What is the "interest on interest" policy in EPF?

The "interest on interest" policy in the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) signifies that the interest earned on an EPF balance is added back to the principal, leading to compounded savings. This means that each year, not only does the initial amount (the principal) earn interest, but any interest accrued from previous periods also earns additional interest in subsequent years.

This compounding effect significantly enhances the growth of savings over time, as the total balance increases not just from regular contributions but also from the earned interest being reinvested. By effectively allowing interest to generate further interest, this policy plays a crucial role in maximizing the returns for EPF account holders, encouraging long-term savings for retirement.

Therefore, understanding this mechanism is key for individuals planning their finances, as it highlights the importance of both making regular contributions and the benefits of compounding in their retirement savings strategy.