The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a crucial retirement savings scheme for employees in India. It’s designed to provide financial security after retirement. As you progress in your career and accumulate higher amounts in your PF, you can enjoy various benefits, such as advance withdrawal and even a loan on your PF. Therefore, checking your PF balance, even without the UAN, is essential. Checking your PF balance regularly offers several benefits, such as:
- Financial Awareness: Keeps you informed about your retirement savings.
- Verification: Ensures your employer is making correct PF contributions.
- Errors Detection: Helps spot discrepancies and errors in contributions.
- Retirement Planning: Aids in long-term financial planning.
- Loan Eligibility: Allows you to know your eligibility for PF loans.
- Withdrawal Planning: Helps plan for EPF withdrawals when needed.
- Tax Planning: Allows for tax-saving strategies using EPF contributions.
- Financial Security: Ensures a safety net for your retirement years.
- Emergency Funds: Can be used during financial emergencies or crises.
- Documentation: Provides records for financial and tax purposes.
One of the key elements of the EPF is the Universal Account Number (UAN), which simplifies access to your EPF account details. However, even if you don’t have a UAN number, you can still check your PF balance using alternative methods.
Alternative Ways to Check Your PF Account Balance
UAN is not always necessary to check your PF balance. In case you forgot or are unsure of your UAN, you can access your PF account through the following alternative ways:
1. Missed Call Service:
The EPFO offers a convenient missed call service that allows you to check your PF balance from your registered mobile number. Here’s how to use it:
- Ensure that your mobile number is linked to your PF account.
- Dial 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number.
- After a few rings, the call will be disconnected automatically.
- You’ll receive an SMS containing your PF balance details shortly.
2. EPF Passbook (For Employees Registered Before 2014):
If you were contributing to the EPF before 2014, you can access your PF passbook on the EPFO portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the EPFO’s official website (https://www.epfindia.gov.in).
- Navigate to the ‘Our Services’ section and click on ‘For Employees’.
- Select ‘Member Passbook’ from the drop-down menu.
- You’ll be redirected to the passbook portal.
- Log in using your establishment code and PF account number, along with your name and mobile number.
- Your passbook will display your PF balance and transaction details.
3. Employer or HR Department:
Your employer or HR department can provide you with information about your PF balance. They typically have access to your PF account details and can assist you in checking your balance.
- Reach out to your HR or payroll department by email, phone, or in person.
- Request your PF statement or a copy of your PF passbook.
- Provide the required information, such as your employee code or PF account number.
- If asked, furnish your personal details such as your full name, employee ID, date of joining, and other relevant information to facilitate the request.
- They should get back to you with the information you require within 1-2 business days.
4. EPFO Regional Office:
If you prefer an in-person approach, you can visit the nearest EPFO regional office. After the required process and necessary verification, they will provide you with your EPFO passbook, which should reflect your PF account balance. Here’s how to do it:
Use the EPFO regional branch locator to identify the EPFO regional or sub-regional office nearest to your location.
You can find the address and contact details of EPFO offices on the official EPFO website or by inquiring locally.
- Visit the EPFO Office during their working hours. EPFO offices typically operate from Monday to Friday, with specific timings. Be sure to check their office hours before visiting.
- Carry along your Aadhaar card or any other government-issued photo ID for identity verification, your PF account number, establishment code, and other relevant details.
- Once at the EPFO office, approach the helpdesk and inform the EPFO staff that you want to check your PF balance.
- Furnish the necessary details such as your PF account number, establishment code, and any additional information as requested.
- Politely request a PF statement or passbook. The EPFO staff will assist you in generating the statement or providing the necessary information.
Checking your PF balance at the EPFO office can be a helpful way to ensure that your PF account is up to date and that your employer has been making the necessary contributions. It also provides an opportunity to address any concerns or discrepancies directly with EPFO officials.
If you do not have access to your UAN, or have forgotten it, here’s how you can find it out:
1. Ask Your Employer:
Your employer is required to provide your UAN on your payslip or salary statement. Many employers also mention the UAN on the appointment letter or joining documents provided when you join the company.
2. Check Your Payslip:
Your UAN may be printed on your monthly payslip. Look for it under the employee information section.
3. EPFO Portal: 
- Visit the official EPFO portal.
- Click on the ‘For Employees’ section.
- Select ‘Know Your UAN’ from the dropdown menu.
- You will be redirected to the UAN member portal
- Enter your Aadhaar number, PAN, or EPF member ID along with other required details.
- Complete the verification process, and if the provided details match the EPFO records, your UAN will be sent to your registered mobile number.
4. Contact EPFO Helpdesk:
If you face difficulties or have not received your UAN through the portal, you can contact the EPFO helpdesk for assistance. Visit the EPFO website and navigate to the ‘Contact Us’ section for contact information.
5. Check SMS from EPFO:
EPFO often sends SMS notifications containing your UAN to your registered mobile number when your employer registers you with the EPFO. Message the number 7738299899 from your registered mobile phone, describing your details. They should get back to you with your UAN number shortly.
Remember to keep your UAN number safe and secure, as it is a crucial identifier for your EPF account. It provides easy access to your PF balance, contribution history, and other important information related to your retirement savings.
Conclusion
Checking your PF balance is essential for tracking your retirement savings and ensuring that your employer is making the required contributions. While having a UAN number simplifies this process, it’s reassuring to know that there are alternative methods available for individuals who don’t have a UAN. Regularly checking your PF balance allows you to stay informed about your financial future and take appropriate steps to secure your retirement.
