Indian workers can now check their PF balance by SMS or missed call, without needing internet access. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced simple mobile-based services to help millions of members track savings, reinforcing financial inclusion for workers across the country.
What Is the PF SMS Service?
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a mandatory retirement savings scheme for salaried workers in India. To make balance checks easier, EPFO allows members to receive account information via SMS.
To use the service, members must have their Universal Account Number (UAN) activated and linked to their registered mobile number. At least one Know Your Customer (KYC) detail, such as an Aadhaar number or bank account, must also be verified.
How to Check PF Balance by SMS
- Members can send a text message from their registered mobile number to 7738299899.
- The message format is:
EPFOHO UAN - To receive details in a regional language, workers may add a three-letter code. For example, “HIN” for Hindi, “TEL” for Telugu, or “TAM” for Tamil.
The reply SMS includes details such as account balance, last contribution, and KYC status. According to EPFO, this service helps workers in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Checking PF Balance by Missed Call
EPFO also provides a missed call facility for workers with limited digital access. By giving a missed call to 9966044425 from a registered mobile number, members receive an SMS with their latest account details.
This service requires no charges, making it accessible even to low-income workers. “Our goal is to ensure that every member, regardless of location, can monitor their retirement savings,” said an EPFO spokesperson in a recent release.
Why It Matters for Workers
For many workers in rural India, reliable internet access remains a challenge. By offering SMS and missed call services, EPFO ensures that workers can check their savings without relying on smartphones or data connectivity.
Experts note that this initiative reduces financial uncertainty. “When workers know their contributions and balances, they gain confidence in the system and make better financial decisions,” said Dr. Ramesh Joshi, a labour economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Alternative Ways to Check Balance
While SMS and missed call remain offline options, members with internet access can also:
- Use the UMANG mobile app to check balances and track contributions.
- Log in to the EPFO Member Portal with their UAN and password.
- Access balance information through net banking, if their account is linked.
Looking Ahead
As India pushes towards digital financial inclusion, services like SMS balance checks remain vital for bridging the gap between urban and rural workers. EPFO’s efforts reflect a broader government strategy to make financial services accessible to all, regardless of digital literacy or internet access.
Conclusion
The ability to check PF balance by SMS or missed call represents a practical step towards inclusivity in India’s social security system. By combining simplicity with accessibility, EPFO ensures that millions of workers can stay informed about their retirement savings, even without internet access.
