The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has initiated some new measures to simplify your ways of checking balance in the Provident Fund (PF). These initiatives aim at giving members a seamless experience in accessing information contained in his or her PF accounts so as to enhance transparency and convenience.
ATM Cards for EPF Withdrawals
One significant introduction involves the issuance of ATM cards to EPFO members so that subscribers can withdraw PF money from ATMs. This will open access to withdraw that PF money 24/7. ATM withdrawal facilities will most probably be rolled out in the next fiscal year.
Better Online Portal and Mobile App
In order to facilitate easy access to PF account information, EPFO has revamped its online portal and has launched a new mobile app. These platforms allow members to check their account balances, file claims, and even avail different EPFO services. The very profile of the user is going to make it very simple for account management for the PF.
Missed Call And SMS Services
For those who prefer offline means, the EPFO has missed call and SMS services active to check your PF balance.
Missed Call Service: Simply give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number. You will receive an SMS with your PF balance details. For this facility to work, ensure the UAN is activated and linked with the mobile number, Aadhaar, and PAN.
SMS Service: Send an SMS in the format “EPFOHO UAN ENG” to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number, replacing the “ENG” with the first three letters of the language you want to receive the message in (for example, “HIN” for Hindi). This service will let you know your PF balance and other details relating to your latest contribution.
Check PF balance through the EPFO portal.
The members are able to check the balance in PF by logging onto the EPFO portal by following the below-mentioned steps:
The visit to the EPFO member portal under the “For Employees” section is followed by the “Member Passbook.” Log in using your UAN and password. Once logged in, you will be able to view the passbook which shows detailed particulars of contribution and balance. This method shows an elaborate picture of the PF account, covering both employee and employer contributions.
UAN Integration
Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique identification number for EPFO members, and it aims to consolidate numerous Member IDs under one unique number. Through the UAN, members can easily transfer PF accounts while changing jobs, receive an SMS alert every time a deposit is made, and update KYC details online. The link between an active UAN and Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account facilitates your PF account management.
Future Enhancements
EPFO is continually working to improve its services. Upcoming features include self-correction of personal details, allowing members to correct discrepancies in their personal information directly through the EPFO portal without employer intervention. Additionally, a new feature will enable employees to complete the KYC process through self-attestation, simplifying account verification. These enhancements aim to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for EPFO members.
Conclusion
The recent initiatives by EPFO have significantly simplified the process of checking your PF balance and managing your account. Whether through the introduction of ATM cards, enhanced online platforms, or convenient SMS and missed call services, members now have multiple hassle-free options to access their PF information. Staying informed about these changes ensures that you can efficiently manage your retirement savings with ease.