The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement savings scheme managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Under this scheme, a portion of an employee’s salary is deposited every month into a PF account, and the employer also contributes an equal amount. Over the years, this money earns interest and becomes a strong financial support after retirement. Because EPF is meant for long-term financial security, it is important for employees to regularly check their PF balance.
Checking your PF balance helps you understand how much money you have accumulated, whether your employer is depositing contributions on time, and whether interest is being credited correctly. It also helps when you plan to withdraw or transfer your PF while changing jobs.
Ways to Check PF Balance
EPFO provides multiple facilities for checking PF balance so that employees can choose a method that is convenient for them. If you have your Universal Account Number (UAN), you can check your PF balance online through the EPFO portal or the UMANG mobile application. Even if you do not have your UAN, you can still check your PF balance using SMS or the missed call facility, provided your mobile number is registered with EPFO.
What Is UAN and Why It Is Important
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number given to every EPF member. This number remains the same throughout your working life, even if you change jobs. All your PF accounts are linked to this single UAN, which makes it easy to manage EPF services online. With an active UAN, you can check your PF balance, download your passbook, update KYC details, and apply for PF withdrawal or transfer without visiting an EPFO office.
How to Check PF Balance Using EPFO Portal
To check your PF balance through the EPFO website, your UAN must be activated and linked with your mobile number. Once activated, EPFO allows you to access your Member Passbook, which contains complete details of employee and employer contributions along with pension information.
Steps to check PF balance through EPFO portal:
Visit the official EPFO website
Click on “For Employees” under the “Our Services” section
Select “Member Passbook”
Log in using your UAN and password
Choose the relevant Member ID
View or download your PF passbook
The passbook usually becomes available within a few hours after UAN activation. It shows monthly contributions, interest credited, and total PF balance.
How to Check PF Balance Using UMANG App
The UMANG app is a government-backed mobile application that provides access to various public services, including EPFO services. It allows EPF members to check their PF balance anytime using their smartphones. Apart from viewing the passbook, the app also helps in raising claims and tracking their status.
After downloading the UMANG app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, users need to complete a one-time registration using the mobile number linked with their UAN. Once registered, PF details can be accessed easily.
After downloading the UMANG app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, users need to complete a one-time registration using the mobile number linked with their UAN. Once registered, PF details can be accessed easily.
Steps to check PF balance using UMANG app:
Open the UMANG app and log in
Go to “All Services” and select EPFO
Choose “Employee Centric Services”
Tap on “View Passbook”
Enter UAN and verify with OTP
After verification, your PF balance and transaction history will appear on the screen.
How to Check PF Balance Without UAN
If you do not remember your UAN, EPFO still allows you to check your PF balance using offline services. These services work only if your UAN is linked with EPFO and your mobile number and KYC details are updated. The SMS and missed call services are simple and do not require internet access.
PF Balance Check Through SMS
The SMS service is helpful for employees who want quick information without logging in to any portal or app. Once the SMS is sent from the registered mobile number, EPFO sends PF balance details via reply message.
Steps to check PF balance through SMS:
Send an SMS to 7738299899
Type the message in this format: EPFOHO UAN ENG
In this message, UAN should be replaced with your Universal Account Number, and ENG should be replaced with the first three letters of your preferred language. After sending the message, you will receive an SMS showing your PF balance and the last contribution.
PF Balance Check Through Missed Call
The missed call facility is one of the simplest ways to check PF balance. It is completely free and works only when your mobile number is registered with UAN and KYC is completed.
Steps to check PF balance through missed call:Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number
Wait for the call to disconnect automatically
Receive PF balance details via SMS
The message received will include your current PF balance and the last amount credited to your account.
Important Points to Remember
To check PF balance online, UAN activation is mandatory. The PF passbook becomes accessible a few hours after successful registration on the EPFO portal. The passbook reflects entries that have been processed by EPFO field offices, so recent contributions may take some time to appear. Employees working in exempted establishments or private PF trusts may not be able to view their PF balance through the EPFO portal.
Conclusion
Regularly checking your PF balance helps you stay informed about your retirement savings and ensures that your employer’s contributions are accurate. EPFO has made the process simple by offering both online and offline options. Whether you use the EPFO portal, UMANG app, SMS, or missed call service, you can easily track your PF balance anytime. Keeping your UAN active, KYC updated, and e-Nomination completed will help you enjoy smooth and hassle-free EPF services.
Activate your UAN to check your PF balance easily. Learn how to activate UAN here: