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EPFO Guide: UAN, PF Balance, Withdrawal and Claims (2026)

By Kusum · Reviewed by Harish, Labour Consultant, Delhi on · Updated

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Independent guide by India Customer Care. We are not EPFO. Use only the official EPFO portals and the UMANG app for your account, and never share your password or OTP with anyone.

On this page
  1. What do you want to do?
  2. What changed in 2026
  3. Key numbers (checked 5 Nov 2026)
  4. Which official website or app to use
  5. Related guides on our other websites
  6. Sources

Your PF (Provident Fund) is your own money. This guide shows you how to reach it: get your UAN, see your balance, withdraw under the new 2026 rules, and fix the problems that hold up claims. Every step uses the free official EPFO services. You never need an agent.

What do you want to do?

Get a UAN (first job)Generate it yourself on the UMANG app with a face scan. Activate your UANNeeded before you can log in, see the passbook or claim. Forgot your UAN?Four ways to find it in a few minutes. Check your PF balanceMissed call, SMS, WhatsApp, UMANG or passbook. Can I withdraw PF?The 2026 rules, with a checker that shows how much. Withdraw PF onlineStep-by-step claim, with the checks to do first. Track your claimWhat each status means and who acts next. Claim rejected?Common reasons and the fix for each. Changed job? Transfer PFKeep one account and your full service history. Update KYCAadhaar, PAN and bank: the three things claims depend on. Old or forgotten PFFind it, and when EPFO pays it out by itself. Avoid TDS: Form 121The new form that replaced 15G and 15H. Pension (EPS)Who gets a pension, the formula and early pension. Nominate your familyE-nomination with an Aadhaar OTP in 10 minutes. Complain to EPFOFile a grievance that gets action, and escalate it. PF cut but not deposited?Check, get proof, and complain.

What changed in 2026

DateChangeWhat it means for you
1 Nov 2026EPFO services on WhatsApp; automatic payout of small inoperative accountsCheck balance and passbook in a chat. Old Aadhaar-verified accounts with ₹1,000 or less are paid out without a claim. Details
17 Sep 2026Wage ceiling raised from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000More people are covered and more goes into PF and pension each month. Details
29 Jun 2026New EPF, EPS and EDLI Schemes, 2026The 1952, 1995 and 1976 schemes were replaced under the Code on Social Security. Details
2026Simpler withdrawals: 3 categories, 12 months' service, 25% minimum balanceWithdraw up to 75% for any need after 1 year of membership. Details
1 Apr 2026Form 121 replaced Forms 15G and 15HUse Form 121 to avoid TDS only if you qualify: tax on your income must be nil, and under 60 there is a further limit. Details

All dated changes: latest EPFO updates for members.

Key numbers (checked 5 Nov 2026)

Interest on EPF, 2025-268.25% a year
Wage ceiling for compulsory PF₹25,000 a month (from 17 Sep 2026)
Your contribution12% of basic pay + DA, matched by 12% from your employer
Partial withdrawalAfter 12 months of membership; 25% must stay in the account
Missed call for balance9966044425 from your UAN-registered mobile
SMS for balanceEPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899
EDLI life coverUp to ₹7 lakh for the family, free for the employee
EPFO toll-free helpline1800-118-005

Which official website or app to use

UseFor
UMANG appGenerate or activate your UAN (face scan), check balance, claims
Member portalLogin, KYC, profile, claims, transfer, nomination
Passbook sitePassbook and claim status
EPFiGMSComplaints (grievances) about PF
epfo.gov.inEPFO's main website: rules, circulars, office addresses

Trap: EPFO never calls you to ask for your UAN password, OTP, Aadhaar or bank details, and never asks you to pay money to release your PF. Every EPFO service is free. Websites and agents that charge a "processing fee" are not EPFO.

Sources