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EPFO Interest Rate 2025-26: The EPFO ​​has fixed an interest rate of 8.25% for the year 2025-26. Now, funds from old, dormant accounts will also be transferred directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account without the need for any forms.

EPFO Interest Rate 2025-26: There is great news for EPFO ​​subscribers. A decision has been taken to provide an interest rate of 8.25% on PF deposits for the year 2025-26. This marks the third consecutive year that the interest rate has been maintained at such a high level. This significant decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya.

What Makes This Interest Rate Special?

For several years now, the EPFO ​​has successfully managed to provide an interest rate exceeding 8%. The primary reason for this success is the excellent returns generated from investments in the stock market (ETFs) and other avenues. The government states that this decision reflects the strength of the EPFO's investment portfolio. Once the government gives its official seal of approval, this interest will be credited directly to the subscribers' accounts.

Is Your Money Stuck in an Old Account?

The EPFO ​​has launched a 'pilot project' specifically for accounts that have remained dormant for a long period. Now, you will no longer have to make repeated visits to EPFO ​​offices to withdraw funds from such accounts. In the first phase of this initiative, accounts holding a balance of ₹1,000 or less have been selected. Funds amounting to approximately ₹5.68 crore—belonging to around 1.33 lakh such accounts—will be transferred directly into the respective bank accounts.

How Will You Receive Your Pending Funds?

The most significant feature of this new facility is that you will not be required to submit any new forms or documents to avail of it. If your bank account is linked to your Aadhaar and the details are updated in the EPFO ​​records, the funds will be credited directly to your account. Following the successful implementation of this pilot project, the same procedure will be extended to accounts holding a balance of more than ₹1,000. Are the rules changing completely?

Yes, the government is now implementing new rules under the ‘Social Security Code, 2020’. To this end, the EPF Scheme 2026, EPS 2026, and EDLI Scheme 2026 have been approved. These new schemes will replace the old regulations, making the process of availing pension and insurance benefits legally more robust and easier than before.