As an Employees Provident Fund (EPF) subscriber, you can now easily check your passbook or claim status online. You can also check your EPF balance through SMS or a missed call. Here are the detailed steps for checking your EPF balance and passbook, as well as instructions for withdrawing money from your EPF account.

 How to Check EPF Balance via SMS or Missed Call

 Via SMS

Checking your EPF balance via SMS is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Type the message: Type ‘EPFOHO’ followed by your UAN number and the first three letters of your preferred language (e.g., ‘ENG’ for English). The message format should look like this: ‘EPFOHO UAN ENG’.
2. Send the message: Send this message to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number.
3. You will receive a message with your EPF balance details shortly after.

 Via Missed Call

You can also check your EPF balance by giving a missed call. Here’s how:

1. Dial the number: Dial 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.
2. Receive a message: You will receive a text message with your PF balance details.

 Checking Your EPF Passbook

To check your EPF passbook online, you need to register on the unified member portal. Note that your passbook will be available six hours after registration, and any changes to your credentials will reflect on the EPFO portal after six hours as well.

 Steps to Check Your EPF Passbook

1. Visit the EPFO Website: Go to the [EPFO website](http://epfindia.gov.in) and click on the ‘For Employees’ section under ‘Services’ at the top of the page.
2. Access Member Passbook: Click on ‘Member Passbook’ under the ‘Services’ section.
3. Redirect to Passbook Page: You will be redirected to a new page with the URL: passbook.epfindia.gov.in.
4. Log In: Enter your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
5. Complete Captcha: Fill in the captcha and click ‘Sign In’.
6. Enter OTP: A six-digit OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked phone number. Enter the OTP to access your account details.

Remember, your passbook will only display reconciled entries from the EPFO field offices.

 Withdrawing Money from Your EPF Account

EPF subscribers planning to withdraw funds from their accounts can now apply online. Ensure your UAN is activated, and the phone number linked to your UAN is operational. Additionally, make sure your details are correctly updated in the EPFO database.

 Physical Application

There are two types of composite claim forms for physical application:

1. Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar): Use this form if your Aadhaar and bank details are linked on the UAN portal. Submit the form directly to the EPFO office without needing your employer’s attestation.
2. Composite Claim Form (Non-Aadhaar): If your Aadhaar and bank details are not linked, use this form. Submit it along with your employer’s attestation to the EPFO office.

 Online Application

The EPFO’s online withdrawal option streamlines the process, saving you time. Here are the prerequisites and steps for online withdrawal:

 Prerequisites

• Activate your UAN and confirm the mobile number used for UAN activation is operational.
• Ensure your UAN is linked with your KYC (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.).

 Steps to Withdraw PF Amount Online

1. Log In: Log in to the EPFO e-SEWA portal using your UAN and password.
2. Select Online Services: Go to the ‘Online Services’ section and select ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)’.
3. Verify Bank Account: Enter your bank account number for verification.
4. Confirm Terms: Confirm the Terms and Conditions and proceed for an online claim.
5. Select Reason: Select the reason for withdrawal from the dropdown menu.
6. Fill Details: Enter the required details and upload necessary documents.
7. Request OTP: Request an OTP, which will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
8. Submit OTP: Enter the OTP to submit your claim application.

 Withdrawal Without UAN

If you don’t have a UAN, you can still withdraw your EPF using a different process:

1. Download Forms: Download and fill out either the Aadhaar-based or Non-Aadhaar Composite Claim Form.
2. Submit Form: Submit the completed form to your Regional PF Office.
3. Get Identity Attested: Get your identity attested if required.
4. Processing: Wait for the processing and crediting of the amount to your registered bank account.

 Conditions for EPF Withdrawal

 Complete Withdrawal

• Upon Retirement: You can withdraw your EPF balance upon retirement.
• Unemployment: If you are unemployed for over two months, you can withdraw your EPF balance.

 Partial Withdrawal

1. Medical Purposes:

•    Limit: Lower of six times monthly basic salary or total employee’s share plus interest.
• Service Required: No specific service criteria.
• Usage: For treatment of self, spouse, children, or parents.

2. Marriage:

• Limit: Up to 50% of employee’s EPF contribution.
• Service Required: 7 years.
• Usage: Applicable for self, son/daughter, brother/sister’s marriage.

3. Education:

• Limit: Up to 50% of employee’s EPF contribution.
• Service Required: 7 years.
• Usage: For post-matriculation education of the account holder or their children.

4. Purchase of Land or House:

• Land Limit: Up to 24 times monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance.
• House Limit: Up to 36 times monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance.
• Service Required: 5 years.

5. Home Loan Repayment:

• Limit: Least of 36 times monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance or total corpus or outstanding principal and interest.
• Service Required: 10 years.

6. House Renovation:

• Limit: Least of 12 times monthly wages and dearness allowance or employee’s contribution with interest.
• Service Required: 5 years.

7. Before Retirement:

• Limit: Up to 90% of accumulated balance with interest.
• Service Required: At 58 years, withdrawal is allowed before one year of retirement or superannuation.

 Conclusion

Checking your EPF balance and managing your funds has become more accessible with online and mobile options. Whether through SMS, missed call, or the EPFO portal, you can stay updated on your EPF account. Additionally, the online withdrawal process simplifies accessing your funds when needed. Ensure your UAN and KYC details are up-to-date for a smooth experience.