Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a savings scheme initiated by the Indian government to ensure employees have a financial safety net post-retirement. It’s a crucial component of retirement planning for salaried employees. Understanding how to check your EPF balance is essential for keeping track of your savings.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different methods to check your EPF balance, with or without a Universal Account Number (UAN).
What is EPF and UAN?
EPF (Employee Provident Fund): A retirement savings scheme where both employer and employee contribute a portion of the employee’s salary.
UAN (Universal Account Number): A unique 12-digit number assigned to each employee contributing to the EPF. UAN helps link multiple Member Identification Numbers (Member IDs) assigned to an individual by different employers. UAN remains the same throughout the employee’s career.
How to Check Your PF (Provident Fund) Balance: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Provident Fund (PF), or Employee Provident Fund (EPF), is a significant part of your retirement savings. Checking your PF balance regularly ensures you’re aware of your contributions and helps in planning your financial future. There are several ways to check your PF balance, both online and offline. Here’s a complete guide on how to check your balance:
1. Using the EPFO Portal
The EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization) has a dedicated portal for checking your PF balance. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO website: www.epfindia.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on ‘For Employees’ under the “Our Services” section.
Step 3: Select ‘Member Passbook’ under the ‘Services’ tab.
Step 4: Log in using your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password.
Step 5: Once logged in, you can view your passbook, which contains details about your contributions.
Step 6: A six-digit OTP will be sent to the phone number linked to your Aadhaar.
Step 7: Enter the OTP and click on ‘Verify’. Your PF account balance will then appear on the screen.
Note: Ensure your UAN is activated. If not, you must contact your employer to activate it.
2. How to Check Your PF Balance Using the UMANG App
Checking your EPF balance on the UMANG app is quick and simple. Here’s how you can do it in a few easy steps:
Step 1: Download the UMANG App
The UMANG app is available for both Android and iOS users. Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search for “UMANG,” and download the app onto your smartphone.
Android Mobile App link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.umang.negd.g2c&hl=en_IN
Apple App Store (iOS) link- https://apps.apple.com/in/app/umang/id1236448857
Step 2: Register on UMANG
If you’re a first-time user, you will need to register on the UMANG app. Open the app and follow the instructions to sign up using your mobile number, email, or social media accounts.
Step 3: Log In with Your Credentials
After registering, log in to the app using the mobile number you used to sign up. You can also link your Aadhaar number for added convenience and access to additional services.
Step 4: Select EPFO Services
Once logged in, navigate to the EPFO section of the app. You will find a variety of services related to your EPF balance account. Select ‘Employee Centric Services’ to proceed.
Step 5: View Passbook
In the Employee Centric Services section, click on ‘View Passbook’. You will need to enter your Universal Account Number (UAN) to proceed.
Step 6: Enter UAN and OTP
After entering your UAN, the system will send a six-digit OTP (One-Time Password) to your mobile number registered with your UAN. Enter the OTP to verify your identity.
Step 7: Check Your EPF Balance
Once verified, your EPF passbook will be displayed, showing the balance and details of your EPF contributions. You can check your balance, view your transaction history, and keep track of your savings in real time.
3. How to Check Your EPF Balance via SMS: Using SMS Service
Here’s how you can check your EPF balance using the SMS service in just a few steps:
Step 1: Compose the SMS
- For English: EPFOHO UAN ENG
- For Hindi: EPFOHO UAN HIN
- For Bengali: EPFOHO UAN BEN
- For Marathi: EPFOHO UAN MAR
- For other regional languages, you can use the corresponding language code (e.g., TEL for Telugu, GUJ for Gujarati, etc.).
Step 2: Send the SMS
- Send this message to 7738299899 from your UAN-registered mobile number.
Step 3: Receive EPF Balance Information
- Once your SMS is sent, you will receive a reply from EPFO with details about your EPF balance, including your contributions, employer contributions, and total balance.
4. How to Check Your PF Balance Using the Missed Call Facility: Missed Call Facility
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has made it incredibly simple for members to check their Provident Fund (PF) balance through a missed call facility. This feature is especially helpful if you don’t have access to the internet or prefer an even faster way to check your balance. With just one missed call, you can get real-time updates on your PF balance.
Here’s how you can check your PF balance with a missed call:
Step 1: Dial the Number
From your UAN-registered mobile number, give a missed call to 011-22901406.
Step 2: Wait for the Response
After you place the missed call, you don’t need to wait for the call to connect. Simply hang up after the first ring.
Step 3: Receive PF Balance Information
Within a few seconds, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number. The SMS will contain details about your EPF balance, including employee and employer contributions and the total accumulated balance.
5. How to Check Your EPF Balance Using the EPFO App
Checking your EPF balance through the EPFO app is simple and takes just a few steps. Here’s a detailed guide:
Step 1: Download the EPFO App
Step 2: Install and Open the App
Step 3: Log in with Your UAN
Step 4: Navigate to the Balance Check Section
Step 5: Enter the Required Details
Step 6: View Your EPF Balance
6. How to Check Your EPF Balance Through Your Employer
Here are the most common ways you can check your EPF balance through your employer:
1. Monthly Salary Slip
Many employers include detailed EPF information directly in your monthly salary slip. Here’s what you can typically find:
This method is incredibly convenient as you don’t need to make any additional effort—the information is provided to you each month automatically.
2. HR Portal or Payroll System
Many companies today have internal Human Resource (HR) portals or payroll systems that employees can log into to check various details, including their PF contributions and balance. Here’s how you can access your PF balance through your employer’s HR system:
If your company has an HR department, they can also guide you through the process of accessing this information.
3. Request Your UAN and PF Details from HR
If you are unable to access your PF balance on your own, or you don’t have your Universal Account Number (UAN), you can request it from your employer’s HR department. Since the employer is responsible for generating and managing UANs, they can provide you with your UAN and other PF account details.
Conclusion
There are multiple convenient ways to check your EPF balance, including online portals, mobile apps, and SMS services. By ensuring that your UAN is active and your mobile number is linked, you can easily monitor your retirement savings on the go. Make sure to regularly review your EPF balance to ensure your contributions are being properly credited.
Stay on top of your PF balance for a secure financial future!
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FAQs on Checking PF Balance
1. What is the EPF balance?
The PF balance refers to the total amount accumulated in your Provident Fund account, which includes your contributions, your employer’s contributions, and interest earned on the total amount.
2. How can I check my EPF balance?
You can check your PF balance through various methods, including:
The EPFO website
The UMANG app
The EPFO app
SMS services
Missed call facility
Through your employer
3. Do I need my UAN to check my EPF balance?
While having your UAN makes it easier to check your PF balance, you can still access it without the UAN using your EPF account number and other required details.
4. What information do I need to check my EPF balance online?
To check your EPF balance online, you typically need:
Your UAN or EPF account number
State in which your EPF office is located
EPF office code (if checking without UAN)
5. How often should I check my EPF balance?
It’s a good practice to check your PF balance regularly, at least once every few months, to ensure that your contributions are correctly credited and to monitor your savings growth.
6. Is it safe to check my EPF balance online?
Yes, checking your PF balance on the official EPFO website or authorized mobile apps is safe as they use secure encryption methods to protect your personal information.
7. Can I check my PF balance through SMS?
Yes, if your UAN is registered with EPFO, you can check your balance by sending a specific SMS format to the designated number provided by EPFO.
8. What should I do if my EPF balance is incorrect?
If you notice discrepancies in your PF balance, contact your employer’s HR department or the EPFO office for assistance in resolving the issue.
9. Can I access my PF balance if I have switched jobs?
Yes, you can check your PF balance even after changing jobs, as long as your EPF account is still active. You can use your EPF account number to access your balance.
10. What is the missed call facility for checking PF balance?
The missed call facility allows you to check your PF balance by giving a missed call to the designated EPFO number from your registered mobile number. This is a quick and convenient way to access your balance.
11. What if I forgot my UAN?
If you’ve forgotten your UAN, you can retrieve it through the EPFO website or by contacting your employer. They can provide you with your UAN based on your EPF account details.
12. Can I check my PF balance if my mobile number is not registered?
No, you must have your mobile number linked to your UAN or EPF account to access your balance through SMS or missed call services. Consider updating your mobile number with the EPFO.
13. Can I check my PF balance without my UAN?
Yes, you can check your PF balance without your UAN by using your EPF account number on the EPFO website. You will need to provide your EPF account number, state, and EPF office code.
14. What information do I need to check my PF balance without UAN?
To check your PF balance without UAN, you will need:
Your EPF account number
The state where your EPF office is located
The EPF office code associated with your account
15. How do I find my EPF office code?
You can find your EPF office code on your salary slip or by contacting your HR department. It’s also available on the EPFO website.
16. Is it safe to check my PF balance online?
Yes, checking your PF balance on the official EPFO website is safe. The website is designed to protect your personal and financial information.
17. What if I don’t have my EPF account number?
If you don’t have your EPF account number, you can contact your employer or HR department to obtain it. They should be able to provide you with your EPF account details.
18. Can I access my PF balance through mobile apps?
Yes, you can also check your PF balance through mobile apps like the UMANG app or the EPFO app, which provide similar services without needing your UAN.
19. How often should I check my PF balance?
It’s advisable to check your PF balance periodically, at least once every few months, to ensure that your contributions are being credited correctly and to stay updated on your retirement savings.
20. What should I do if my PF balance is incorrect?
If you find any discrepancies in your PF balance, contact your employer’s HR department or the EPFO office for assistance. They can help resolve any issues related to contributions or account information.
21. Can I check my PF balance if I have changed jobs?
Yes, you can check your PF balance even if you have changed jobs, as long as your EPF account is active. You can use your EPF account number to access your balance.
22. Do I need to register for online services to check my PF balance?
No, you do not need to register for online services to check your PF balance using your EPF account number. However, having a UAN and activating it can provide you with additional services and features for managing your PF account more efficiently.
