If you are a salaried employee in India, a portion of your salary every month goes into your EPF (Employee Provident Fund) account managed by EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation). This is your retirement savings — and knowing how to check your balance, withdraw when needed, and transfer when you switch jobs is essential.
This guide covers everything about your PF account in simple language.
4 Ways to Check PF Balance Online
1. EPFO Member Portal (Most Detailed)
- Visit unifiedmember.epfindia.gov.in
- Login with UAN + Password
- Go to "View" → "Passbook" — see full transaction history and balance
2. UMANG App (Mobile)
- Download the UMANG app (government app — Android/iOS)
- Search "EPFO" → Login with UAN + OTP
- Tap "View Passbook" — instant balance and all transactions
3. Missed Call (No Internet Needed)
Give a missed call from your UAN-registered mobile number to: 011-22901406
You will receive an SMS with your PF balance within 2 minutes — completely free.
4. SMS (No Internet Needed)
Send SMS: EPFOHO UAN <3-letter language code> to 7738299899
Example: EPFOHO UAN ENG (for English) or EPFOHO UAN TAM (for Tamil)
You'll receive your PF balance via SMS. Works on any phone, no smartphone needed.
How to Activate Your UAN
Your UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit number that stays with you throughout your career even as you change employers. You must activate it to access EPFO services online:
- Get your UAN from your employer or check your salary slip
- Visit unifiedmember.epfindia.gov.in → Click "Activate UAN"
- Enter UAN, Aadhaar/Member ID, name, date of birth, mobile number
- Enter OTP from your registered mobile
- Set a password — UAN is now activated
Link your Aadhaar and bank account to UAN for seamless PF withdrawal and transfer.
How to Withdraw PF Money Online
You can withdraw your EPF balance online (Form 31/19/10C) without visiting any EPFO office:
| Withdrawal Type | Eligibility | Form | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Withdrawal | Retired / unemployed 2+ months | Form 19 | Full EPF balance |
| Partial — Medical | Hospitalization of self/family | Form 31 | Up to 6 months basic salary |
| Partial — Marriage | 7+ years of service | Form 31 | Up to 50% of own contribution |
| Partial — Home Loan | 5+ years of service | Form 31 | Up to 90% of EPF balance |
| Partial — Education | 7+ years of service | Form 31 | Up to 50% of own contribution |
| Pension Withdrawal | Less than 10 years of service | Form 10C | EPS corpus (pension amount) |
Steps for online withdrawal:
- Login to unifiedmember.epfindia.gov.in
- Go to "Online Services" → "Claim (Form 31, 19, 10C & 10D)"
- Verify bank account (must be linked and KYC-verified)
- Select claim type → Fill details → Submit OTP
- PF amount credited to bank account within 7–20 working days
PF Transfer When Changing Jobs
When you switch employers, transfer your old PF to your new PF account to maintain continuity:
- Login to EPFO portal → Online Services → "One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)"
- Enter old employer / old member ID details
- Current employer will verify online
- PF transferred within 20 working days
EPF Tax Rules on Withdrawal
| Service Period | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 years | Taxable — TDS deducted at 10% if PAN linked; 34.6% if PAN not linked |
| 5 years or more | Completely tax-free — no TDS deducted |
| Employer contribution (5+ yrs) | Tax-free |
| Interest earned (5+ yrs) | Tax-free |
EPFO Helpline & Contact
- Toll-free helpline: 1800-118-005 (Monday–Saturday, 9:15 AM – 5:45 PM)
- Email: head.grievance@epfindia.gov.in
- Online grievance: epfigms.gov.in (EPF iGMS portal)
- WhatsApp: +91-7303012555