EPFO Automatic Refund 2026: Small amounts stuck in old PF accounts after changing jobs will now be returned. The EPFO has decided to transfer up to ₹1,000 deposited in inactive accounts directly to bank accounts without any application. Find out who will benefit and how to check your status from home.
EPFO Automatic Refund 2026: Millions of employees across the country forget about their old PF accounts after changing jobs. Small amounts often remain stuck in them. Now, the EPFO has decided to initiate the process of returning small amounts deposited in such accounts. This step, taken on the instructions of the Union Labor Ministry, will most benefit account holders whose money has been lying in inactive accounts for years.
Which accounts will receive the money?
The EPFO has identified approximately 3.1 million such inactive accounts. Of these, approximately 600,000 accounts have deposits of ₹1,000 or less. The process of refunding funds will begin first in these accounts. The account holder does not need to submit a separate application. The EPFO will transfer this amount directly to the bank account linked to Aadhaar. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your bank account is updated with Aadhaar.
What is an inactive PF account?
According to the rules, a PF account that has neither received any payments nor withdrawals for three consecutive years is considered inactive. However, this account is not completely closed; it can be reused for a new job. Additionally, the EPFO is increasing its monitoring. To prevent problems related to companies not depositing PF on time, the EPFO is now linking its database with the GST department and the government portal GeM.
How to check your status?
If you believe you have an old account, you can check your balance and status in the following ways:
- Log in to the EPFO portal and check your passbook.
- Use the View Passbook option in the UMANG app.
- You can also check your balance by sending a missed call/SMS to your registered mobile number.
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