EPFO Guide
EPFO stands for Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. It is a government organisation under the Ministry of Labour and Employment that manages retirement savings and social security schemes for eligible employees in India.
EPFO is managed by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT). The CBT oversees three main schemes:
- 01Employees' Provident Fund Scheme (EPF)
- 02Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS)
- 03Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI)
The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) is the main decision-making body associated with EPFO. It works under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The CBT is a tripartite body, which means it includes representatives from:
GovernmentEmployersEmployeesThe board oversees the administration of the EPF, EPS, and EDLI schemes.
History of EPFO
EPFO's journey started in 1951, when an ordinance was introduced on November 15 to provide social security to employees. The following year brought a more formal framework. On March 4, 1952, the ordinance was replaced by the Employees' Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
EPFO's work grew over time as more social security benefits were brought under its framework. In 1976, the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme was introduced to provide life insurance benefits to eligible employees. Later, in 1995, the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) was added to provide pension benefits after retirement.
What Does EPFO Do?
EPFO manages provident fund, pension and insurance-related services for eligible employees and employers.
Its main functions include:
- 01Managing EPF, EPS and EDLI schemes
- 02Maintaining member accounts and contribution records
- 03Processing PF withdrawal and transfer claims
- 04Processing pension-related benefits
- 05Providing insurance benefits to eligible nominees under EDLI
- 06Checking whether employers are depositing applicable contributions
- 07Investing EPF funds according to the applicable framework
- 08Crediting interest to EPF accounts
- 09Providing online member services
- 10Handling member and employer grievances
EPF vs EPS vs EDLI
Although EPF, EPS and EDLI come under EPFO, they serve different purposes.
| Scheme | What It Provides | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EPF | Provident fund savings | Long-term financial savings |
| EPS | Pension benefits | Regular income after retirement, subject to applicable rules |
| EDLI | Life insurance benefit | Financial support for eligible nominees after the member's death |
How Are EPF, EPS and EDLI Contributions Distributed?
The contributions made under EPFO are distributed between the applicable schemes according to the prescribed rules.
| Contribution / Charge | Employee | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| EPF | 12% | 3.67%* |
| EPS | — | 8.33%* |
| EDLI (Insurance) | — | 0.50% |
| Administrative Charges | — | 0.50% |
| Total EPF/EPS Contribution | 12% | 12%* |
*Subject to applicable rules, wage ceiling and other conditions.
Who Is Covered Under EPFO?
EPFO primarily covers eligible employees working in establishments covered under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
Establishments with 20 or more employees generally fall under EPFO coverage. The mandatory coverage is applicable to employees with Rs 15,000 in basic wages plus dearness allowance.What Is UAN in EPFO?
UAN stands for Universal Account Number. It is a unique 12-digit number assigned to an EPF member to access EPFO services. UAN also connects an employee's EPF accounts from different jobs.
For example, if you change jobs, your new employer can link your new EPF account with your existing UAN. This keeps your EPF information connected instead of creating a completely separate identity for every job.
What Services Does EPFO Provide?
EPFO offers separate services for members, pensioners, and employers. Users can manage their PF accounts, pension details, and contribution-related work online with these available services.
Member Services
EPF Balance: Members or employees can check the balance available in their EPF account.EPF Passbook: This feature shows PF contributions along with the amount credited to your account.EPF Withdrawal: PF withdrawals are also possible based on the applicable EPFO rules.PF Transfer: Transfer your PF balance when you change jobs.UAN Services: Use your Universal Account Number to access and manage PF accounts linked to different employers.Pension Services
EPS Updates: Pensioners can access information about the Employees' Pension Scheme and its benefits for eligible members.Pension Status: Can also check the status of their pension-related details and payments.Pensioner Services: They can also manage their pension-related requirements.Employer Services
Employer Login: Registered employers can log in to manage their EPFO-related activities.EPF Contributions: Manage and maintain employee PF contribution details.Online PF Payments: Deposit EPF contributions online and keep track of payment records.
EPFO Grievance Redressal and Helpline
EPFO provides an online grievance system along with helpline services to help members, pensioners and employers resolve PF-related issues. The EPFiGMS portal can be used to register a complaint, upload supporting documents and track its status.
FAQs
EPFO stands for Employees' Provident Fund Organisation.
EPFO is a government organisation under the Ministry of Labour and Employment that manages provident fund, pension and insurance schemes for eligible employees.
The three main schemes are EPF, EPS and EDLI.
EPF is mainly a retirement savings scheme, while EPS provides pension benefits to eligible members under the applicable rules.
EDLI stands for Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance. It provides life insurance benefits to eligible EPF members.
UAN stands for Universal Account Number. It is a 12-digit number that connects an employee's EPF accounts across different jobs.
Eligible employees working in establishments covered by the EPF law can come under EPFO. Establishment size, salary, and other applicable conditions determine coverage.
EPFO rules, procedures, contribution limits, eligibility criteria, interest rates, forms, and online services may change over time based on government notifications and EPFO updates. The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered official or final. For the latest and exact information, always refer to the official EPFO website and relevant government notifications before taking any action.