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Ultimate Guide to EPF: Save More, Plan Smarter & Avoid Hidden Pitfalls

Many of us salaried employees in India have, for a long time, found the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) to be a trustworthy instrument for retirement savings. It is secure, government-backed, provides good returns, and is also tax-efficient. It is no surprise it has been the most loved investment for so many years. Can EPF be the only thing that supports you in achieving your larger goals today? The answer is that the tools Finaplanargets are no longer informed investments. Whether it is owning your dream car, having a house, or planning for early retirement, saving alone won't be enough; you will require proper planning.

Here is the place for new financial planning sites, for instance, JezzMoney. EPF calculator apps only show you your savings, but JezzMoney goes beyond that and lets you zoom into the picture of your life and finances. It equips you with the tools to plan, monitor, and make informed investments.

Today, we are going to visit the ways of the EPF, the latest rules on withdrawal, and its comparison with other savings, and how the JezzMoney EPF Calculator can be the vehicle to help you move beyond the mere act of saving and become a wealth builder.

What Is EPF and How Does It Work?

The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) is a well-known retirement savings scheme facilitated by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). If you are a salaried employee in India, you are most likely contributing to it, although you might not have realized it.

Here is the method:
Each month, 12% of the sum of your basic salary and Dearness Allowance (DA) is deducted and contributed to your EPF account. In addition to your contribution, your employer also contributes.

Let's break down the employer's contribution:

  • 3.67% goes directly into your EPF account
  • 8.33% is set aside for your Employee Pension Scheme (EPS)
  • 0.5% is used for Employee Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI)
  • 0.5% goes toward administrative charges

All these contributions accumulate over time and earn annual interest, which was 8.15% for the year 2023–24. So, as the years go by, your EPF savings can grow into a substantial amount, helping you build a reliable safety net for your retirement.

New EPF Withdrawal Rules You Should Know in 2025

EPF just got a whole lot easier to access in 2025—no more paperwork headaches!

One of the most significant updates this year is that you no longer need to submit supporting documents for common reasons for withdrawal. That's right—whether you're:

  • Paying for a marriage
  • Funding education
  • Buying or repaying a home loan
  • Dealing with a medical emergency

…you can now claim without uploading any proof.

To initiate the process, simply log in to the EPFO portal, complete the withdrawal form, and submit it online. In most cases, the money is credited to your account within 20 working days making it a simple, smooth, and stress-free process.

How to Check Your EPF Balance (It's Easier Than You Think)

Want to see how much you've saved in your EPF account? There are several quick and easy ways to check your balance—no paperwork or long wait times involved:

  1. EPFO Portal
    • Visit the official EPFO portal
    • Log in using your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password
    • Go to the "Passbook" section to view your balance and contributions
  2. UMANG App
    • Download the UMANG app (available on Android and iOS)
    • Log in using your UAN and OTP
    • You can view your EPF passbook and track withdrawals directly from your phone
  3. SMS
    • Send an SMS in this format: EPFOHO UAN ENG
    • Send it to 7738299899
    • You'll receive your balance details via text (make sure your UAN is linked to your bank and Aadhaar)
  4. Missed Call
    • Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number
    • You'll get an SMS with your EPF balance shortly after

Know Your Rights: What You're Entitled to Under EPF Rules

If you're contributing to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), it's essential to know what rights you have under the scheme. Here's a quick look at the key benefits and protections you're entitled to as an employee:

  1. Right to Employer Contribution
    Your employer is legally required to contribute 12% of your basic salary plus Dearness Allowance (DA) every month—just like you do. Part of this goes to your EPF, and the rest to your pension and insurance.
  2. Right to Interest on Your Contributions
    Every year, your EPF balance earns interest, as declared by the government. For example, the interest rate was 8.15% in the 2023–24 fiscal year. This interest is credited annually and compounds over time.
  3. Right to Withdraw Funds
    You can partially withdraw your EPF for specific needs like:
    • Marriage
    • Education
    • Medical emergencies
    • Buying or building a home
    In 2025, you no longer need to submit documentary proof for these withdrawals—just apply online.
  4. Right to Full Withdrawal Upon Retirement or Unemployment
    Once you retire or remain unemployed for over two months, you have the right to withdraw the full EPF amount, including the employer's share and interest.
  5. Right to a Pension (EPS)
    If you've worked for 10 years or more, you're eligible for a monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), which is part of your employer's contribution.
  6. Right to Insurance (EDLI)
    You're automatically covered under the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme. In the event of an employee's death during service, the nominee is entitled to an insurance payout—without needing to pay separate premiums.
  7. Right to Transfer or Merge EPF Accounts
    If you change jobs, you can easily transfer your EPF balance to your new employer using your UAN. No need to open a new EPF account every time you switch.
  8. Right to Access and Transparency
    You can check your balance, track contributions, and even download your passbook at any time using the EPFO portal, UMANG app, SMS, or missed call services.

Types of EPF Forms and What They're Used For

When it comes to managing your EPF account, several forms are involved—each designed for a specific purpose. Whether you're withdrawing funds, transferring your account, or claiming benefits, using the proper form is essential.

Here's a quick guide to the most commonly used EPF forms:

  • Form 19: Used when you want to withdraw the whole balance from your EPF account—usually after leaving a job or retiring.
  • Form 10C: This form is for claiming benefits under the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995. It's commonly used to get a pension certificate or to withdraw the pension amount if you've worked for less than 10 years.
  • Form 10D: Used to apply for monthly pension payments under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS).
  • Form 20: This form is completed by a nominee or legal heir to claim the PF amount after the employee's death.
  • Form 5IF: To claim the insurance benefit under the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme. This is also submitted by the nominee or legal heir in case of the member's death.
  • Form 31: Used for partial withdrawals from your EPF account—for reasons like medical expenses, marriage, education, or buying a house.
  • Form 13: To transfer your EPF and pension balances from one employer to another when you switch jobs.
  • Form 14: Allows you to use your EPF account to pay for a life insurance policy.

Understanding these forms helps you make smoother claims and manage your EPF account more efficiently. And with tools like JezzMoney, you can plan your EPF withdrawals and transfers with more clarity and ease.

Can You Withdraw EPF Without Your Employer's Signature?

A common myth around EPF is that you must get your employer's approval or signature to withdraw your funds. But that's not true anymore. Let's clear this up: Your EPF money is entirely yours. While your employer contributes a portion of your salary each month to your EPF, that money doesn't belong to them—it goes straight into your EPF account, managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Once the funds are deposited into your EPF account, you have full rights over them. And the good news? You can now withdraw your EPF without your employer's signature, thanks to online processes introduced by EPFO.

Here's what you need to make a hassle-free withdrawal:

  • Your UAN (Universal Account Number) must be activated
  • Your Aadhaar should be linked with your UAN
  • Your bank account details and KYC should be updated in the EPFO records

Once these are in place, you can log in to the EPFO member portal, file your claim online, and withdraw your EPF without any employer involvement.

How to Claim a Dormant EPF Account

If you've changed jobs or stopped working and haven't touched your EPF account in a while, it may be marked as dormant (inactive). But don't worry—your money is still safe, and you can claim it online through the EPFO Helpdesk.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you reclaim your dormant EPF account:

  • Step 1: Visit the EPFO Website
    Go to www.epfindia.gov.in
  • Step 2: Access the Inoperative Account Helpdesk
    Under the 'For Employees' section, click on 'Inoperative A/c Helpdesk'
  • Step 3: First-Time User Registration
    Click on the link that says '(a) First Time User Click Here to Proceed'
  • Step 4: Describe Your Issue
    You'll be taken to a page where you need to briefly describe your issue in the 'Problem Description' field. Be as clear as possible.
  • Step 5: Enter EPF Account Details
    On the next page, enter essential details like:
    • Your EPF account number
    • Company name
    • Other employment details
    Then click 'Next'
  • Step 6: Enter KYC Details
    Fill in your KYC information, such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details
  • Step 7: Generate and Verify PIN
    Click 'Generate PIN'
    You'll receive a PIN via SMS on your registered mobile number.
    Enter that PIN and click 'Submit'
  • Step 8: Track Your Request
    After submitting, you'll get an SMS with a reference ID
    Use this ID and your mobile number to log in to the Helpdesk portal and track your request.
    A field officer from EPFO will then contact you to guide you through the following steps.

Important Tip: Ensure your KYC is up to date and linked to your UAN to avoid delays in processing.

How to Withdraw from an Unclaimed EPF Account

If you've discovered an unclaimed EPF account—perhaps from a past job you forgot about—don't worry. The process to withdraw your funds is simple.

Here's what you need to do:

  • Step 1: Visit the EPFO Portal
    Go to the official EPFO website: www.epfindia.gov.in
    Ensure you have your UAN, old EPF account number, and KYC details readily available.
  • Step 2: Fill Out the EPF Claim Form
    Download and complete the appropriate EPF claim form (typically Form 19 for final settlement or Form 10C for pension withdrawal, depending on your case).
  • Step 3: Submit the Form
    Once filled, submit the form either:
    • In person at your nearest EPFO office
    • Or by post, along with copies of your KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, etc.)
  • Step 4: Follow Up
    After submission, you can track the status of your claim using your UAN on the EPFO portal or through the UMANG app.

How to Check Your EPF Claim Status

You can easily track your EPF claim online. Here's how:

  • Go to www.epfindia.gov.in
  • Click on 'For Employees' under the 'Our Services' tab
  • Select 'Know Your Claim Status'
  • Enter your UAN
  • Choose your state and EPF office, then enter your account details
  • Click 'Submit'

You'll see your claim status on the screen, and an SMS will be sent to your registered mobile number.

How Employers Can Enroll in the EPF Scheme

Enrolling your organization in the EPF scheme is easy and can be done online in just four steps:

  • Step 1: Register the Organization
    Go to the EPFO unified portal and click on 'Establishment Registration'.
  • Step 2: Read the Instruction Manual
    Download and go through the Instruction Manual provided on the portal. It explains the process in detail.
  • Step 3: Register Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
    Before submitting your application, you must register your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). This step is mandatory.
  • Step 4: Submit Employer Details
    Fill in the details, such as name, PAN, and username, and click 'Register'. You'll be asked to verify your mobile number through a PIN and activate the link sent to your email.

Once registered, employers can log in using their UAN and password to manage EPF contributions and employee records.

JezzMoney's EPF Calculator: From Savings to Smart Strategy

You want to know how much your EPF will grow in the next 10 years. You have a rough idea of your salary, expected increments, and bonuses—but estimating your future balance? That's where most tools fall short.

JezzMoney's EPF Calculator helps you go beyond guesswork. Here's what you can do with it:

  • Enter your current EPF balance and monthly salary
  • Add expected raises or bonuses
  • Try out different contribution levels
  • See your future corpus and estimated monthly pension

Why JezzMoney Stands Out:

  • No login required
  • Real-time, customizable projections
  • Simple, clean, and user-friendly design

Whether you're planning for retirement or exploring early exit options, JezzMoney turns EPF savings into a powerful financial strategy tool.

How to Transfer EPF Easily

Transferring your EPF when changing jobs is simple if you have your UAN (Universal Account Number) ready. Here's how:

  • Log in to the EPFO Portal: Visit https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in and sign in using your UAN and password.
  • Go to Online Services: Navigate to "Online Services" > "One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)".
  • Verify Employment Details: Confirm the details of your previous and current employers as shown on the screen.
  • Submit Form 13 Digitally: Select the employer to verify your request (usually the current one) and submit Form 13 online.
  • Track Your Request: Use the "Track Status" feature under Online Services to monitor the transfer progress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with EPF

Your EPF is a long-term investment, but even small mistakes can lead to significant losses. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Premature Withdrawal
    You lose out on the power of compounding and long-term returns.
    Early withdrawal can also impact your pension eligibility.
  • Not Updating KYC Details
    Missing or outdated KYC (Aadhaar, PAN, bank details) can cause delays in withdrawals or transfers.
    Always ensure your KYC is updated on the EPFO portal.
  • Ignoring EPS (Employee Pension Scheme)
    Completing 10+ years of service makes you eligible for a lifelong pension.
    Avoid withdrawing EPS unless absolutely necessary.
  • Letting Accounts Go Dormant
    If no contributions are made for 36 months, the account becomes inactive, and you stop earning interest.
    Always consolidate old accounts when you change jobs.

By staying aware and taking small steps, you can maximize your EPF benefits and build a stronger retirement foundation.

Don't Just Save. Plan Smart with JezzMoney

While your EPF provides a strong financial foundation, true financial success comes from aligning your savings with your personal goals. With EPF Calculator, you're empowered to go beyond simple saving and create a strategic plan tailored to your aspirations.

Whether you are saving for a dream car, planning a wedding, or preparing for early retirement, make your EPF work as a powerful tool in your financial journey, not just a passive account. Start planning today and take control of your future. Use the EPF Calculator now to turn your savings into achievable goals.

FAQs about EPF

Can I withdraw EPF before 5 years?
Is EPF better than mutual funds?
Can I use EPF for a car down payment?
Is it mandatory to link Aadhaar with EPF?
Can I contribute more than the statutory EPF amount?