What do you get from PF?

What PF is

PF (Provident Fund, also called EPF) is a savings scheme run by EPFO, the government's PF office. Every month, 12% of your PF wages goes into your own PF account. Your employer pays another 12%. PF wages are basic pay plus DA (extra pay that rises with prices), not your full salary. But your PF wages must be at least half your total pay. If they come to less, the difference is added to your PF wages.

What you get

• Savings. Your PF savings are held in your name. They can earn interest. The government sets the rate each year. Your UAN (your PF number) stays the same when you change jobs.
• A pension. Part of your employer's 12% goes to a pension scheme (EPS, the PF pension fund). This can give you a pension later. EPFO sets the pension rules. Ask your employer for the details.
• Insurance. PF membership can also include insurance cover for your family. Ask your employer for the details.

Why you can't say no

PF is a must when your employer's business has 20 or more staff and your PF wages are ₹25,000 a month or less. This is the limit from 17 September 2026. You can't say no, and your employer can't leave you out. If you are already a PF member, you can't stop because you ask or because your pay goes up.

Your PF wages are above ₹25,000 and you are a new joiner? You can still join, if you and your employer both agree in writing. Ask your employer.

Will my take-home pay go down?

Yes. 12% of your PF wages goes into your PF account instead of your hand. Example: your PF wages are ₹20,000 a month. You put in ₹2,400. Your employer also puts in ₹2,400, and part of that goes to your pension (EPS). Check your own amount with our free PF contribution calculator.

How to check your PF

Ask your employer for your UAN. New staff who don't have a UAN yet get one with a quick face scan on the UMANG app (the government's mobile app). Your employer can help you with it. Then check each month that your PF was added.