PF Balance Check: Simple Ways to Know Whether Your EPF Interest Is Credited

Employees waiting for their yearly provident fund update can now complete their PF balance check online within minutes. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) credits annual interest to EPF accounts at the end of every financial year, usually on March 31. For FY 2025-26, EPFO members are receiving an interest rate of 8.25% on their accumulated EPF balance, making it important for subscribers to verify whether the amount has been added to their account.

While EPF deposits earn annual interest, the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) portion does not receive any interest benefit. Members can easily verify the credited amount through the EPFO passbook portal or the Umang mobile application.

EPF Interest Rate for FY 2025-26

The EPF interest rate is determined every year by the Central Board of Trustees after discussions with the Union Finance Ministry. For the financial year 2025-26, EPFO has fixed the interest rate at 8.25%.

Under EPF rules:

• Employees contribute 12% of their basic salary plus dearness allowance every month
• Employers also contribute 12%
• Out of the employer’s share:

- 3.67% goes into the EPF account
- 8.33% is transferred to the EPS account

The wage ceiling for mandatory EPF contribution remains ₹15,000 per month.

How to Check EPF Interest and Balance Online

EPFO members can download their passbook online to confirm whether the annual interest has been credited successfully.

Steps to Check EPF Passbook Online

1. Visit the EPFO passbook portal
2. Log in using your UAN and password
3. Select your Member ID
4. Open the EPF passbook
5. Search for the entry: “Int. Updated up to 31/03/2026”
6. The credited interest amount will appear alongside the entry

Generally, the interest amount becomes visible after the March contribution update is reflected in the account.

How to Check EPF Balance Through the Umang App

EPFO subscribers can also access their provident fund details through the Umang app. Before using this method, users must ensure their mobile number is linked with the Member e-Sewa portal.

Steps to Check EPF Balance on Umang

1. Open the Umang app on your smartphone
2. Go to the Government Services section
3. Select EPFO services
4. Tap on “Employee Centric Services”
5. Choose “View Passbook”
6. Enter your UAN
7. Click on “Get OTP”
8. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number
9. Login to access the EPF passbook

Once logged in, members can easily view their updated balance and credited interest amount.

Difference Between EPF and EPS

Although both schemes operate under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, their objectives are different.

What is EPF?

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a long-term retirement savings scheme designed to help salaried employees build a financial corpus during their working years.

Key features of EPF include:

• Monthly contributions from both employer and employee
• Annual interest credited by the government
• Lump-sum withdrawal at retirement
• Financial security after employment

The amount accumulated over time grows steadily because of yearly interest earnings.

What is EPS?

The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) is aimed at providing a regular pension after retirement.

Important points about EPS:

• Employees do not contribute directly to EPS
• Employers contribute 8.33% of salary towards the scheme
• Pension benefits become payable after the age of 58
• In case of the employee’s death, pension benefits can be transferred to eligible family members

Unlike EPF, the EPS component does not earn annual interest.

Why Checking Your EPF Interest Is Important

Verifying your EPF interest credit helps ensure that:

• Employer contributions are being deposited correctly
• Annual interest has been added to the account
• Account records are accurate
• Retirement savings are growing properly

Regularly monitoring your EPF passbook can also help identify discrepancies early and avoid future claim-related issues.