect Immediately

The EPFO manages one of the world's largest retirement savings systems, with crores of active accounts.

Because of this massive scale, updating every account simultaneously is not technically feasible. Instead, interest entries are uploaded gradually.

Importantly, even if the interest appears later in your passbook, you do not lose any financial benefit. EPFO calculates and credits the full eligible interest to each member's account based on the approved rate.

Four Easy Ways to Check Your EPF Balance

Members can verify their updated EPF balance using any of the following digital methods.

1. EPFO Member Passbook Portal

Visit the official EPFO Member Passbook portal and log in using your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.

After selecting your Member ID, you can view:

• Current EPF balance
• Employer and employee contributions
• Interest credited
• Transaction history

2. UMANG Mobile App

The UMANG app also provides access to EPF services.

Users can:

• Open the UMANG app.
• Select EPFO services.
• Choose View Passbook.
• Log in using the UAN credentials.
• View or download the latest passbook.

3. Missed Call Service

Members can also check their balance without internet access.

Simply give a missed call from your registered mobile number to:

9966044425

The call disconnects automatically, and an SMS containing your EPF balance details is sent to the registered mobile number.

4. SMS Facility

If your UAN is activated and linked with KYC documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, or bank account, you can receive your balance through SMS.

Send:

EPFOHO UAN

to

7738299899

using your registered mobile number.

The balance information is sent in the selected language supported by EPFO.

What If the Interest Is Still Not Visible?

If other subscribers have already received interest updates but your passbook remains unchanged for an extended period, you can take the following steps:

• Verify whether your KYC details are complete and approved through the EPFO portal or UMANG app.
• Ensure your UAN is active and linked with Aadhaar and bank details.
• Raise a complaint through the EPFiGMS (EPFO Grievance Management System) if the issue persists.
• Contact the nearest EPFO office or the official EPFO helpline for assistance.

In many cases, delays are simply due to phased processing and are resolved automatically.

Why EPF Interest Matters

The annual interest credited by EPFO significantly enhances long-term retirement savings.

Since interest is compounded on the accumulated balance, timely contributions and consistent employment can help members build a substantial retirement corpus over time.

The approved 8.25% interest rate for FY 2025–26 remains one of the attractive fixed-income returns available for salaried employees under the EPF scheme.

Things to Remember

Before checking your EPF balance, make sure:

• Your UAN is activated.
• Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details are linked.
• Your registered mobile number is active.
• KYC information has been approved by your employer and EPFO.

Keeping these details updated ensures smooth access to EPF services and faster processing of claims and account updates.

Bottom Line

EPFO has officially begun crediting 8.25% interest for FY 2025–26 to EPF accounts, benefiting millions of salaried employees across India. Since the process is being carried out in phases, some members may see the interest reflected later than others. Subscribers can easily check their updated balance through the EPFO portal, UMANG app, missed call service, or SMS facility. If the interest is not reflected after a reasonable period, verifying KYC details or contacting EPFO can help resolve the issue.