Latest EPFO News:

EPF Scheme 2026 is now in effect, replacing the 1952 scheme under the Code on Social Security. Core EPF benefits remain the same, but withdrawal rules and digital processes have been simplified.

Eligible PF claims are now targeted for settlement within 3 days through the enhanced auto-settlement system, although some claims may still take longer if verification is required.

The upgraded EPFO Unified Member Portal is live. UAN generation and activation have been shifted to the UMANG app using Aadhaar Face Authentication, while other member services continue on the portal.

EPFO services have resumed after the recent system upgrade and database migration, though some users may still experience temporary technical issues.

EPF interest rate remains 8.25% for FY 2026–27. The new EPF Scheme 2027 has not increased the interest rate.

EPF account holders may no longer have to wait long for their interest. Under the new changes, plans are being made to credit the interest amount directly to PF accounts within approximately 10 days of the interest rate being finalized. Previously, the interest amount would reach accounts by October or November. However, the 8.25% interest rate finalized for the 2025-26 period has not yet been transferred to employees' accounts, even though the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) had approved it back in March.

The West Bengal government's Annapurna Bhandar Yojana (also called Annapurna Yojana) gives eligible women ₹3,000 every month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It replaced the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme and rolled out in June 2026, with the first round of payments credited to lakhs of women across the state.

If you've applied for the scheme — or are wondering whether your Lakshmir Bhandar profile has been migrated — here's a complete, step-by-step guide to checking your Annapurna Bhandar application and payment status online.

What Is the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?

Annapurna Bhandar is a women's welfare initiative run by the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal. Eligible women between 25 and 60 years of age, who are permanent residents of West Bengal, receive a flat ₹3,000 per month directly in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts — regardless of category, which is a change from the earlier tiered payments under Lakshmir Bhandar.

Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries don't need to apply again. Their records are being migrated automatically, though it's still important to make sure your Aadhaar-linked bank account is active so payments aren't interrupted.

Where to Check Your Payment Status

The official portal for tracking your application and payment is the West Bengal Social Registry / Social Security Portal: http://socialregistry.wb.gov.in

This is the only place you should enter your Aadhaar, bank, or application details. A number of unofficial websites have appeared online using similar names — they are not affiliated with the government, so avoid entering personal information anywhere else.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Annapurna Bhandar Status

1. Visit the official portal at socialregistry.wb.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, look for the "Track Applicant Status" or "Payment Status" option.
3. Choose how you want to verify yourself. You can usually check status using any one of the following:
   • Application Reference ID/Number
4. Enter the required details along with the captcha code.
5. Complete OTP verification — an OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked or registered mobile number.
6. Submit the form.

Once verified, the portal will display your application stage (submitted, under verification, approved, or rejected) along with your DBT payment status for ₹3,000.

What If You Don't Have an Application ID?

If you registered offline through a Duare Sarkar or Janakalyan Shibir camp and don't have your reference number handy, you can:

• Visit your local Block Development Office (BDO) or panchayat office and ask them to check your status using your name, Aadhaar number, or ration card details.
• Contact the beneficiary's booth-level worker, who can look up migration and payment status.

Why Your Payment Might Be Delayed

If your application shows as approved but the ₹3,000 hasn't arrived, common reasons include:

• Your bank account isn't properly seeded/linked with Aadhaar
• Incorrect account number or IFSC code on file
• Your documents are still under verification by the BDO/SDO (this process typically takes 15–30 days)
• The DBT transaction is still processing — the beneficiary list is refreshed roughly every 7 days

How to Check or Update Your Aadhaar-Linked Bank Account

Since payments only go to the bank account seeded with your Aadhaar, it's worth confirming this is correct:

1. Go to the NPCI Aadhaar mapping/BASE portal.
2. Select "Aadhaar Mapping Status".
3. Enter your Aadhaar number, captcha, and the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
4. The system will show which bank account is currently linked to receive your DBT payments.

If the linked account is wrong, inactive, or a joint account (joint accounts aren't eligible for this scheme), you can update it through the Aadhaar Seeding/De-Seeding option on the same portal, verified again with OTP.