Quick answer: To check your PF balance, give a missed call to 9966044425 from your UAN-registered mobile, or SMS "EPFOHO UAN ENG" to 7738299899. For a full breakup, open the UMANG app → EPFO → View Passbook or the EPFO member passbook. To withdraw, log in to the EPFO member portal and file Form 31 (advance) or Form 19 (final settlement). Under the 2026 rules, you must keep 25% of your contributions in the account after an advance, and full withdrawal after leaving a job needs 12 months without a new EPF-covered job.
Before you start: 3 things that must be ready
Almost every failed PF balance check or rejected claim comes down to one of these:
- UAN activated. New members now activate UAN through Aadhaar face authentication on the UMANG app.
- KYC approved. Aadhaar, PAN and bank account must show as verified under Manage → KYC on the member portal.
- Name and date of birth match Aadhaar. A spelling difference is the most common reason for claim rejection.
If any one of these is pending, fix it first. The balance check by missed call and SMS works only when UAN and KYC are complete.
How to check PF balance: 4 methods compared
| Method | What you need | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missed call to 9966044425 | UAN-registered mobile, KYC done | SMS with last contribution and balance | Fastest check, no internet |
| SMS EPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899 | Same as above | SMS with balance (change ENG to HIN for Hindi) | Feature phones |
| UMANG app | UAN + OTP | Full passbook, every month's entry | Most people |
| EPFO member passbook online | UAN + password | Downloadable passbook, all member IDs | Old jobs, PDF record |
Method 1: PF balance check by missed call
- From the mobile number linked to your UAN, call 9966044425.
- The call cuts after two rings. It is free.
- Within a minute you get an SMS with your last contribution and PF balance.
Method 2: PF balance check by SMS
Send EPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899. Replace ENG with HIN for Hindi or with the code for your language. You do not need to type your UAN number; the system reads it from your mobile number.
Method 3: PF balance on the UMANG app
- Install UMANG and log in with your mobile number.
- Search for EPFO and tap View Passbook.
- Enter your UAN, request OTP and verify.
- Pick the member ID (each employer has a separate one) to see the employee share, employer share and pension contribution month by month.
Method 4: EPFO passbook online
Log in to the EPFO member passbook with your UAN and password, choose the member ID and view or download the passbook. This is the best way to check money from an old employer that you have not transferred yet.
Tip: If your passbook shows two or more member IDs, transfer the old balance to the current one with Online Services → One Member One EPF Account (Transfer Request). One account makes future withdrawals much easier.
What changed in PF withdrawal rules in 2026
EPFO simplified partial withdrawals in late 2025, and the EPF Scheme, 2026 carried those rules into law from 29 June 2026. The key changes:
- 13 reasons became 3 categories: essential needs (illness, education, marriage), housing, and special circumstances.
- 12 months of service is now the uniform minimum for a partial withdrawal.
- 25% minimum balance: a quarter of your total contributions (your share + employer share + interest) must stay in the account after any advance.
- More frequent withdrawals: up to 10 times for education and 5 times for marriage.
- Auto-settlement up to ₹5 lakh: eligible advance claims up to ₹5 lakh can be settled without manual checks, usually within about 3 working days.
- Longer wait after job loss: full PF settlement now needs 12 months of continuous unemployment (earlier it was 2 months). The pension (EPS) part generally needs 36 months.
How much PF can you withdraw? Situation-wise
| Your situation | How much | Waiting period | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illness of self or family | Up to the eligible balance (after keeping 25%) | None | Form 31 |
| Marriage (self, child, sibling) | Up to the eligible balance, max 5 times | None | Form 31 |
| Education | Up to the eligible balance, max 10 times | None | Form 31 |
| Resigned, not working anywhere EPF-covered | Advance now; full balance later | 12 months for final settlement | Form 31, later Form 19 |
| Retirement at 55 or later | 100% | None | Form 19 |
| Permanent disability, retrenchment, VRS | 100% | None | Form 19 |
| Leaving India permanently | 100% of EPF | None (EPS has its own rule) | Form 19 |
Example: Ravi has ₹4,00,000 in total PF contributions with interest. 25% of that is ₹1,00,000, which must stay. His eligible balance for an advance is ₹3,00,000.
How to withdraw PF online: step by step
- Log in to the EPFO member e-Sewa portal with your UAN and password.
- Go to Manage → KYC and confirm Aadhaar, PAN and bank show as verified.
- Open Online Services → Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D).
- Enter the last 4 digits of your bank account and click Verify.
- Accept the certificate of undertaking and click Proceed for Online Claim.
- Choose PF Advance (Form 31) or the final settlement option.
- Pick the purpose, enter the amount (stay within your eligible balance) and your address.
- Upload any document the portal asks for, such as a cheque leaf or bank passbook photo.
- Verify with the Aadhaar OTP and submit.
- Track it under Online Services → Track Claim Status.
Is PF withdrawal taxable?
If you withdraw before 5 years of continuous service, TDS can apply:
| Withdrawal before 5 years | TDS |
|---|---|
| ₹50,000 or less | No TDS |
| Above ₹50,000, PAN given | 10% |
| Above ₹50,000, no PAN | Maximum marginal rate |
| Total income below taxable limit | Submit the self-declaration form (Form 121 under the new rules) to avoid TDS |
After 5 years of continuous service, including service with earlier employers whose PF you transferred, the withdrawal is generally tax-free.
Why PF claims get rejected (and how to fix them)
- Bank account not verified or not in your name. Update it under KYC and wait for employer approval.
- Name or DOB mismatch with Aadhaar. Use the Modify Basic Details option on the portal.
- Date of exit not marked. For final settlement, your employer must update the exit date. You can also mark it yourself under Manage → Mark Exit two months after leaving.
- Cheque or passbook photo unclear. Upload a clear image showing your name, account number and IFSC.
- Amount above eligible balance. Recheck the 25% minimum balance rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PF balance check number?
Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your UAN-registered mobile, or SMS EPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899.
Can I check PF balance without UAN?
The missed call method works with just your registered mobile, but your UAN must already be activated and KYC-linked. Without an active UAN, ask your employer for it and activate it first.
How long does PF withdrawal take in 2026?
Eligible advance claims up to ₹5 lakh can be auto-settled, usually within about 3 working days. Other claims may take longer, depending on checks.
Can I withdraw 100% of my PF while working?
No. While employed, you can take an advance, but 25% of your contributions must stay in the account. Full withdrawal is allowed only in situations such as retirement, permanent disability, retrenchment or leaving India.
I left my job last month. Can I take my full PF now?
Not the full amount. Under the 2026 rules, final settlement needs 12 months of continuous unemployment. You can still apply for an advance from your eligible balance.
Is PF withdrawal through UPI or ATM available?
Do not rely on social media posts for this. Check the official EPFO portal or UMANG app to see if such a facility is live for your account.
The bottom line
Checking your PF balance takes less than a minute once your UAN and KYC are in order. For withdrawal, the 2026 rules make advances easier and faster, but they deliberately make it harder to empty your account after a job change. If you only need money for a short gap between jobs, an advance is usually the better route.
Related reading: Emergency fund: how much do you need · How to resign in India: notice period, gratuity and F&F · Income tax slabs FY 2026-27
Sources to verify
- EPFO Member e-Sewa portal and member passbook (official EPFO websites)
- UMANG app, EPFO services
- Ministry of Labour and Employment clarification on simplified partial withdrawals (October 2025)
- EPF Scheme, 2026 (effective 29 June 2026)
This article is for general information and is not financial advice. EPFO rules and portal steps can change; confirm on the official EPFO portal before you file a claim.
