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The total number of new subscribers joining the Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) scheme from September 2017 to August 2018 is estimated to be over 14.5 million. It is one of the most widely used investment schemes among Indian employees owing to a wide range of benefits it offers.
A contribution from the salary of an employee is credited to the EPF account along with a contribution from the employer. Applicants can withdraw the amount every time after changing their job or receive the whole sum of funds accumulated as a whole post-retirement. An individual can have multiple accounts linked to their UAN as per the number of employers in his/her professional career.
It is crucial for them to check their EPF balance every month to keep a tab on the amount of savings that they will generate. They can check it online via various modes available. Some of them are explained below.
Ways to check EPF balance –
- EPFO portal
EPF has emerged as one of the best schemes to save money, owing to a vast number of employees enrolling for it. To address this scenario, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has also eased the process for employees and helps them easily access their accounts via the online portal.
Individuals are required to visit the official website. Under the “Our services” tab, they will find the “For employees” option. They will be redirected to another webpage after they select it. In the new webpage, they are required to choose the “Member passbook” option present under the “Services” section. After submitting the details like UAN and password, employees can receive their passbooks to check their EPF balance.
- SMS
Employees who have registered their UAN with the EPFO website can check the balance of their EPF website via a single text message. They are required to send an SMS, including a specific code along with their UAN and preferred language. The number on which they will have to send an SMS will be provided on the EPFO official website.
- Missed call
Employees can check their EPF balance by giving a missed call on a specific number which they can obtain from the EPFO official website. Note that it will only be registered if done from the number registered along with their UAN. Also, they must ensure that they have completed their KYC with UAN. The call will automatically disconnect after two rings, and the employees will receive all the related details to their EPF account, including balance and the last contribution made via a text on their registered mobile number.
- Umang app
The Umang app was launched by the Central Government to help employees easily access and manage their EPF account. They can check their EPF balance, view their passbook and raise a claim via this app. Individuals are required to register on the app with the phone number linked to their UAN. They will receive a one time password which they will need to sign in the app.
Along with EPF, fixed deposits are one of the best saving schemes in India. It is beneficial for an investor owing to a wide range of benefits that it comes with. A few of the benefits that such saving schemes offer are mentioned below –
- Risk-free investment scheme
There are various financial instruments that can provide substantial returns, but they are vulnerable to fluctuating market conditions. On the other hand, fixed deposits are risk-free investment schemes that generate high returns. Financers such as Bajaj Finance offer FDs with multiple investor-friendly features.
- Easy withdrawal process
Investors can withdraw the amount deposited in their FD account whenever they want. They are required to pay a minimal penalty fee to withdraw the amount before the end of the tenor.
Also, they can choose from the various payment options available with such investments. They can receive the interest amount monthly, quarterly or annually as and how they require. Furthermore, they can earn more from their fixed deposit by opting for a cumulative account and reinvesting the receivable interest.
You can check the balance of your EPF account by following the methods mentioned above. Also, ensure that you know how to withdraw PF if you plan to invest the amount in another investment scheme. Note that it is always advisable to invest in no-risk investment avenues such as FDs to generate guaranteed returns.
