India's EPFO clarifies PF interest accrual after job loss and retirement

The Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has explained that interest on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) accounts does not stop immediately when a worker leaves a job or retires. Interest continues to accrue on the balance for a period, and for retirees the account remains active for up to 36 months after the retirement date, after which the account becomes inoperative and interest stops.

EPFO has begun crediting interest for the 2025‑26 financial year at a rate of 8.25 %. Account holders can verify the interest credit by checking their EPF balance online via the EPFO portal, using the UMANG mobile app, or through miss‑call and SMS services, provided their mobile number is registered with EPFO.