How to check EPF balance, e-passbook, activate UAN

Mumbai: Retirement fund body Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has introduced over the years a slew of measures to further simplify online redressal of provident fund claims. For employees, applying for their provident fund corpus has been a tedious task, as the exercise requires filling up of at least six forms.

Duly filled forms are first scrutinised thoroughly by the employer for any mismatch or discrepancy in their personal records, then the 'correct' forms are sent to the EPFO office concerned for submission of PF claims.

The whole process starting right from downloading PF forms from EPFO website to filling it and then submitting it to the employer is not an easy task. On top of that, an application that seeks PF withdrawal is processed in 20 days. It means an employee gets their PF money back in 20 days from the time of submission of form with the PF office.

With an aim to reduce number of days taken for redressal of PF withdrawal application, EPFO reduced the time from 20 days to just 3 days. Now an employee can get his PF withdrawal redressed in just 3 days.

EPFO mobile app shows a very simple way to activate UAN.

EPFO had a few years back introduced a Universal Account Number system for all the members of retirement fund body. Under this scheme, employees were instructed to receive their UANs from their respective employers. This UAN makes PF withdrawal a much more easier process. Now read how to apply for and receive your PF money in simple steps:

First activate UAN

A UAN is a 10-digit number that an employer gives to its employee. UAN is used to check balance, see e-passbook. It also helps members to monitor their PF account either through mobile app or through internet. To activate your UAN, you either need to either log on to the EPFO website or download EPFO mobile app from Google Play Store.

The EPFO mobile app has a very simple facade and look. It follows a very simple procedure to unlock your PF balance, as your PF balance is locked until or unless you untie it by activating your UAN. The mobile app asks for your employer's establishment code, extension code, your employee ID, 10-digit UAN, registered mobile number. Once you fill all these details correctly, you are ready to go as your UAN activation is only a touch away.

After activation of UAN, an employee is free to use online PF facility as and when they require it. It offers a number of facilities. Members can also check their e-passbook that gives them details of last six monthly deposits into your account on a single page in mobile app.