Provident Fund (PF) is one of the most important social security benefits for salaried employees in India. With the introduction of the Universal Account Number (UAN) and digital platforms like the UMANG App, EPFO has made PF services easier, faster, and completely online.
In PF Part 1, we explained PF basics, eligibility, and contribution.
In this PF Part 2, we will cover:
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What is UAN and how it works
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How to check PF balance (online, SMS & missed call)
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PF services available through the UMANG App
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PF withdrawal rules (latest)
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PF withdrawal forms (Form 19, 10C, 31)
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Online PF withdrawal process
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Important dos and don’ts for employees
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What to do if employer is not depositing PF
What is UAN (Universal Account Number)?
UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit unique number allotted by EPFO to every employee who contributes to the Provident Fund.
Why UAN is important?
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One UAN for your entire career, even if you change jobs
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Links all your PF accounts (Member IDs)
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Allows online PF withdrawal, transfer, and balance check
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Required for EPFO portal and UMANG App services
Once UAN is activated, employees can manage almost all PF-related services online without visiting the EPFO office.
How to Activate UAN Online
To use PF services, UAN must be activated.
Steps to activate UAN:
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Visit the EPFO Member Portal
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Click on “Activate UAN”
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Enter:
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UAN
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Aadhaar / PAN / Member ID
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Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
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Verify OTP
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Create a password
After activation, your UAN becomes fully functional.
How to Check PF Balance (All Methods)
1️⃣ PF Balance Check via EPFO Portal
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Login using UAN and password
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Go to View → Passbook
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Select Member ID
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PF balance will be displayed
2️⃣ PF Balance via Missed Call Service
EPFO provides a free missed call service.
📞 Give a missed call to: 9966044425
Conditions:
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UAN must be activated
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Mobile number must be linked with UAN
You will receive an SMS with:
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PF balance
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Last contribution details
3️⃣ PF Balance via SMS Service
Send SMS from registered mobile number:
EPFOHO UAN ENG
Send to 7738299899
(Language codes like HIN, TAM, TEL are also available.)
UMANG App – PF Services Explained
The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-Age Governance) app allows employees to access PF services directly on their mobile phones.
What can be done through UMANG App?
✔️ Check PF balance
✔️ View and download PF passbook
✔️ Raise PF withdrawal claims
✔️ Track claim status
✔️ View UAN details
✔️ Check KYC status
How to use UMANG App for PF:
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Download UMANG App from Play Store
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Login using mobile number and OTP
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Select EPFO Services
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Enter UAN
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Access PF services instantly
The UMANG App is especially useful for employees who do not have easy access to computers.
PF Withdrawal – When Can You Withdraw PF?
PF withdrawal depends on employment status and reason.
Latest PF Withdrawal Rules (Simplified)
| Situation | Withdrawal Allowed |
|---|---|
| While working | Partial withdrawal only |
| Unemployed for 1 month | Up to 75% of PF |
| Unemployed for 2 months | 100% PF + Pension |
| Retirement (58 years) | Full PF |
| Medical emergency | Partial PF |
| Marriage / Education | Partial PF |
| House purchase | Partial PF |
⚠️ PF withdrawal rules may change. Always verify with EPFO before applying.
PF Withdrawal Forms Explained
🔹 Form 19 – Final PF Settlement
Used when:
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Employee is unemployed for 2 months
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On retirement
Covers:
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Employee + employer PF contribution
🔹 Form 10C – Pension Withdrawal
Used when:
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Service period is less than 10 years
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Pension withdrawal benefit is required
🔹 Form 31 – Partial PF Withdrawal
Used for:
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Medical emergency
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Marriage
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Education
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House construction
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COVID advance
How to Apply for PF Withdrawal Online (Step-by-Step)
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Login to EPFO Member Portal
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Go to Online Services → Claim (Form 31, 19, 10C)
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Verify bank account details
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Select reason for withdrawal
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Submit OTP
PF amount is usually credited within 7–15 working days.
Important Things Employees Must Check Before Withdrawal
✔️ Aadhaar must be linked with UAN
✔️ Bank account should be verified
✔️ Name and date of birth must match Aadhaar
✔️ Employer approval may be required in some cases
Incorrect KYC details can delay or reject PF claims.
Common PF Withdrawal Mistakes
❌ Applying before completing eligibility period
❌ Not updating KYC details
❌ Entering wrong bank details
❌ Withdrawing PF unnecessarily
PF should ideally be withdrawn only when genuinely required.
What All Can Be Done Online Through UAN?
Once UAN is activated, employees can:
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Check PF balance
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Download PF passbook
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Transfer PF while changing jobs
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Update KYC details
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Submit PF withdrawal claims
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Track claim status
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Download UAN card
All these services are free and completely online.
What Can an Employee Do If Employer Is Not Depositing PF?
As per law, employers must deposit PF every month after deducting it from the employee’s salary. If an employer fails to do so, employees have legal and online remedies.
1️⃣ Check PF Contribution Regularly
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Login to EPFO portal or UMANG App
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Check PF passbook month-wise
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Compare salary slip deduction with PF credit
If PF is deducted but not credited, it is a serious legal violation.
2️⃣ Raise a Complaint on EPFiGMS Portal
Employees can file an online grievance for:
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Non-deposit of PF
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Delayed PF contribution
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Wrong PF amount
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Employer not responding
EPFO usually responds within 15–30 days.
3️⃣ File Complaint Through UMANG App
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Open UMANG App
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Select EPFO Services
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Choose Grievance / Complaint
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Submit details
4️⃣ Approach EPFO Office (If Needed)
If online methods fail:
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Visit the regional EPFO office
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Carry salary slips, appointment letter, and PF details
EPFO has the authority to:
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Recover PF dues
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Impose penalties on employer
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Take legal action
5️⃣ Legal Rights of Employees
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PF is a statutory right
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Non-deposit of PF is punishable under law
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Employer cannot deduct PF and keep it unpaid
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Employee identity is generally protected during complaints
Final Tip for Employees
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Check PF passbook every month
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Keep salary slips and screenshots as proof
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Raise a complaint if PF is not deposited for two consecutive months
Conclusion
UAN and digital platforms like the EPFO Portal and UMANG App have made PF management simple and transparent. Employees should regularly monitor PF contributions, keep KYC updated, and understand withdrawal rules before applying.
Provident Fund is not just savings — it is your financial security for the future.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. PF rules and procedures are subject to change. For official and updated information, always refer to EPFO notifications or consult a qualified professional.
🔗 Related Employee Rights Guides
• PF Rules Explained in Simple Words (Part 1)
👉 https://indiaemployeerights.blogspot.com/2026/01/pf-rules-explained-part-1.html
• Does ESIC Continue After Job Change?
👉 https://indiaemployeerights.blogspot.com/2026/01/does-esic-continue-after-job-change.html
• Salary Slip Explained in Simple Words
👉 https://indiaemployeerights.blogspot.com/2026/01/salary-slip-explained-in-simple-words.html
Much easier to understand
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