EPF Update: How to unblock an inoperative account?

Unblock Inoperative EPF Account: Employee Provident Fund (EPF), popularly known as PF, is a government-established retirement savings scheme for employees of the organised sector. The scheme is established by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in which employees of an organisation contribute a small portion of their basic pay monthly. Also, the employer contributes a similar amount on their behalf towards the scheme.

But if a person does not contribute for 3 years or more after retirement or permanent migration abroad or in case of death, his/her account is classified as an inoperative account.

In such a case, one can easily unblock the inoperative EPF accounts by visiting the official website. However, the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) implemented by EPFO streamlines the process and makes it more accessible and efficient for users.

According to the SOP, it's crucial to ensure that your KYC (Know Your Customer) details are up to date before proceeding with unblocking your EPF account. This involves verifying your identity and providing relevant documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and bank account details. This can be done by either visiting the EPFO office or by using the EPF member portal. The step is essential for authentication and verification and ensures the security of your account.

EPF Update: Online Application for EPF Account Unblock

Once your KYC details are in order, the next step is to apply online to unblock your EPF account.

Follow these simple steps to unblock your inoperative EPF account:

Step 1: Visit the official EPF website. 

Step 2: Log in to your account using your credentials.

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Step 3: Navigate to the 'Help Desk' section.

Step 4: Select the option for 'Inoperative Account Assistance.'

Step 5: Follow the instructions provided to verify your identity and request assistance.

Additionally, one can also withdraw EPF online and offline. Members can also check their EPF balance online through the official portal or the Umang app. EPFO also has a unified member portal, which felicitates its members in various ways such as checking their EPF passbook, current balance, etc. At present, all accounts will earn interest up to 58 years of age of a member.