The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently introduced a new, user-friendly facility that allows individuals to track their Provident Fund (PF) accounts, even if they were opened 15 years ago or more. This update is a part of EPFO’s ongoing efforts to simplify access to employee retirement savings and ensure transparency in fund management.

Here’s everything you need to know about this new EPFO initiative:

1. Why Tracking Old PF Accounts Matters

Many employees change jobs multiple times over their careers. With each job change, a new PF account may be opened, leaving older accounts inactive or forgotten. Over time:

· Employees may lose track of accumulated PF balances.

· PF accounts may remain unclaimed even after many years.

· Merging or transferring old PF accounts becomes a cumbersome process without proper tracking.

The new EPFO tracking tool addresses these issues by allowing users to locate old PF accounts quickly, even those that are 15 years old.

2. How the EPFO Tracking Tool Works

EPFO has rolled out an online tool on its official portal that enables account holders to trace old PF accounts using basic personal information:

· Step 1: Visit the EPFO Portal
Go to https://www.epfindia.gov.in and navigate to the ‘Our Services’ → ‘For Employees’ → ‘Member UAN/Account’ section.

· Step 2: Provide Your Details
Enter the required information such as:

o Full Name

o Date of Birth

o Mobile Number

o Email ID

o Previous employer details (if available)

· Step 3: search and Track Accounts
Once submitted, the system will list all PF accounts linked to your credentials. Even older accounts that may have been inactive for 15 years or more will appear.

· Step 4: Access Account Details
After locating your PF account, you can:

o Check account balance

o Track contributions made by employer and employee

o Initiate transfer or withdrawal of funds if necessary

3. Key Benefits of the New Tool

· Time-Saving: Locate old PF accounts in minutes without visiting an EPFO office.

· Convenience: All you need is basic personal information; no complex paperwork required.

· Transparency: Easily view contribution history and interest accrued over the years.

· Account Consolidation: Helps in merging multiple PF accounts, ensuring your retirement savings are not fragmented.

4. Additional Tips for PF Account Holders

· Link Your UAN: Ensure your Universal Account Number (UAN) is linked to all PF accounts for easier tracking.

· Update KYC Details: Keep your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details updated with EPFO for seamless fund transfer.

· Monitor Inactive Accounts: Check for old PF accounts regularly to prevent loss of interest or funds.

· Use the mobile App: EPFO’s UMANG App also allows tracking and managing PF accounts on the go.

5. Conclusion

The EPFO’s new tracking facility is a major relief for employees who have lost track of older PF accounts, even those dating back 15 years or more. It simplifies the process of monitoring retirement savings, ensures transparency, and helps consolidate funds into a single active account.

With this tool, employees can now easily track, merge, or withdraw PF balances, making retirement planning more convenient and effective.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.