EPFO Portal Online | EPFO & UAN Login

In India, retirement planning has always been a major concern, especially for salaried employees. One of the most critical pillars supporting this goal is the **Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)**. Whether you are just starting your career or planning your retirement, understanding EPFO is crucial. This blog covers everything you need to know about EPFO — its purpose, benefits, processes, and recent updates.

What is EPFO?

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. Established in 1952, EPFO manages three key social security schemes for Indian workers:

1. Employees' Provident Fund (EPF)

2. Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS)

3. Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI)

The main objective of EPFO is to ensure that employees have a financial cushion post-retirement, and in case of death, their families are supported.

Key Schemes under EPFO

1. Employees' Provident Fund (EPF)

Contribution:

  - Employee contributes 12% of their basic salary + dearness allowance.  

  - Employer matches the 12%, but only 3.67% goes into EPF; the rest goes to EPS.

- Interest Rate:

  - EPFO declares interest rates annually.  

  - For FY 2023-24, the interest rate was 8.25%.

- Withdrawal:

  - Withdrawal is permitted upon retirement (at 58 years), resignation, or under special circumstances (like medical emergencies, education, or housing).

 2. Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS)

- Provides monthly pension after retirement at the age of 58.

- Pension amount is based on a formula considering pensionable salary and pensionable service.

- Minimum pension is guaranteed under this scheme.

3. Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI)

- Life insurance coverage to employees.

- No separate contribution needed by employees; employers contribute.

- Maximum insurance benefit was raised to ₹7 lakh in 2021.

Key Features of EPFO

- Universal Account Number (UAN):

  A 12-digit unique number linked to an employee. It remains the same throughout the career, even if the employee changes jobs.

- Online Services: 

  EPFO has digitized most of its services:  

  - Online PF withdrawal  

  - e-Nomination facility  

  - Grievance redressal  

  - Balance checking via SMS, UMANG App, and EPFO Portal.

- Tax Benefits:

  Contributions to EPF are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.  

  EPF interest and withdrawal are generally tax-free, subject to certain conditions.

How to Check EPF Balance?

You can check your EPF balance using any of these methods:

1. SMS: Send 'EPFOHO UAN ENG' to 7738299899.

2. Missed Call: Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.

3. UMANG App: Download and access your PF passbook.

4. EPFO Portal:

   - Visit [epfindia.gov.in](https://www.epfindia.gov.in/)  

   - Login using your UAN and password to view your passbook.

 EPFO Claim Process

You can file EPF withdrawal claims online if:

- Your UAN is activated.

- Your Aadhaar is linked to UAN.

- Your bank details and KYC are updated.

Steps:

1. Log into EPFO’s Unified Portal.

2. Go to "Online Services" > "Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)".

3. Enter bank account details and verify.

4. Choose the type of claim.

5. Submit the request.

Processing usually takes 5-15 days.

Latest Updates on EPFO (as of 2025)

- Higher Pension Scheme:

  Eligible employees can now apply for higher pension based on actual salary drawn instead of the capped salary of ₹15,000.

- Auto Transfer Facility:

  EPF balance is now automatically transferred when employees switch jobs, eliminating the manual transfer request.

- E-Nomination Mandatory:  

  EPFO insists on updating e-nomination to avoid complications in claim settlements.

- Increased Digitization:

  EPFO is increasingly moving towards **paperless services**, with an aim to process all claims digitally.

 Common FAQs

Q1. Can I withdraw my EPF balance partially?

Yes, under specific situations like buying a house, marriage, education, or medical emergencies.

Q2. What happens if I don't transfer my EPF account when I change jobs?

Your previous account remains inactive, and you might lose track. Always transfer your EPF to your new employer-linked UAN.

Q3. Is it compulsory to contribute to EPF?

Employees earning less than ₹15,000 monthly are mandatorily covered. Others can opt-out at the beginning of employment under certain conditions.

Conclusion

The EPFO is a reliable financial security net that ensures employees save consistently throughout their working lives. Thanks to continuous improvements in technology and services, managing your EPF account has become simpler than ever. Whether it's for retirement, emergencies, or even insurance cover, EPFO plays a crucial role in providing economic security to millions of Indians.

Make sure you keep your **UAN active, update KYC documents**, and periodically review your EPF account to fully leverage its benefits.