Retirement · Social Security · EPFO
Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
A statutory retirement savings and social security scheme that helps eligible employees build a long-term retirement corpus.
Social Security
Statutory retirement savings for eligible employees.
8.25% Interest
CBT-recommended rate for FY 2025–26.
Retirement
Designed to build long-term retirement savings.
Transferable
Transfer EPF when changing eligible employment.
EPS & EDLI
Pension and insurance benefits may also apply.
Overview
What is Employee Provident Fund?
Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is a statutory retirement savings and social security scheme administered by EPFO. Eligible employees and employers make regular contributions, which along with credited interest help build a long-term retirement corpus.
EPF Contribution
Employee Contribution
12%
Generally 12% of applicable Basic Wages + Dearness Allowance.
Employer Contribution
EPF + EPS
The employer contribution may be allocated between EPF and EPS according to applicable rules.
* Certain establishments or categories may have a 10% statutory contribution rate, subject to applicable provisions.
Eligibility
Who Is Covered?
- Employees working in establishments covered under EPF law
- Establishments employing 20 or more persons are ordinarily covered
- Some establishments with fewer employees may opt for voluntary coverage
- Eligibility depends on the establishment and employee circumstances
- Special rules may apply where wages exceed the statutory wage ceiling
KYC
Documents & Information
- Aadhaar details, where applicable
- PAN details, where applicable
- Bank account details
- Mobile number and KYC information
- Universal Account Number (UAN), where allotted
- Nominee details
Interest
Current EPF Interest Rate
FY 2025–26
The Central Board of Trustees recommended an EPF interest rate of 8.25% per annum for FY 2025–26, subject to the required Government notification and crediting process.
Rates can change
EPF does not have one permanently fixed interest rate. The rate is declared separately for each financial year.
Key Benefits
Why Consider EPF?
- Regular retirement savings through monthly contributions
- Employer contribution under applicable statutory provisions
- Annual interest credited to the EPF balance
- Transfer facility when changing eligible employment
- Pension benefits through EPS and insurance benefits through EDLI, where applicable
- Tax benefits subject to applicable income-tax provisions
Withdrawal
Withdrawal & Advance Facility
Eligible Purposes
Conditional access
Advances or withdrawals may be available for medical treatment, housing, marriage, higher education and other permitted purposes.
Retirement Focus
Long-term savings
EPF is primarily designed for retirement. Frequent withdrawals can reduce the amount available for long-term financial security.
Job Change
Transfer Your EPF When You Change Jobs
Employees can generally transfer their EPF balance from a previous employer to the new eligible employment. Your Universal Account Number (UAN) helps maintain continuity across eligible employments.
Access
How Can You Access Your EPF?
- EPFO Member Portal
- UAN-based online services
- UMANG application
- EPFO offices, where applicable
Things to Know
Before You Rely on EPF
- EPF is primarily designed for long-term retirement savings
- Interest rates are declared separately for each financial year
- Withdrawal and advances are permitted only under specified conditions
- Keep UAN, KYC, bank and nominee details updated
- Transferring EPF when changing jobs can help maintain continuity
- Tax treatment depends on applicable income-tax rules and conditions
Need help understanding your EPF?
Talk to a Wealth Doctor — free advice.