PF Balance Check: Ensure Your Monthly Salary Deduction is Deposited in Your PF Account

If you are a salaried employee in India, you probably see a portion of your salary deducted every month for Provident Fund (PF). The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a crucial retirement savings scheme managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). While you may assume your employer is depositing this amount regularly, how can you be sure?

Many employees don’t check whether their PF contributions are credited on time, leading to potential issues later. Some employers may delay deposits or even fail to contribute, which could impact your financial security. That’s why regularly checking your PF balance is essential.

In this article, we will guide you on how to check your PF balance, the importance of verifying deposits, and what steps you can take if your employer defaults on contributions.

Understanding the EPF System: How Does It Work?

The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a social security scheme where both employees and employers contribute a fixed percentage of the salary every month. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions:

• Employee Contribution: 12% of the basic salary and dearness allowance (DA) is deducted and contributed to the EPF account.
• Employer Contribution: The employer also contributes 12%, out of which 8.33% goes to the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), and the remaining 3.67% is added to the EPF account.
• Interest on PF: The government announces an annual interest rate on the accumulated PF balance. This interest is compounded yearly and credited to the account.

While the system seems straightforward, issues may arise if employers fail to deposit their share or delay payments, which could impact the final corpus.

How to Check Your PF Balance?

Thanks to digital advancements, checking your PF balance is quick and easy. You don’t need to visit your employer or an EPF office. Here are the methods you can use:

1. Check PF Balance via EPFO Website

Follow these steps to check your balance online:

1. Visit the official EPFO website: https://www.epfindia.gov.in
2. Click on ‘For Employees’ under the ‘Our Services’ section.
3. Select ‘Member Passbook’ and log in using your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
4. Once logged in, you can see your PF balance, contributions, and transactions.

2. Check PF Balance Using UMANG App

The government’s UMANG app provides an easy way to access your PF account:

1. Download the UMANG app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and select ‘EPFO’ from the services list.
3. Click on ‘View Passbook’ and enter your UAN and OTP received on your registered mobile number.
4. Your PF balance and transaction details will be displayed.

3. Check PF Balance via SMS

If your UAN is linked to your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account, you can receive balance details via SMS:

1. Send an SMS in the format: EPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899.
2. ‘ENG’ stands for English. You can replace it with Hindi (HIN), Tamil (TAM), or any regional language code.
3. You will receive an SMS with your PF balance details.

4. Check PF Balance via Missed Call

Another simple method is giving a missed call:

1. Dial 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.
2. You will receive an SMS with your PF balance details instantly.

5. Check PF Balance via Employer

Some companies provide online access to employees’ PF statements. You can log into your employer’s HR portal to check your contributions.

What If PF Contributions Are Not Deposited?

Sometimes, employees notice discrepancies in their PF balance. If you find that your employer is deducting PF from your salary but not depositing it, follow these steps:

1. Confirm the Issue

Before taking action, ensure that your contributions are missing. Check your passbook for any gaps in deposits.

2. Talk to Your HR or Employer

In many cases, delays happen due to administrative errors. Approach your HR department and request clarification.

3. File a Complaint on EPFO Portal

If your employer refuses to act, you can raise a complaint:

1. Visit the EPFO grievance portal: https://epfigms.gov.in
2. Click on ‘Register Grievance’ and select ‘PF Member’.
3. Enter your UAN and details of the missing contributions.
4. Submit your complaint and track it using the reference number.

4. Report to Labour Authorities

Non-deposit of PF is a violation of labor laws. You can escalate the issue to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) office or labor commissioner.

5. Take Legal Action

If the employer fails to comply, legal action can be taken under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Employers can face penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Why Should You Regularly Check Your PF Balance?

Regularly monitoring your PF balance ensures that your employer is making timely deposits. Here are some key benefits:

• Avoid Financial Loss: Delays or non-payment can affect your final retirement corpus.
• Track Employer Contributions: Employers may default on payments without informing employees.
• Claim Your Benefits Easily: If you plan to withdraw or transfer your PF, updated records will simplify the process.
• Ensure Compliance with EPFO Rules: If any discrepancies arise, you can address them before it’s too late.

Secure Your Future: Stay Aware of Your PF Contributions

Your provident fund is one of the most secure financial assets for retirement. While deductions happen automatically, you must verify whether the amount reaches your account. Checking your PF balance regularly can prevent future financial setbacks and ensure a stress-free retirement.

Stay informed, take charge of your financial security, and make sure your hard-earned money is in safe hands!