Now Get Your EPF Balance with a Simple Call or SMS—Know the Process

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made it easier than ever for EPF account holders to check their Provident Fund balance without needing internet access or logging in to the portal. These free, user-friendly services work on any mobile phone—smartphone or not.

Before using these services, ensure your Universal Account Number (UAN) is:

• Activated

• Linked with at least one of the following: your bank account, Aadhaar, or PAN

• Your mobile number is registered with the UAN on the EPFO portal

Once that’s confirmed, you're ready to go!

EPFO Missed Call Service

What to Do

Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.

What Happens Next

"The call will disconnect automatically after two rings, and you won’t be charged anything. After that, you’ll receive a text message with details of your last EPF contribution and your current PF balance."

This 24x7 service is completely free and accessible across India.

EPFO SMS Service

How to Use EPFO SMS Service

Send an SMS from your registered mobile number to 7738299899 in the following format:
“EPFOHO UAN”

What You'll Receive

"You’ll receive a reply with your PF balance and last contribution details."

Want Your PF Details in a Regional Language?

This SMS service supports various Indian languages.

How to Customize Your Language

Simply add the first three letters of your preferred language after "UAN" in the SMS.

Example

"If you want the information in Telugu, type “EPFOHO UAN TEL” and send it to 7738299899."

Supported languages include:

• Hindi (HIN)

• Punjabi (PUN)

• Gujarati (GUJ)

• Marathi (MAR)

• Kannada (KAN)

• Tamil (TAM)

• Malayalam (MAL)

• Bengali (BEN)
  ... and more.

Note: "The SMS must be sent from the mobile number that’s linked with your UAN."

Why These Services Matter

These simplified EPFO services are a boon for individuals without internet access, such as senior citizens, rural workers, and those who prefer traditional communication. With just a missed call or an SMS, you can stay updated on your EPF account quickly, safely, and free of cost.

About EPFO

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is one of the world's largest social security organizations in terms of clientele and volume of financial transactions.1 It is a statutory body established by the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.2

Here's a detailed look at the EPFO:

Full Form: Employees' Provident Fund Organisation

History and Origins of EPFO:

• The concept of providing financial security to employees in their old age or upon leaving service in India dates back to the mid-20th century.

• The Employees' Provident Funds Ordinance was promulgated on November 15, 1951.3

• This was later replaced by the Employees' Provident Funds Act, 1952, which came into force on March 4, 1952.4

• Initially, the Act aimed to provide for the institution of provident funds for employees in factories and other establishments.

• Over time, the Act was amended and now extends to the whole of India.

• The Central Board of Trustees (EPF), a tripartite body comprising representatives of the Government (both Central and State), Employers, and Employees, administers the Act and the schemes framed under it.5

• The EPFO assists the Central Board of Trustees in implementing the schemes.6

Schemes Administered by EPFO:

The EPFO currently administers the following three schemes:

1. Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 (EPF): This is the primary scheme providing a contributory provident fund.7 Both the employee and the employer contribute a certain percentage of the employee's basic salary plus dearness allowance.8 The accumulated amount along with interest is payable upon retirement, resignation, or death. Partial withdrawals are also allowed for specific purposes like house construction, higher education, marriage, and illness.9

2. Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS): This scheme provides monthly pension benefits to employees upon retirement, disability, or to their survivors in case of death.10 The amount of pension is based on the average salary during the preceding 12 months from the date of exit and the total years of pensionable service. A portion of the employer's contribution to the EPF is diverted to the EPS.11

3. Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976 (EDLI): This scheme provides a death benefit to the nominee or legal heir of an active member.12 The benefit amount is linked to the average balance in the employee's provident fund account, subject to a maximum limit (currently ₹7 lakhs). Employees do not contribute to this scheme; the contribution is made by the employer.

Key Functions and Services of EPFO:

The EPFO performs a wide range of functions to ensure the efficient administration of the schemes and provide services to its members and employers:13

• Implementing the EPF & MP Act across the country.

• Maintaining individual accounts for millions of employees.

• Processing and settling claims for withdrawals, pensions, and insurance benefits.

• Investing the funds collected under the schemes.

• Ensuring timely payment of pensions to eligible members.

• Updating and maintaining records of members and establishments.

• Providing online services for members and employers through the Unified Portal and UMANG app.14

• Facilitating the Universal Account Number (UAN), which helps in the portability of PF accounts across different employers.15

• Offering facilities for online transfer of PF accounts, online withdrawals, and checking PF balance.16

• Providing a grievance redressal mechanism through EPFiGMS (EPFO Grievance Management System).17

• Conducting awareness programs and providing information to members and employers through various channels.18

• Facilitating the submission of Digital Life Certificates (Jeevan Pramaan Patra) for pensioners online.19

Benefits of Being an EPFO Member:

Membership in the EPFO schemes offers several significant benefits to employees:

• Retirement Savings: The EPF scheme provides a structured way to save for retirement, with contributions from both the employee and the employer, along with interest accrual.20

• Pension Benefits: The EPS ensures a regular monthly income for employees after retirement, providing financial security in their old age. It also provides benefits to widows, children, and dependent parents in case of the member's death.21

• Insurance Cover: The EDLI scheme provides financial assistance to the family of a deceased employee who was an active member of the fund.22

• Tax Benefits: Contributions to the EPF are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.23 The interest earned and withdrawals upon retirement are also generally tax-exempt under certain conditions.

• Loan Facility: Members can avail loans against their PF balance for specific purposes.24

• Partial Withdrawals: The scheme allows for partial withdrawals for important needs like medical emergencies, home purchase or construction, marriage, and education.25

• Portability of Account: The UAN facilitates the seamless transfer of PF accounts when an employee changes jobs, ensuring the continuity of their retirement savings.26

• Online Access and Convenience: EPFO provides numerous online services, making it easier for members to manage their accounts, file claims, and access information.27

Conclusion

The EPFO’s move to offer PF balance checks via missed calls and SMS is a step forward in digital inclusion and accessibility. At a time when many government services are shifting online, EPFO’s free offline services empower millions of employees across India—especially those without smartphones or internet connectivity.

With the simple requirement of having a registered mobile number linked to an active UAN, users can now instantly check their account balance and last contribution details without any hassle. The ability to receive SMS updates in regional languages also makes the service more inclusive, ensuring language is no longer a barrier to financial awareness.

These efforts align with the government’s broader goal of simplifying citizen services and promoting financial transparency. Whether you're a tech-savvy user or someone looking for convenient, offline options—EPFO’s missed call and SMS services offer an efficient, cost-free way to stay on top of your retirement savings.