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How to Check Your EPF Balance? - Online & Offline Methods

Team AckoNov 7, 2024

If you're an employed individual in India, chances are you contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). It is a retirement savings scheme initiated by the government to ensure financial security for employees. As a member, it's essential to keep track of your contributions and know your EPF balance. In this article, we'll walk you through the various methods to check your EPF balance.

Contents

How to check EPF balance Online Methods

In this digital age, accessing your EPF balance online is quick, convenient, and secure. Here are different ways in which you can check your EPF balance using the online method.

EPFO’s website

The most direct way to check your EPF balance is by visiting the official website of the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). Follow these steps.

Visit www.epfindia.gov.in.
Click on the “Services” tab and select "For Employees".
Select "Member Passbook" under the "Services" section.
Log in with your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
Verify the captcha code.
Once logged in, you can view your EPF passbook, which contains all the details of your contributions and balance.

EPF balance through UMANG App

The Government of India's UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app is a one-stop solution to access various government services, including EPF. Here's how you can have a look at your EPF balance using the UMANG app.

Register on the app using your mobile number and create a password.
Select the EPFO option and choose "Employee Centric Services".
Choose "View Passbook" and log in with your UAN and password.
Your EPF passbook will display your current balance along with transaction details.

How to check EPF balance Offline Methods

Check EPF balance via SMS

For those who prefer the simplicity of SMS, EPFO offers an SMS-based service to check your EPF balance. Here's how to use this method.

Ensure that your UAN is integrated with your KYC details like Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account.
SMS from your registered number to 7738299899. Keep the format as follows: "EPFOHO UAN ENG."
Replace the last part of the format with the first 3 characters of the preferred language (e.g., "HIN" for Hindi).
Shortly, you'll receive an SMS with your EPF balance details.

Missed call facility for EPF Balance

EPFO also provides a missed call service to know your EPF balance. Here's how to use it.

Ensure your UAN is linked to your mobile number.
From your registered mobile number, give a missed call to 9966044425.
You'll receive an SMS with your EPF balance and other details.

EPF Balance Check - PF Balance Check With and Without UAN Number:

Keeping track of your EPF (Employee Provident Fund) balance is essential to ensure your retirement savings are on the right path. You can do this effectively with or without a UAN (Universal Account Number). Let's explore both methods:

How to Check PF Balance With UAN:

1. Activate Your UAN: Begin by activating your UAN on the official EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organization) portal if you haven't already. You can do this using your PF member ID and the mobile number registered with your account.

2. Log in to the UAN Portal: After successful activation, log in to the UAN portal using your UAN and password.

3. View Your Passbook: Inside the portal, you'll find an option to view your passbook, which contains comprehensive details about your contributions and the interest you've earned over time.

4. Check Balance: Your PF balance will be prominently displayed, providing you with a clear view of your current savings in your EPF account.

How to Check PF Balance Without UAN:

1. Visit the EPFO Website: Start by visiting the official EPFO website at https://www.epfindia.gov.in/.

2. Access 'Our Services': On the homepage, navigate to the 'Our Services' section.

3. Select 'For Employees': Within the dropdown menu under 'Our Services,' choose 'For Employees.'

4. Click on 'Member Passbook': Among the various services listed, click on 'Member Passbook.'

5. Enter Required Details: You will be prompted to enter your PF account number and other necessary information. Additionally, you'll need to select your state and specify the EPFO office where your account is maintained.

6. View Passbook: After entering all the required details, click 'Submit.' Your PF passbook, containing information about your PF balance and transaction history, will be accessible for viewing and downloading.

How to Check PF Balance without a Registered Mobile Number

Having your mobile number registered with your UAN (Universal Account Number) or PF (Provident Fund) account is crucial for receiving OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and updates related to your PF account. However, if your mobile number isn't linked, you might encounter difficulties in accessing your PF balance information electronically. Here's a detailed guide on how to check your PF balance without a registered mobile number:

Visit the EPFO Website: Start by accessing the official EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organization) website at https://www.epfindia.gov.in/.

Navigate to the Member Passbook Section: On the EPFO homepage, look for the 'Our Services' section. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu.

Choose 'For Employees': Within the dropdown menu, select 'For Employees.' This section caters to the needs of PF account holders.

Access 'Member Passbook': In the 'For Employees' section, you'll find various services listed. Among them, click on 'Member Passbook.' This is where you can view your PF balance and transaction history.

Enter Required Details

You'll be prompted to enter specific details to access your PF account information:

PF Account Number: Provide your PF account number. This unique number helps identify your specific PF account.
State: Select your state from the dropdown menu.
EPFO Office: Specify the EPFO office where your PF account is maintained.

Click 'Submit': After entering the necessary information, click the 'Submit' button to proceed.

Access Your Passbook: Once you've submitted the details, you'll be able to access your PF passbook. This passbook contains detailed information about your PF balance, contributions made by you and your employer, as well as the interest earned on your contributions.

Things to Remember:

It's vital to ensure that both your UAN and mobile number are up to date with your employer and in the EPFO records for smooth access to your PF information.
Regularly monitoring your PF passbook can help you verify the accuracy of your employer's contributions.
You can check your PF balance as frequently as necessary, and it's advisable to do so periodically to stay informed about your savings progress.How to Check EPF Balance on Mobile:

Via UMANG App:

UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a government mobile app that provides access to various services, including EPF balance checking. Here's how to do it:

Download and install the UMANG app from your device's app store.
Register or log in to your account.
Search for EPFO services and select "Employee Centric Services."
Choose "View Passbook" to check your EPF balance. Enter your UAN and OTP (One-Time Password) for authentication.

By Sending an SMS

You can also check your EPF balance by sending an SMS from your registered mobile number:

Send an SMS to 7738299899 in the format EPFOHO UAN ENG (For English) or EPFOHO UAN HIN (For Hindi). Replace "UAN" with your actual UAN number.
You'll receive your EPF details via SMS.

Through Missed Call

Give a missed call from your registered mobile number to 011-22901406. You'll receive an SMS containing your EPF details. Multiplying Your EPF Corpus:

Regular Contributions: Consistently contribute to your EPF account. Both you and your employer contribute a portion of your salary to build your corpus.

Take Advantage of Employer Matching: Maximise your EPF savings by ensuring you contribute the maximum eligible amount, allowing your employer to match it.

Invest in Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF): Consider contributing more than the mandatory EPF amount by opting for the Voluntary Provident Fund. It can help grow your corpus faster.

Invest Wisely: Diversify your investments wisely within EPF to maximise returns while maintaining safety.

Don't Withdraw Prematurely: Avoid withdrawing your EPF prematurely, as it disrupts the compounding effect. Let it grow until retirement.

Keep Your Nomination Updated: Ensure your nomination details are up to date, so your EPF corpus reaches your beneficiaries in case of unforeseen circumstances.

How to Check EPF Balance of Exempted Establishments/Private Trusts

Steps to Check EPF Balance in Exempted Establishments/Private Trusts:

Contact Your HR/Finance Department: Start by reaching out to your organisation's HR or finance department. They can provide you with the necessary information about how to check your EPF balance within the private trust.

Obtain Your EPF Account Details: Ensure you have your EPF account details, including your PF account number and UAN (Universal Account Number). These are essential for checking your balance.

Visit the Organization's HR Portal or Website: Many exempted establishments have their HR portals or dedicated websites for employee-related services. Log in to this portal using your credentials.

Access EPF Balance Section: Inside the HR portal, look for the section related to EPF or Provident Fund. There should be an option to check your EPF balance.

Enter Your Details: Input your EPF account number and UAN, along with any other required information.

View Your EPF Balance: After submitting the details, you should be able to view your EPF balance. It will typically display your contributions, your employer's contributions, and the total balance.

Verify Regularly: Make it a practice to verify your EPF balance regularly to ensure it aligns with your contributions and earnings.

EPF Balance for Inoperative Accounts:

Steps to Check EPF Balance for Inoperative Accounts:

Visit the EPFO Website: Start by accessing the official EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organization) website at https://www.epfindia.gov.in/.

Access the 'Inoperative Account Helpdesk': Navigate to the 'Inoperative Account Helpdesk' section on the EPFO website. This is the dedicated platform for managing inoperative EPF accounts.

Enter Required Information:

You will be prompted to enter specific details:

- Your PF account number: This unique number identifies your specific EPF account.

- Your name as per EPF records.

- Your date of birth.

- Your registered mobile number and email address.

Submit the Details: After entering the necessary information, click on the 'Submit' button.

Verify OTP: You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number and email address. Enter this OTP to verify your identity.

Access EPF Balance: Once your identity is confirmed, you will gain access to your inoperative EPF account's balance details. It will display your contributions, interest earned, and the total balance.

Update KYC (Know Your Customer) Details (if needed): If your KYC details are outdated or incomplete, consider updating them for seamless access to your EPF balance.

Planning Early Withdrawals from EPF

1. Assess your financial situation and determine if an early withdrawal is necessary. Consider alternative options like personal savings or loans before dipping into your retirement fund.

2. Familiarise yourself with the eligible reasons for early withdrawal, such as buying or constructing a house, funding education, paying for medical treatment, or meeting wedding expenses for yourself or immediate family members.

3. Calculate the minimum amount required to meet your needs if you withdraw. Avoid withdrawing more than necessary, as it can significantly impact your retirement savings.

4. Understand the tax implications of early withdrawals. Early withdrawals may sometimes be subject to tax deductions, so factor this into your decision-making process.

5. Have a plan to replenish the withdrawn amount. Consider increasing your monthly contributions or making a lump sum payment when your financial situation improves to minimise the long-term impact on your retirement savings.

6. Keep in mind that frequent early withdrawals can diminish the power of compound interest, which is crucial for building a substantial retirement fund over time.

Is the e-nomination Process for PF accounts mandatory?

The e-nomination process for your PF account is not mandatory, but it is highly advisable. It allows you to designate beneficiaries who will receive your PF balance in the event of your unfortunate demise. This simplifies the process for your family and ensures they receive the funds without unnecessary delays, making it a prudent choice.

How to Resolve EPF Grievances Online

1. If you encounter any issues with your EPF account, such as incorrect balance, missing contributions, or delays in processing claims, don't panic. The EPF has a robust online grievance redressal mechanism to help resolve your concerns.

2. Log in to your UAN member portal using your UAN and password. If you still need to register, complete the registration process first.

3. Navigate to the "Complaints" section of the portal and click on the option to raise a new complaint.

4. Provide detailed information about your grievance, including the nature of the issue, relevant dates, and any supporting documents or screenshots that can help resolve the problem.

5. Submit the complaint and note down the reference number generated by the system. You can use this number to track the progress of your complaint.

6. The EPF aims to resolve grievances within 20 days of filing. You will receive updates on the status of your complaint via email or SMS.

7. If you're not satisfied with the resolution provided or are waiting to receive a response within the stipulated time, you can escalate the issue to higher authorities within the EPF or seek legal advice if necessary.

Remember, the EPF's online grievance redressal system is there to help you. Don't hesitate to complain if you face any issues with your account. By proactively addressing concerns, you can ensure the smooth management of your retirement savings.

How to Check PF Balance without a Registered Mobile Number

If your mobile number is not registered with your UAN or PF account, you may face difficulties in receiving OTPs (One-Time Passwords) or updates related to your PF account. To check your PF balance without a registered mobile number, you can follow the steps mentioned earlier for checking PF balance without a UAN. Additionally, you may visit your local EPFO office for assistance in updating your mobile number, ensuring smooth access to your PF account information.

Maximising Your EPF Savings: Strategies and Tips

To make the most of your EPF savings, consider implementing the following strategies and tips:

Increase your contributions: You can voluntarily contribute more than 12% of your basic salary and dearness allowance to your EPF account. This will help you save more for retirement and enjoy the benefits of compound interest.
Avoid early withdrawals: As mentioned earlier, try to minimise early withdrawals from your EPF account to allow your savings to grow over time.
Invest in EPF's higher-return schemes: EPF offers several investment schemes, some providing higher returns than others. Research and choose the schemes that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Monitor your account regularly: Keep track of your EPF account by periodically logging in to your UAN member portal. This will help you spot any discrepancies or issues early on and take corrective action.
Update your KYC details: Ensure that your Know Your Customer (KYC) details, such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account information, are up to date in your EPF account to avoid delays in processing claims or transfers.

Following these strategies and staying informed about your EPF account can maximise your retirement savings and secure a financially stable future.

Conclusion

Monitoring your PF balance is a fundamental aspect of financial planning, especially for your retirement. Whether you possess a UAN or not, you can conveniently check your PF balance through the EPFO portal. Additionally, keeping your nomination details up to date and ensuring that your mobile number is linked to your PF account are crucial steps in securing your PF savings and ensuring a smooth process for your beneficiaries in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some FAQs related to EPFO, UAN, and EPF balance.

What is the meaning of a UAN?

UAN is the short form for Universal Account Number. Every member of the EPFO receives this number. It has 12 digits.

Is it possible that a single mobile number can be associated with varied UANs?

A single mobile number will be registered with a single UAN. Therefore, one mobile number should not be used for two different UANs.

Can UAN be activated via the offline mode?

UAN can be activated only via the online mode, it cannot be done offline.

Can I check my EPF balance online without a UAN?

UAN is mandatory for online EPF balance checks.

How often should I check my EPF balance?

It's advisable to check your EPF balance regularly, at least once every six months, to stay updated on your savings. Checking the balance frequently will help you get a sense of your finances so that you can take other investment-related calls accordingly.

What to do if I am unable to view my passbook?

This can happen if you are working for an organisation that is classified as an exempted establishment. To obtain their PF balance information, employees can refer to their salary slips or submit a request to the HR department for the relevant details.

Why is it crucial to track EPF balance?

Keeping track of your EPF balance, especially if you have changed jobs, is crucial for financial planning and ensuring a secure retirement.

Can I view my EPFO passbook through an app?

Yes, you have the option to view your EPFO passbook via the UMANG app.

I am going to change my job. What should be done regarding the UAN and EPFO balance?

You are required to share your UAN with your new employer.

Can I withdraw my entire EPF balance after resigning from a job?

In most cases, you can withdraw your entire EPF balance after resigning from a job and being unemployed for two months. However, there are certain conditions and tax implications. Please go through the details and then make an informed decision.

Should I keep track of employer and employee contributions to EPF?

It's essential to understand how your EPF balance is calculated and how the contributions work to ensure you have a clear picture of your retirement savings.

Is the EPF interest rate flexible?

The EPF interest rate is subject to periodic changes and is declared by the government.

When is the EPF interest rate compounded?

The EPF interest is compounded annually.

Can I check my balance in another language apart from English?

Yes, the SMS facility can be used to check balance in one’s preferred language apart from English. You can choose from 10 different languages while using the SMS option to check your EPF balance.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.