Archive · 22 Sep 2026
EPFO Explains Online Nomination Rules for Provident Fund Accounts
A provident fund is money saved for a worker's future and retirement.
The EPFO lets members choose people who may receive benefits from their account.
Members can add nominees online if their Universal Account Number is linked and verified with Aadhaar.
They must log in to the EPFO website and confirm the nomination with an Aadhaar-linked mobile phone.
People can also update nominations offline by submitting Form 2 at an EPFO office.
A spouse and children are generally considered family under the rules.
Married members must list their spouse in the family details even if they do not nominate that person for the provident fund.
An unmarried member without children can choose another person, but must make a new nomination if they later acquire a family.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation requires members to update nomination and KYC details for certain online services.
Only Aadhaar-verified Universal Account Number holders can file nominations through the EPFO portal.
Members must validate their e-nomination using Aadhaar-based e-sign and a one-time password.
Offline nomination updates require submitting Form 2 at the nearest EPFO office.
Eligible nominees generally include family members, while unmarried members without children may nominate others until they acquire a family.
- Who
- Employees' Provident Fund Organisation members, including salaried subscribers and Universal Account Number holders.
- What
- The process and eligibility rules for updating provident fund nominations online or offline.
- When
- The article refers to financial year 2026 for the 8.25% EPF and voluntary provident fund interest rate, but gives no specific filing deadline.
- Where
- Online through the EPFO portal or offline at the nearest EPFO office.
- Why
- Updated nomination and KYC details are required for online claims, passbook balance updates, and other digital services.
- EPF interest rate
- The Ministry of Finance ratified an 8.25% interest rate for EPF and voluntary provident fund accounts in FY26.
- Online eligibility
- Only Aadhaar-verified Universal Account Number holders can file e-nominations.
- Online verification
- Members must use Aadhaar-based e-sign and an OTP sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Offline process
- Members can update nominations by submitting Form 2 at an EPFO office.
- Family definition
- Spouse and children are included in the family definition for pension-fund purposes.
- Unmarried members
- An unmarried member without children may nominate one or more people of their choice.
- Change in family status
- A nomination made by an unmarried member becomes invalid after the member acquires a family, requiring a fresh nomination.