EPFO Auto-Settlement of Small Inoperative Accounts
Why in the news
The government cleared automatic payout of small dormant provident fund balances, to be run by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
Key facts
- Limit: up to ₹1,000.
- Process: no claim needed; credit goes to the Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Rollout: pilot first.
Inoperative account
Per the 2016 EPF Scheme amendment, an account is inoperative only once the member is past 58 and has not withdrawn. Inactivity alone does not count. Interest accrues until 58 and stops afterwards.
Rationale
Paperwork hurdles leave balances unclaimed, tiny claims are costly, and dormant accounts strain records.
Exam angle
- Body: EPFO; limit: ₹1,000; age: 58.