The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is expected to begin crediting interest for the 2025-26 financial year to subscribers’ accounts by July 15, significantly earlier than the usual October-November timeline. Around 34 crore Employees’ Provident Fund accounts are expected to receive interest, with more than Rs 1.44 lakh crore set to be credited.

The faster interest payout has been made possible by EPFO’s new centralised information technology system, which is expected to speed up account processing. The interest rate for the 2025-26 financial year remains unchanged at 8.25 per cent for the third consecutive year. Interest is calculated on the monthly running balance in an EPF account but is credited only once a year after government approval.

At an annual interest rate of 8.25 per cent, an EPF balance of Rs 5 lakh will earn Rs 41,250 in interest. After the interest is credited, the total balance will increase to Rs 5,41,250. The actual amount earned by individual subscribers may vary depending on monthly contributions, withdrawals and changes in the running balance during the financial year.

Also Read: Oil Markets Steady With Brent At $76 Despite US-Iran Tensions And Recent Attacks

Subscribers with an EPF balance of Rs 10 lakh will earn Rs 82,500 in annual interest at the approved rate. This will increase the total account balance to Rs 10,82,500 after the credit. An EPF balance of Rs 15 lakh will earn Rs 1,23,750 in interest, taking the total amount in the account to Rs 16,23,750.

EPFO has also simplified the process for members seeking partial withdrawals before retirement. Earlier, subscribers had to select from 13 different categories while submitting a withdrawal application. These have now been consolidated into three broad groups covering essential needs such as medical treatment, children’s education and marriage expenses, along with housing requirements and special circumstances.

Members can check their updated balance through the EPFO Member Passbook portal by logging in with their Universal Account Number, password and captcha code. An OTP is then sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number for verification, after which subscribers can select the “View Passbook” option to check whether the latest interest amount has been credited to their account.

Also Read: US Stock Market Update: Nasdaq Gains While Dow And S&P Hold Steady