How to check your EPF balance via SMS: A step-by-step guide

The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) is a popular and reliable retirement savings scheme in India, designed to help employees accumulate a substantial fund for their post-retirement life. Managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the EPF scheme is mandatory for most salaried employees in both the private and public sectors. The scheme is built on regular contributions from both employees and employers, making it a secure and regulated investment avenue.

Understanding EPF Contributions and Withdrawals

Both the employer and the employee contribute a fixed percentage of the employee's basic salary to the EPF account each month. These contributions continue throughout the employee's tenure and accumulate over time. The accumulated funds can be withdrawn under certain conditions, such as retirement, job change, or specific life events like marriage or medical emergencies.

Checking Your EPF Balance via SMS: A Convenient Option

In today’s digital age, keeping track of your EPF balance has become easier than ever. The EPFO offers multiple methods to check your EPF balance, including the SMS facility. This method is particularly useful for those who prefer quick and straightforward access to their balance information without needing an internet connection or a smartphone app.

Before you can use the SMS facility, it's crucial that your Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated, and your mobile number is registered with the EPFO. The UAN is a unique 12-digit number assigned to each EPF member, and it remains constant throughout your career, even if you change employers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check EPF Balance via SMS

Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking your EPF balance through the SMS facility:

Step 1: Launch Your Messaging App

Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.

Create a new message.

Step 2: Type the Message

In the message body, type: EPFOHO UAN ENG.

Here, replace "UAN" with your actual 12-digit UAN.

The "ENG" at the end signifies that you want to receive the SMS in English, which is the default language.

Step 3: Send the SMS

Send the SMS to 7738299899.

Within a few minutes, you should receive an SMS from the EPFO containing details about your latest provident fund (PF) contribution and your current balance.

Receiving the SMS in Other Languages

The EPFO allows you to receive SMS updates in 10 different languages. If you prefer to receive the information in a language other than English, simply replace the "ENG" in your SMS with the first three letters of your preferred language. For example:

1. To receive the SMS in Hindi, type EPFOHO UAN HIN and send it to 7738299899.
2. To receive the SMS in Telugu, type EPFOHO UAN TEL and send it to 7738299899.

This flexibility ensures that you can receive your balance information in a language you’re most comfortable with.

Key Points to Remember

While using the SMS facility to check your EPF balance, keep the following points in mind:

1. Registered Mobile Number: Ensure that you send the SMS from the mobile number registered with your UAN. If your mobile number isn’t registered or has changed, you’ll need to update it through the EPFO member portal before using this service.
2. KYC Details: The SMS may also include updates on your Know Your Customer (KYC) details linked to your UAN. It’s essential to keep these details up-to-date for seamless service.
3. Employer Verification: If your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details have been digitally verified and submitted by your employer, you might not receive the SMS notification. In such cases, contact your employer to confirm your EPF balance status.
4. First-Time Users: New EPF account holders must first activate their UAN and register their mobile number on the EPFO member portal. This one-time process is necessary before you can receive balance updates via SMS.

The SMS facility provided by the EPFO is a quick and convenient way to check your EPF balance. Whether you're at work, traveling, or simply don't have access to the internet, this method ensures that you can stay updated on your retirement savings at all times. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily access your EPF balance information whenever you need it, ensuring that your retirement planning is always on track.