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EPFO Rules: How long does interest on EPF account accrue after retirement? Know the rules

EPFO: Many times, employees don't withdraw their EPF funds even after leaving, changing jobs, or retiring. They assume their money will continue to earn interest until they withdraw. However, this isn't the case.

By Kerala Tak Sep 25, 2025, 10:26 IST

EPFO: Many times, employees don't withdraw their EPF funds even after leaving, changing jobs, or retiring. They assume they'll continue to earn interest on their funds until they withdraw. 

But let me tell you that this isn't the case. EPFO ​​only pays interest on EPF for a limited period. After that, your account is inactive. Find out how long EPFO ​​pays interest on EPF and whether you receive the money once it's inactive.

Does the money get lost if the account becomes inactive?

No. An account becoming inactive doesn't mean you'll lose your money. The only difference is that you'll stop earning interest on the money in the account. This means your principal will remain safe, but interest will stop accruing.

For how many years does one get interest after retirement?

The EPFO ​​recently clarified that if a person retires at age 58, their PF account will continue to accrue interest for three years. This means they will continue to receive interest until age 61. 

If you quit your job or change companies and don't add the money to your new company's PF account, the account becomes inactive after a few years and interest stops accruing.

How to withdraw EPF money?

The EPFO ​​has simplified the withdrawal process. If your account is linked to your UAN (Universal Account Number) and your KYC is complete, you can easily withdraw funds.

Offline method

  1. Visit the nearest EPFO ​​office.
  2. Fill Form-19, Form-10C or Form-31 (as per the claim).
  3. Attach a copy of your identity card and bank passbook.
  4. Have the company sign and stamp the form, if necessary.
  5. After submitting the form, the money usually reaches the bank account within 7–10 days.

Online method

  1. Go to the EPFO ​​website and login to UAN.
  2. Update KYC.
  3. Go to Online Services and select Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C).
  4. Verify Bank Account and Select Withdrawal Reason (Retirement, Medical, Home Purchase etc.).
  5. Enter OTP and submit the claim.
  6. The money will reach your account within 7–8 days.