EPFO Rules: Left your job at 40 but didn't withdraw your PF funds... Will you receive interest?

Interest on your EPF account doesn't stop after you leave your job. According to EPFO rules, your PF balance will continue to accrue interest until you reach the age of 58. Even if you retire at 58, you can still benefit from the improved interest rates for a few years. Here's what the EPFO rules are in this regard.

EPF Rules 2025: If you are employed, your PF will be deducted every month. The government offers 8.25 percent interest on your EPFO deposits, which is significantly better than any other secured investment. Therefore, in the long term, a substantial retirement fund can be built through EPF. But if a person worked only until the age of 40 or 45, then quit their job forever, but didn't withdraw their PF funds, will they still receive interest on their deposits? Or will the interest on the deposits stop as soon as contributions to the EPFO stop? This question is on the minds of many working people. Let's find out what the EPFO rules are in this regard.

Full benefits available until 58

According to EPFO rules, if a member leaves their job before the age of 58 but doesn't withdraw the EPF balance, their account is not deactivated and they will continue to receive interest until they reach 58. This means that even if you left your job at the age of 40, you will continue to receive interest on your deposits for the next 18 years.

Interest for 3 years after retirement

If a person retires at the age of 58 and does not withdraw the money immediately, they will continue to receive interest on that amount for the next three years. This means that the EPFO will continue to pay interest until the age of 61. After that, your account will be deactivated. However, deactivation does not mean that your money will be lost; it simply means that interest on that money will stop.

Why not withdraw money prematurely

Many people withdraw their PF balance after leaving their job, thinking that the account will be closed. By doing so, you lose out on the long-term interest. If you are thinking of withdrawing the money and investing it in an FD, it is better to let it remain there and take advantage of the excellent interest rates offered by the EPFO.

Why EPF is the safest investment

EPF is fully supported by the government. It offers stable interest rates and tax exemptions. This is why it's the most reliable option for retirement planning.

How to withdraw money?

• First, visit the EPFO website and login with your UAN.
• Update your KYC.
• After logging in, go to Online Services.
• Click on Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C).
• Verify your bank account.
• Select your EPF withdrawal reason (e.g., retirement, medical, home purchase, etc.).
• Verify with an OTP, then enter the OTP and submit the claim.
• The money will be credited to your bank account within 7-8 days.

FAQs

Q1: Does your EPF account earn interest after leaving your job?

Yes, interest continues to accrue until you reach the age of 58.

Q2: How much interest will you earn after retirement?

Will you earn interest for three years after retirement, i.e., until you reach the age of 61.

Q3: Will your money be lost if your account becomes inactive?

No, your money remains safe. The interest simply stops accruing.

Q4: Is it right to withdraw money early?

No, doing so could result in a loss of long-term interest.