
Introduction
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is a critical savings scheme for salaried employees in India, helping them accumulate a substantial corpus for retirement. Checking your EPF balance regularly is crucial for tracking your savings and ensuring that contributions are made correctly. This guide will walk you through all the available methods to check your EPF balance in 2024, along with a detailed understanding of the EPF scheme, its importance, and frequently asked questions.
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What is EPF?
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement savings scheme established by the Government of India under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the scheme mandates that the employee and the employer contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance to the EPF account. The employee can withdraw the accumulated amount and interest upon retirement or under specific circumstances.
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Why Should You Regularly Check Your EPF Balance?
Regularly checking your EPF balance ensures:
- Accuracy: Ensures that the employer is making timely and correct contributions.
- Planning: Helps in financial planning by giving you a clear idea of your accumulated savings.
- Updates: Keeps you informed about any changes in interest rates or EPF rules that may affect your savings.
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Methods to Check EPF Balance in 2025
There are several ways to check your EPF balance, making it convenient for employees to stay updated on their savings. Here are the most common methods:
Using the EPFO Portal
The official EPFO portal is a primary and reliable way to check your EPF balance. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the EPFO website.
- Click ‘For Employees’ under the ‘Our Services’ section, then select ‘Member Passbook.’
- Log in using your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password. If you haven’t activated your UAN, you can do so on the same portal.
- After logging in, you can view your EPF balance and download the passbook containing all transaction details.
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Through the UMANG App
The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) app is a multi-functional mobile app launched by the Government of India that allows you to access various government services, including checking your EPF balance.
- Download the UMANG App: This app is available on Android and iOS platforms.
- Login/Registration: Register using your mobile number and complete the verification process.
- EPFO Services: Go to the ‘EPFO’ option in the app, select ‘Employee Centric Services,’ and then ‘View Passbook.’
- Enter UAN Details: Log in with the UAN and OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Check Balance: You can view your EPF balance and download the passbook.
Via SMS
If you prefer a quick and straightforward method, you can check your EPF balance via SMS:
- Send SMS: Send an SMS to 7738299899 in the format ‘EPFOHO UAN ENG’ (where ENG is the first three letters of your preferred language). The service is available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Punjabi.
- Balance Details: You will receive an SMS with your EPF balance and details of the last contribution.
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Using the Missed Call Service
The missed call service is another quick and easy way to check your EPF balance:
- Give a Missed Call: Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number.
- Receive SMS: You will receive an SMS with your EPF balance details.
Through the EPFO App (m-EPF)
The m-EPF app is specifically designed for EPF members to access their account details on the go:
- Download the app: It is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- Login with UAN: Enter your UAN and the registered mobile number.
- Check Balance: Access your EPF balance, passbook, and other information.
Understanding Your EPF Balance Statement
When you check your EPF balance, you’ll receive a statement or passbook with various entries. Here’s how to interpret it:
- Employee Contribution: This section shows the total amount you contributed.
- Employer Contribution: This section displays the total contribution made by your employer. Note that a part of this contribution goes towards the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS).
- Pension Contribution: The portion of the employer’s contribution allocated to the pension scheme.
- Interest Earned: This is the interest accrued on your EPF balance, calculated based on the government-declared interest rate.
- Total Balance: The sum of all contributions and interest earned.
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Recent Updates in EPF for 2025
Keeping up with the latest updates in the EPF scheme is essential to maximize your benefits. Here are some recent changes and updates for 2024:
- Increased Interest Rate: The EPFO has revised the interest rate for the fiscal year 2023-2024, offering a slight increase from the previous year. Ensure you are aware of the current rate to estimate your earnings accurately.
- Unified Portal Enhancements: The EPFO has enhanced the unified portal, making it more user-friendly and efficient. The login process has been streamlined, and additional features like e-nomination are now easier to access.
- Digital KYC Compliance: The EPFO is pushing for 100% digital KYC compliance, ensuring that all member details are updated and verified online. This step enhances security and enables seamless online transactions and balance checks.
- Higher Pension Scheme Option: Eligible employees who want to opt for a higher pension under the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) can now do so through the EPFO portal. This option affects how much of the employer’s contribution goes toward your pension.
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Importance of UAN and How to Obtain It
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to every employee under the EPF scheme. It remains constant throughout your career, regardless of how many jobs you switch. The UAN links multiple EPF accounts (if any) under a single member ID.
How to Obtain UAN:
- Employer Provision: Generally, your employer provides you with the UAN. It is mentioned on your salary slip.
- Through the EPFO Portal: If you haven’t received your UAN, you can retrieve it from the EPFO portal using your PF number and other details.
- UMANG App: The UAN can also be accessed through the UMANG app under EPFO services.
Having your UAN activated is crucial as it simplifies balance checks, transfers, withdrawals, and tracking contributions.
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How to Link Aadhaar with UAN for Seamless Transactions
Linking your Aadhaar with UAN ensures seamless transactions and smooth balance checks. It’s also mandatory for EPF withdrawals. Here’s how you can link your Aadhaar with UAN:
Through the EPFO Portal
- Visit the EPFO portal using your UAN and password.
- Navigate to the ‘Manage’ section and click ‘KYC.’
- Enter your Aadhaar number and name using your Aadhaar card.
- Your details will be verified, and once approved, your Aadhaar will be linked with UAN.
Using the UMANG App
- Open the UMANG app and navigate to the EPFO services.
- Select the Aadhaar linking option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
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EPF Balance Withdrawal Process
Knowing how to withdraw your EPF balance is crucial when accessing your funds. The EPFO allows both partial and complete withdrawals under certain conditions:
Full Withdrawal
- Retirement: You can withdraw your entire EPF balance upon retirement.
- Unemployment: If you have been unemployed for over two months, you can withdraw your EPF balance.
- Moving Abroad: If you are moving abroad permanently, you can withdraw your EPF balance.
Partial Withdrawal
- Medical Emergencies: You can withdraw a portion of your EPF balance for medical treatment of yourself or your family.
- Marriage or Education: Withdrawals are allowed for marriage or higher education of self or family members.
- Home Loan Repayment: Partial withdrawal is permitted to repay a home loan or purchase/construct a house.
How to Withdraw
- Login to the EPFO Portal using your UAN and password.
- Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ tab and select ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C).’
- Fill in the required details, choose the type of withdrawal, and submit the claim. Your request will be processed, and the amount will be credited to your bank account linked with UAN.
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Conclusion
Regularly checking your EPF balance is a simple yet crucial task that ensures your retirement savings are on track. With multiple convenient methods available—such as the EPFO portal, UMANG app, SMS, and missed call service—keeping an eye on your EPF balance has never been easier. Stay updated with the latest EPF rules and ensure your UAN and KYC details are always up to date for a seamless experience.
This guide has covered all aspects of checking your EPF balance, from using the official portal to troubleshooting common issues. By following these steps, you can effectively manage your EPF account and secure your financial future.
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FAQs on EPF Balance Check
Can I check my EPF balance without a UAN?
Ans. No, the UAN is mandatory. It is a unique identifier that links all your EPF accounts.
How frequently is the EPF balance updated?
Ans. The EPF balance is updated monthly after the employer’s contribution is credited. However, the interest is credited annually.
Can I check my EPF balance if my KYC still needs to be updated?
Ans. While you can check your balance, updating your KYC ensures smoother transactions and withdrawals. It’s advisable to keep your KYC details up to date.
What should I do if my EPF balance needs to be corrected?
Ans. If you find discrepancies in your EPF balance, immediately report it to your employer and the EPFO. They will guide you on how to rectify the issue.
Is there a charge for checking the EPF balance via SMS or a missed call?
Ans. No, checking your EPF balance via SMS or missed call is a free service EPFO provides.