The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched EPFO WhatsApp services on 1 November 2026, letting provident fund subscribers check their PF balance, passbook details and last five transactions on a verified WhatsApp account. Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya announced the service at EPFO’s 74th Foundation Day in New Delhi.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment said the facility brings routine provident fund queries to a mobile platform most members already use, and should cut the need to visit EPFO offices or log in to separate portals. The move follows a wave of state governments taking citizen services to messaging apps, such as Tamil Nadu’s Namma Arasu WhatsApp chatbot for 50 government services.
What EPFO WhatsApp services offer members
According to the ministry, subscribers can use the verified EPFO WhatsApp service to:
- Check the balance in their provident fund account
- View passbook information
- See the latest five transactions in their PF account
- Get personalised guidance on completing requirements under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY)
EPFO’s official X handle said members can start by sending “Hi” to the verified number +91 8796441800 or by scanning the QR code it published. Members should use the WhatsApp number linked to the mobile number registered with EPFO. EPFO does not ask for UAN passwords, OTPs, Aadhaar details or bank credentials over chat, so members should share none of these.
Automatic settlement for small inoperative accounts
At the same event, the minister launched automatic settlement of eligible inoperative EPF accounts. Subscribers with Aadhaar-verified inoperative accounts holding up to ₹1,000 will no longer need to file individual claims. EPFO will settle these accounts on its own after identity and bank-account checks. The ministry expects about one lakh accounts, worth roughly ₹5 crore, to benefit.
Why it matters for digital public service delivery
EPFO serves about 8 crore contributory members and 85 lakh pensioners and manages a corpus of nearly ₹32 lakh crore, Central Provident Fund Commissioner Ramesh Krishnamurthi said. The organisation also reported that its CITES 2.01 technology upgrade brought average claim settlement time down to 2.57 days in October 2026.
Messaging-based delivery has become a common tool in Indian e-governance, from Andhra Pradesh’s plan to offer 700 public services on WhatsApp to Rajasthan’s WhatsApp-based electricity services for JVVNL consumers. EPFO’s launch brings the same approach to one of the country’s largest social security institutions.
Labour Secretary Dr Chandra Bhushan Kumar said reform must keep evolving in the digital age to solve citizens’ problems, with accessibility and ease of living as the priority. Dr Mandaviya urged officials to focus on worker-centric innovation in the run-up to EPFO’s 75th year. The ministry has also used technology partnerships to widen job access, including the Labour Ministry’s tie-up with Swiggy on the National Career Service.
Key takeaways
- EPFO WhatsApp services went live on 1 November 2026 for PF balance, passbook and last five transactions.
- Inoperative EPF accounts with up to ₹1,000 will be settled automatically, covering about one lakh accounts worth ₹5 crore.
- EPFO says average claim settlement time fell to 2.57 days in October 2026.
FAQ
How do I use EPFO services on WhatsApp?
Send “Hi” to EPFO’s verified WhatsApp number, +91 8796441800, from the mobile number registered with EPFO, then follow the prompts.
Which EPF accounts qualify for automatic settlement?
Aadhaar-verified inoperative EPF accounts with a balance of up to ₹1,000 will be settled without a claim, after identity and bank-account verification.
Source: Ministry of Labour and Employment release via PIB, 1 November 2026.
Featured image: EPFO officials and guests at the 74th Foundation Day celebration, Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Photo: PIB