The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has started depositing 8.25% annual interest into Provident Fund (PF) accounts for the financial year 2025-26. Several EPF subscribers have already received SMS notifications confirming that the interest amount has been credited, while the process continues for millions of other account holders.

If you have not yet received a message from EPFO, there is no need to worry. The interest crediting process is being carried out in phases, and your account may be updated soon.

Instead of waiting for an SMS, subscribers can check their updated PF balance through multiple official channels.

4 Ways to Check Your PF Balance

EPFO offers four convenient methods to verify your PF balance and confirm whether the annual interest has been credited.

1. Check PF Balance on the EPFO Member Passbook Portal

The easiest way to check your balance is through the EPFO's online passbook service.

Steps:

• Visit the EPFO Member Passbook portal.
• Log in using your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
• Select your Member ID.
• Your updated passbook, including the credited interest (if processed), will be displayed.

2. Check Through the UMANG App

Subscribers can also use the government's UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app.

Steps:

• Download or open the UMANG app.
• Select EPFO Services.
• Log in using your UAN and OTP.
• Tap View Passbook to check your latest PF balance.

3. Check via SMS

Registered users can receive their PF account details through SMS.

How to use:

• Send an SMS in the format:

EPFOHO UAN

to 7738299899

The message can also include a preferred language code if required.

The service is available only if your UAN is activated and linked with your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account.

4. Check Through a Missed Call

Subscribers can also obtain their PF balance by giving a missed call.

Missed Call Number: 9966044425

The call must be made from the mobile number registered with your UAN.

After disconnecting automatically, EPFO sends an SMS containing your current PF balance and recent contribution details.

EPFO Introduces New PF Withdrawal Rule

EPFO has recently revised the rules governing partial withdrawals from PF accounts.

Under the new guidelines, members must maintain at least 25% of their Eligible Member Balance in their PF account.

For example:

• Eligible PF Balance: ₹1,00,000
• Minimum amount to remain in account: ₹25,000
• Maximum amount available for withdrawal: ₹75,000

This change aims to ensure that employees retain a portion of their retirement savings while still allowing access to funds during emergencies.

PF Withdrawals Through UPI and ATM Coming Soon

EPFO is also preparing to introduce UPI and ATM-based PF withdrawals under its upcoming EPFO 3.0 initiative.

Once implemented, nearly 7.8 crore subscribers will be able to withdraw eligible PF funds instantly without extensive paperwork.

The upgraded system is expected to include:

• Instant PF withdrawals through UPI
• ATM-based fund access
• Faster auto-claim settlements
• Direct transfer of funds to subscribers' preferred bank accounts
• Simplified and paperless services

The initiative is aimed at making PF services faster, more transparent, and user-friendly.

Interest Crediting Still in Progress

EPFO has clarified that interest is being credited gradually across millions of accounts. Subscribers who have not yet seen the updated balance are advised to wait for the ongoing process to be completed and periodically check their accounts through the official channels.