How to stop your EPF money from going missing during job changes

EPFO now pays interest for up to three years on inactive accounts, but after that, your balance stops growing

Switching jobs is exciting, but many people forget to check what happens to their Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) account afterward. Each time you move to a new employer, a new PF account number may be created under the same UAN (Universal Account Number). If you don’t transfer the old balance, that money just sits there — earning little or no interest after a few years. Over time, this “orphaned” balance can mean real losses.

Why transfers matter

When you change jobs, your previous employer’s EPF contributions stop, but the account remains active in your name. Unless you initiate a transfer to your new employer’s PF account, the balance doesn’t automatically move. EPFO now pays interest for up to three years on inactive accounts, but after that, your balance stops growing. A missed transfer can therefore mean lost compounding.

How to transfer your EPF correctly

You can transfer your PF online through the EPFO portal using your UAN. Log in to your account, verify your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details, and choose your current or previous employer to process the transfer request. Once approved digitally by both employers, your entire PF corpus — including accumulated interest — moves to the active account. Keep an eye on your passbook to confirm completion.

Watch your interest credits

EPF interest is usually credited once a year, typically by July or August for the previous financial year. If your balance hasn’t been updated, check your passbook on the EPFO site or app. Delays are common, but if interest isn’t reflected for long, raise a grievance through the EPFO portal. Even a few missed months can make a noticeable difference over decades of compounding.

What happens if your account becomes dormant

If you’ve stopped contributing for more than 36 months and haven’t retired, your PF account becomes inactive. Though the balance remains safe, interest may stop after that period. To reactivate it, ensure your UAN is linked with Aadhaar, update your KYC details, and request a transfer or small contribution through your new employer’s PF setup.

Keep your UAN and details updated

Your UAN acts as the umbrella ID for all your PF accounts. Make sure it’s linked with Aadhaar, PAN, and your current mobile number. Also, verify your bank details — incorrect or outdated information can delay transfers and interest credit.

The takeaway

Your EPF isn’t just a retirement pot — it’s a compounding engine. Treat it like an investment that needs attention. Transfer your balance whenever you switch jobs, check your interest credit yearly, and keep your UAN active. A few clicks of maintenance today can save you years of lost growth tomorrow.