The upgraded EPFO member portal now allows salaried employees to transfer their balance from the old employer to the current employer in two ways online. The change is intended to reduce paperwork, ensure service continuity and promote EPF members to have only one active EPF account to hold their retirement savings.
The portal upgrade follows EPFO's plans to shift towards a more centralised digital system. The new system is expected to improve claim processing, service access and member database management, although some requests may face temporary delays during the transition period.
Employees need to log in to the EPFO member portal first with their UAN to avail the benefit. They will be able to move their existing PF account balance to the new one via one of these options after they log in:
1. Request for Transfer of Account: Under the ‘Online Services’ tab of the EPFO portal, this is offered. Members can use it to make a direct transfer of their existing EPF account balance to the current EPF account with their employer.
2. Member Service History: In the Member Service History section, staff can see previous and current service records. If there is no transfer claim pending, they can click ‘Claim’ and fill out a service transfer request using Form 13.
Once the user has chosen one of the two options, he will be taken to the online transfer request page. Below are the steps to follow:
Enter your previous employer's Member ID and other required details, then click 'Get Details'.
You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to verify and submit the request.
The EPFO member portal provides the details of the present establishment into which the transfer will be effected. Check that.
Once submitted, EPFO will process the transfer and move the balance to your current EPF account.
If employees do not know their own UAN, they can confirm with their employer on their salary slip.
Also Read: EPFO Expands De-Linking of Wrong Member IDs with Contributions
The transfer of balances from EPF ensures that employees can consolidate their balances from one job to another, preserve their EPF service history and improve their future eligibility for EPF benefits. It can even prevent tax deducted at source for early settlement of pensions and enhance pension eligibility after 10 years of service, pension benefits, and insurance cover.
It is important to note that EPFO services might take time to settle into their new architecture post-upgrade, whether it be for the employee or the employer. The interest rate of EPF for 2025-26 is 8.25%, with EPFO expected to credit interest to millions of members.