If you’re waiting for your EPF interest for the financial year 2024–25 and haven’t seen it in your passbook yet, no immediate action is required. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has already declared the EPF interest rate for this year at 8.25%.[1] However, the amount is yet to be credited. This delay is a common occurrence each year after the announcement, as it takes time for the EPFO to calculate and process interest across millions of accounts. Once the internal reconciliation and bank coordination are completed, the amount is credited. Hence, the delay is procedural and temporary.
When Will EPF Interest Be Credited?
EPFO usually announces the EPF interest rate between February and May for the preceding financial year. For FY 2024–25, the declared rate is 8.25%. However, the actual crediting of interest typically takes a few months. For instance, in FY 2022–23, interest was credited from 1st November 2023,[2] despite the earlier announcement.
This delay is due to internal computations and coordination with financial institutions. Importantly, the interest continues to be calculated every month based on your account’s balance and is credited annually. So, even if EPF interest is not credited yet in your passbook, the interest accrual is still taking place.
As per Paragraph 60 of the EPF Scheme, 1952[3] , interest is calculated on the monthly running balance and is credited to your account at the end of the financial year. This ensures that interest is accounted for consistently throughout the year and added in full once annual reconciliation is complete.
Does Delay in EPF Credit Lead to Losses?
It is understandable to be concerned when the EPF interest is not credited into your account on time. However, this does not result in any monetary loss. Interest is computed monthly, and the accumulated amount is credited once annually. The delay in reflecting the interest does not impact your overall EPF entitlement.
Let’s take an example. In a fixed deposit of ₹20,000 at 10% annual interest, the total becomes ₹22,000 after a year, and the next cycle’s interest is calculated on that amount. In contrast, EPF interest is computed on the running balance every month and credited once at the end of the financial year. This means the interest continues to accumulate, even if the passbook entry is delayed.
According to Paragraph 60, interest is:
- Calculated monthly on the current year’s running balance.
- Credited annually on the last day of the financial year.
- Adjusted for monthly contributions and withdrawals.
- Rounded to the nearest rupee.
Do note that if your EPF account becomes inoperative—typically after three years of no contributions and no claim—no further interest is credited. If you plan to withdraw your EPF, you may choose to do so after the interest credit reflects, to ensure the full amount is received.
What to Do If EPF Interest Is Not Credited Yet?
If the financial year has just ended, a delay in credit is normal. However, if several months have passed and your passbook still shows no interest credit, here’s what you can do:
- Raise a grievance on the EPFiGMS portal using your UAN.
- Write to your regional EPFO office, mentioning your UAN and account details.
- Check your EPFO passbook periodically; once credited, interest appears as a separate entry.
Despite the delay, the interest continues to be computed, and your EPF benefits remain protected under the scheme.
Conclusion
If your EPF interest is not credited yet for FY25, the delay is part of a standard administrative process. Interest is calculated every month and credited at the end of the financial year. There is no loss due to the delay as long as your account remains active. If there’s an unusually long gap, you can raise a grievance through the EPFO portal. Otherwise, the interest credit will reflect in your passbook soon.