The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has launched a 24-hour active WhatsApp helpline service for its millions of stakeholders. Through this new facility, account holders can simply write 'Hello' to get information about their PF balance, details of the last 5 transactions, and track their claim status in real-time.

EPFO has clarified that this service is secure and members can also receive assistance in their regional languages. The organization has advised users to stay alert against fraud. Members should only contact the official EPFO business account with a 'green tick'.

EPFO has made it clear that it will never ask any member for their password, [Aadhaar Redacted] linking-related personal information, UAN (UAN) pin, or OTP (OTP) via WhatsApp. This service has been designed with full attention to security standards. Along with the WhatsApp service, EPFO has achieved significant success in resolving pending complaints and legal cases.

Recent data indicates that the number of pending cases at EPFO is at its lowest level ever. A record reduction in court cases has been noted over the past year, with nearly a 45% improvement in serious disputes older than 10 years, enhancing the experience for stakeholders.

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The Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is preparing to offer a significant benefit to its millions of subscribers. As per sources, a UPI-based system for withdrawing PF money may be launched by the end of May 2026.

EPFO is rapidly working on its new digital framework 'CITES 2.0' to eliminate the weeks-long claim settlement process. Once this facility is operational, employees will be able to log in to their UAN portal and receive money in real-time by simply entering their UPI ID, making the entire process extremely simple and transparent. Although withdrawing money is set to become easier, EPFO has also established some important conditions to ensure future social security.

Under the new provisions, any employee will be able to withdraw a maximum of 75 percent of their total PF balance through UPI, while the remaining 25 percent will be kept secure in the account to ensure savings for old age. This withdrawal process will be entirely based on OTP authentication, eliminating the possibility of any digital fraud and ensuring that the money reaches the employee's linked bank account directly. Along with this major technological change, the government is also planning to introduce new social security schemes (EPF, EPS, and EDLI) in 2026.

Experts believe that the UPI facility will not only reduce claim rejections due to technical glitches but will also ensure accountability within the EPFO framework. However, the official notification for this revolutionary step is still awaited, but this digital upgrade is expected to be a milestone for the entire banking and pension sector. It will not only save time but also provide immediate relief to millions of employees in financial emergencies.

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The Public Provident Fund (PPF) remains a reliable option for the middle class to secure their future. The government has maintained the interest rate at 7.1 percent for the first quarter of the financial year 2026-27.

If an investor adopts the '15+5+5' formula, meaning extending their maturity twice for five years each, they can accumulate a substantial fund in 25 years. For this, the investor needs to deposit a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh (approximately ₹12,500 per month) annually. The benefit of compounding in this long-term investment can turn small savings into crores.

During 25 years of continuous investment, the total amount deposited by the investor will be ₹37,50,000. Based on the current annual interest rate of 7.1 percent, approximately ₹65.58 lakh will be added as interest during this period, resulting in a total maturity value of over ₹1.03 crore. The biggest feature of this investment is that it is completely risk-free, and the returns come with a government guarantee.

According to experts, the PPF extension rules are excellent for those who want to accumulate a secure and substantial capital at the time of retirement. Once the fund of ₹1.03 crore is prepared after 25 years, the investor can leave the principal amount in the PPF account without withdrawing it. In this case, the annual interest earned on the deposited amount will be approximately ₹7.31 lakh.

If this annual interest is divided over 12 months, it can be received as a regular income (pension) of about ₹61,000 per month. Notably, the principal amount will remain secure in the bank, and the investor can use only the interest amount for their needs. For maximum benefit, it is considered most advantageous to invest before the 5th of each month.

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New Delhi, June 25 — In a major move to enhance member services, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has announced that the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has increased the auto-settlement limit for advance claims from the existing ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

According to the ministry, this decision aims to provide faster financial relief to EPFO members, especially during urgent needs, by ensuring fast-track disbursal within 72 hours. The enhancement is expected to significantly benefit millions of account holders.

Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, in a post on social media platform X, shared that EPFO processed a record 2.32 crore advance claims via auto-settlement in FY 2024–25 — marking an approximate 161% increase over the previous year.

In FY 2023–24, EPFO had processed 89.52 lakh advance claims through auto-settlement. Of all advance claims in 2024–25, nearly 59% were settled via automation.

Continuing the momentum, in the first two and a half months of FY 2025–26 alone, EPFO has already auto-settled 76.52 lakh claims, accounting for nearly 70% of all advance claims settled so far this fiscal year. The ministry highlights this as a clear indicator of EPFO’s strong focus on automation and its commitment to providing faster and more efficient services to members.

EPFO had first introduced auto-settlement of advance claims during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide urgent financial assistance. Since then, the facility has been extended to cover advances for medical emergencies, education, marriage, and housing, and is processed entirely by the system without any human intervention, ensuring speed, transparency, and efficiency.

New Delhi, February 28: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to maintain the interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25% for the financial year 2024-25. Sources revealed this decision on Friday following the meeting of EPFO’s apex decision-making body, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT).

The EPFO had previously increased the EPF interest rate from 8.15% in 2022-23 to 8.25% for 2023-24 in February 2024. This minor hike came after the organisation had set the interest rate at a four-decade low of 8.1% for 2021-22, down from 8.5% in 2020-21. The 8.1% rate was the lowest since 1977-78 when the EPF interest rate was 8%.

A source stated, "The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of EPFO decided in its meeting on Friday to keep the EPF interest rate at 8.25% for the fiscal year 2024-25."

Following the CBT’s decision, the proposed interest rate for 2024-25 will be sent to the Finance Ministry for approval. Once approved by the government, the interest will be credited to the accounts of over seven crore EPFO subscribers.

EPFO provides the interest rate on EPF deposits only after receiving the government's nod through the Finance Ministry. The last major interest rate decision was made in March 2021, when the CBT recommended an 8.5% interest rate for 2020-21.

The announcement brings stability to EPF holders, offering a consistent return on their retirement savings amid fluctuating market conditions.

New Delhi, February 20: The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) recorded its highest net enrollment in three months, adding 15.62 lakh new members in December 2023. This represents an 11.97% increase compared to November and a 4.62% increase compared to December 2022, signaling positive trends in India's job market.

Youth Lead the Charge:

A significant highlight is the dominance of young workers entering the workforce. Of the new members, 57.18% belong to the 18-25 age group, showcasing a promising trend of youth engagement in the formal sector. This bodes well for future economic growth and EPFO's sustainability.

Women's Participation on the Rise:

Furthermore, the number of women joining EPFO for the first time rose by 3.54% compared to November. This encouraging increase points towards growing gender inclusivity in the workforce and wider social progress.

Top States for Job Creation:

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Haryana emerged as the leading states in terms of net EPFO additions, reflecting their dynamic job markets and diverse economic prospects.

Key Statistics:

• Net EPFO members added: 15.62 lakh (December 2023)
• Increase compared to November 2023: 11.97%
• Increase compared to December 2022: 4.62%
• New members (December 2023): 8.41 lakh
• Women joining for the first time: 2.09 lakh (December 2023)

This positive data from EPFO indicates a thriving job market, particularly for young individuals and women. It highlights the potential for continued economic growth and underscores the crucial role of organizations like EPFO in providing social security and financial stability for India's workforce.

New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) Retirement body employee provident fund organisation (EPFO) on Tuesday fixed 8.15 per cent interest rate on the employees' provident fund for 2022-23.

The decision was taken by EPFO's board of trustees.

Last year, EPFO had declared 8.1 per cent as the rate of interest for 2021-22, which was the lowest in 40 years.

The last time the interest rate had slipped to 8 per cent was in 1977-78.

Subsequent to the CBT decision, the interest rate on EPF deposits for 2022-23 will be sent for the finance ministry's approval.

In March 2020, EPFO had lowered the interest rate on provident fund deposits to a seven-year low of 8.5 per cent for 2019-20, from 8.65 per cent provided for 2018-19.