EPFO launches WhatsApp services for PF balance, passbook access

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced the launch of WhatsApp-based services, allowing subscribers to access key provident fund account information through the messaging platform without having to visit the EPFO website. Under the facility, members can check their Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) balance, view their five most recent transactions and download their EPF passbook by sending a WhatsApp message.

According to the announcement, subscribers can initiate the service by sending 'Hi' to +91 8796441800 or by scanning the QR code provided for the facility. The initiative is aimed at simplifying access to provident fund information and making routine account-related services more convenient for members.

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽

The newly announced facility covers three account-related functions. Subscribers can obtain their current EPF balance, review the last five transactions recorded in their accounts and download their passbook.

The transaction history feature is expected to help members review recent account activity, while the downloadable passbook provides access to their provident fund records.

The service brings these functions to a widely used messaging platform, offering an additional channel for members seeking basic account information.

𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya formally launched the service on Sunday during EPFO's 74th Foundation Day celebrations at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.

The facility also provides personalised guidance and assistance for requirements related to the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY).

The Labour Ministry said the initiative would make routine services accessible through a familiar mobile platform and reduce the need for subscribers to visit EPFO offices.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

Members can save the designated WhatsApp number, +91 8796441800, and send a 'Hi' message to begin using the facility. They can then follow the instructions displayed in the conversation to access the available services.

The service reportedly supports 10 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada and Malayalam, allowing subscribers to obtain information in their preferred language.

Members should ensure they are communicating with EPFO's verified WhatsApp account and should not share passwords, PINs or other confidential banking credentials with unverified contacts.

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀

Alongside the WhatsApp service, Mandaviya launched an automatic settlement facility for eligible inoperative EPF accounts with balances of up to Rs 1,000.

Under the initiative, subscribers with Aadhaar-verified inoperative accounts will not need to submit individual claims. EPFO will initiate settlement after the prescribed identity and bank-account verification procedures are completed.

The ministry estimates that approximately one lakh accounts involving a combined amount of Rs 5 crore will benefit from the measure.

Speaking at the foundation day event, Mandaviya highlighted EPFO's accumulated corpus of Rs 32 lakh crore, built through contributions from more than eight crore members. He urged officials to prioritise worker-centric innovations as the organisation approaches its 75th year.

The new facilities form part of EPFO's broader efforts to simplify provident fund administration, improve access to retirement savings and make services more convenient for subscribers.