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On the new EPFO ​​(Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) member portal, salaried employees who have changed jobs can now use two methods to transfer their EPF account balance from a previous employer to their current account. This new feature aims to simplify the provident fund balance transfer process, reduce paperwork, and help employees consolidate their retirement savings in one place without delay.

This move follows a major database consolidation and software upgrade of the EPFO ​​member portal, which had caused the portal to remain offline for nearly two weeks. There were repeated delays in restoring the retirement fund body's online services for members and employers. The EPFO ​​has stated on its website that while services have now resumed, there may be some delays in processing PF claims and other service requests during this period.

What are the ways to transfer your PF balance?
Salaried employees can initiate a request to transfer their EPF balance using one of two methods. However, they must first log in to the EPFO ​​member portal using their Universal Account Number (UAN).

Via the 'Request for Transfer of Account' section: This option is available under the 'Online Services' tab on the EPFO ​​member portal and allows you to easily initiate the transfer process.

Via the 'Member Service History' section: Under EPFO ​​3.0, members can view details of their past and current employment via the "Member Service History" tab on the portal. This section displays pending EPF transfer claims; if there are no claims, the status shows "no." It also provides an option to file a "Service Transfer Claim" using Form 13 by clicking on the "Claim" link. If you do not know your UAN, you can find the number on your latest salary slip or simply ask your employer. How to Apply for a Transfer
Regardless of the option you choose, you will be directed to the ‘Online Service/Transfer Request’ page, where you can apply to transfer your old account to your current account by following the steps below:

Step 1: Enter your previous employer's Member ID and other required details, then click on ‘Get Details’.
Step 2: You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to verify and submit the request.
Step 3: The EPFO ​​member portal displays details of the current establishment to which the transfer will be made; please review this information.
Step 4: Once submitted, the EPFO ​​will process the transfer and move the balance to your current EPF account.

What are the benefits of EPF?
EPF is a government savings scheme designed to provide financial security to salaried employees after retirement. Under this scheme, managed by the EPFO, both the employee and the employer contribute 12% of the employee's basic salary and dearness allowance to the EPF.

Under the EPF framework, this contribution is capped at ₹1,800 for both parties, although they may voluntarily contribute a higher amount to the scheme if they wish.

The EPF interest rate for the 2025-26 financial year is 8.25% per annum. The government reviews this rate quarterly and calculates interest monthly based on the EPF account's closing balance; however, the interest is credited annually at the end of the financial year.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.