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EPF Balance After a Job Switch or Self-Employment: Key Rules
When switching jobs within EPFO-covered companies, transfer PF via UAN. Self-employed cannot contribute; interest accrues until 58. Exempted trusts require coordination.
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Switching jobs or going solo means your provident fund savings don't disappear. The rules depend on where you land next.
If the new employer is covered by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, the existing balance transfers to the new account. Employees must use their existing universal account number, or UAN, and keep KYC details current, the EPFO has said. That keeps the retirement savings consolidated instead of splitting across separate accounts.
When someone leaves salaried work to start a business, the employer-employee link breaks. No new mandatory contributions are allowed. The old balance remains in the account and continues earning interest until the account holder turns 58, according to the EPFO's FAQ.