One of the many saving instruments which is also considered the most reliable retirement-focused reserve is the Provident Fund or PF account. In tough economic conditions when sectors are reeling under the impact of the pandemic, and people are losing jobs, there may be a requirement to dig into such savings.


Under the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) scheme, the employee contributes 12 percent of basic wages plus dearness allowance from salary every month towards the EPF account, while the employer matches the contribution of 12 percent.


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As per the PF withdrawal norms, an EPF account subscriber can opt for withdrawal in certain conditions such as job loss, repayment of a home loan, buying a home or home renovation, and others.


Subscribers can check their EPF balance or withdraw money using the Universal Account Number (UAN) which can be easily fetched from your employer. However, there may be instances when the UAN is not available or you are unable to get it from the employer in a situation where the company has closed shop.


In a situation when subscribers don’t have their UAN number or remember the  number, here is a step-by-step process to check PF balance:



  • Firstly you need to go to the EPFO home page -epfindia.gov.in;

  • Then you click on the link ‘click here to know your PF balance,’

  • This will take you to a new page — epfoservices.in.epfo;

  • You need to type in your state, EPF office, establishment code, PF account number and other details;

  • Then click on the acknowledgment button and 'I Agree' option;

  • Your PF or EPF balance will get displayed on your computer monitor or mobile.


How to withdraw PF money without UAN?


In absence of UAN, you need to submit a physical application to withdraw PF money.


In order to submit the physical application, you have to first download the Aadhaar-based new composite claim form or the non-Aadhaar composite claim form.


Also, remember the composite claim form can be attested either by any bank manager, a Gazetted Officer, or a Magistrate.
Once the forms are filled, you need to submit the form to the respective jurisdictional EPFO office.


How To Check PF balance with UAN number


In case you have UAN Number, then the PF balance can be easily accessed through SMS or Missed Call service.


In order to check through SMS, you have to send an SMS to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number. The SMS format is ‘EPFOHO UAN.’ The EPFO will reply to the SMS with the PF balance of the sender.


You can also dial a missed call at 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number to get the details about the PF balance.