5 ways to check PF balance instantly

Provident fund or PF accounts for a big chunk of one's savings toward retirement. This is the reason why financial experts suggest that the accumulated savings in PF accounts should not be withdrawn during one's working years. Keeping a tab on PF balance regularly gives employees a better handle to plan for their retirement years. Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has rolled out many initiatives through which employees can check their PF balances quickly.

Checking PF balance online (UAN required)
EPFO had in 2014 launched Universal Account Number or UAN-based portal to provide a number of facilities to its members through a single window. After logging in, subscribers can view member passbook which will give details about PF contribution and the accumulated balance.

Using this interface, subscribers can also download the UAN card and update KYC information etc. However, to use this interface, subscribers need to have the UAN number. Users need to first activate their UAN account. After the activation, they can log into the portal and download the PF passbook. EPFO has been advising employers to link all their PF account numbers with the UAN and to also seed KYC data against the UAN number.

The EPFO has recently launched a special drive called 'One Member One EPF Account" to encourage PF subscribers to access enhanced IT-enabled services through UAN accounts that are linked with Aadhaar. The UAN that is Aaadhar-seeded will consolidate all the earlier PF accounts of the employee.

Checking PF balance Online (UAN not required)
This web-based facility is meant for employees who have not yet received their UAN till now. To use this facility, employees need to know their PF account number, which is mostly mentioned in pay slips.

After you select the state, you have to select the regional PF office. If you don't know, check your salary slip. The first two alphabets are the code for the region and the next three alphabets, for the regional PF office. After submitting the details, subscribers get SMS about PF balance. However, the data available could be dated as compared to the UAN-based portal.

SMS service
EPFO offers SMS service to help employees know their PF balance and contribution details. Users need to send an SMS at 07738299899 to avail this service. However, this service is made available for employees who have activated their UAN. The content of the SMS is EPFOHO UAN, followed by the first three letters of the preferred language. For example, if the subscriber wishes to receive the message in English, he or she needs to send EPFOHO UAN ENG to 07738299899. This facility is available in different Indian languages.

Missed call service
Under this service, subscribers can give a missed call at 01122901406 to know the balance. This service is available for free to any UAN-activated subscriber.

App
Smartphone users can download EPFO mobile app (M-Sewa) to check their PF balances and other details like passbook. Users need their UAN and registered mobile number to access the app. This app can also be used by subscribers to activate their UAN.