With the digitization of EPFO services, checking your PF balance has become simpler than ever.
Employees can now access their balance using a UAN (Universal Account Number) or even without a UAN through SMS and missed call services.
This article will cover all possible methods with step-by-step instructions and tips to avoid common issues.
Provident Fund, commonly known as PF, is one of the most important savings schemes that provides corporate employees and other workers in India with financial security. Generally, it works in a two-sided way where both the employee and employer contribute a fixed percentage to the PF accounts every month. These contributions increase over time with interest getting added.
PF accounts differ from general savings accounts; therefore, tracking these accounts is crucial to ensure that contributions are credited correctly. It will enable people to plan their withdrawal when necessary. So, if you are trying to figure out how to track your PF balance with or without a UAN, here’s how to do it.
If you are unsure of what UAN is, it is a 12-digit number assigned by EPFO. This number serves as the key to access PF accounts. Once users link it with PAN, Aadhar, and bank details, there won’t be any issues in checking the balance.
The EPFO portal is one of the finest methods to view PF balance. Here are the steps to follow:
Visit the EPFO official portal at epfindia.gov.in.
Scroll to the ‘For Employees’ section.
Click on ‘Member Passbook.’ It will be available under the service menu.
Log in using UAN, Password, and captcha.
Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number.
Once logged in, your passbook will display your total PF balance, employer and employee contributions, interest amounts, and any loans or withdrawals.
[Tip: The EPFO portal passbook updates daily. So, check it once or twice a month to get the entire details of your PF account for that month.]
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UMANG or Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance is another method to check PF balance using UAN. It’s mostly for mobile users. The steps are below:
Install the UMANG app from the Play Store or App Store.
Go to Services.
From there, click on Social Security.
Navigate to EPFO.
Press View Passbook.
Enter the UAN.
Verify it with the OTP.
Download PF passbook.
The UMANG app is particularly useful for individuals who are travelling or do not have access to a computer.
Below are the benefits of using UAN for checking PF balance:
Using a UAN, one can access multiple accounts.
One can check PF contributions from previous employers.
Using UAN, download an e-passbook in seconds.
If you somehow fail to access the EPFO portal or app, you can still check your PF balance using alternative methods. Here are the methods to check PF balance without a UAN:
Send an SMS to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number.
The format should be as follows: EPFOHO, followed by a space, then write the UAN, and finally your preferred language.
Once the message is sent properly, you will receive an SMS with your PF balance, employer contribution, and account details.
Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.
Within seconds, an SMS with your PF balance will come to your registered mobile number.
Important Note: There are some exceptions to this rule. Employees of corporations where private trusts maintain PF independently may not access their PF details on EPFO portal. In that case, they have to check salary slips for contribution updates for tracking PF balance.
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Checking PF balance isn’t only about curiosity; instead, it’s necessary for financial planning, employer compliance, and especially if you are planning to take out a loan or withdraw money from PF account.
While EPFO portal, UMANG app, or SMS/missed call methods allow employees to track their balance anytime, anywhere, salary slips seem to be the safest method to go for. Tracking PF and staying updated ensures your retirement savings are properly utilized and invested in the right methods.
1. Can I check PF balance without UAN?
Ans: Yes, you can check PF balance without UAN. It can be done via SMS or missed call service. You need to use the mobile number linked to the UAN to get any updates.
2. How to check PF balance using UAN?
Ans: The best way to check PF balance with UAN is by logging in to the EPFO portal or through the UMANG app using UAN and OTP.
3. How to check PF balance without a registered mobile number?
Ans: Usually, a registered number is required; however, if you do not have one, you can use the EPFO portal with UAN and password. Otherwise, get assistance from the HR department.
4. Can employees of exempted establishments check their PF online?
Ans: It is complicated. Usually not. For them, it is best to check either their salary slips, or he can contact the HR department for PF balance and contribution updates.
5. Why is it important to check PF regularly?
Ans: PF tracking is important. It's not like every day you have to do it, but once or twice in a month you should check the PF account to know the balance, employer contribution and interest rates, especially if you have plans to take loans.