Two gifts from EPFO: Labour Minister launches WhatsApp service; funds will be automatically credited to 1 lakh accounts..

EPFO WhatsApp Services: There is major news for the millions of subscribers of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The organization has announced two significant new facilities. On Sunday, Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched EPFO’s WhatsApp services and a system for the automatic settlement of dormant PF accounts. Through this, account holders will be able to access information regarding their PF balance, the last five transactions, and their passbook directly via WhatsApp. Additionally, approximately Rs 5 crore—held across about 1 lakh dormant accounts, each with a balance of up to Rs 1,000—will be disbursed without the need for an individual claim.

Essentially, these two initiatives by the EPFO ​​aim to simplify routine PF-related services and ensure that account holders with small, dormant balances can access their funds.

Facilities available via WhatsApp
Through the EPFO’s verified WhatsApp service, members can now access various PF-related details on their mobile phones, including:

PF account balance
Information on the last five transactions
Passbook-related details
Personalized guidance regarding PMVBRY (Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana)
Assistance with completing necessary procedures
This facility will reduce the need for members to visit an EPFO ​​office for routine services. By providing access through a familiar mobile platform like WhatsApp, obtaining PF-related information will become much easier.

Automatic settlement of dormant accounts
The EPFO ​​has also introduced a facility for the automatic settlement of eligible dormant PF accounts. Under this, for dormant accounts that are Aadhaar-verified and have a balance of Rs 1,000 or less, there will be no requirement to file an individual claim.

The EPFO ​​will initiate the settlement of eligible accounts following the verification of identity and bank account details. This will help ensure that the funds held in these accounts reach the rightful beneficiaries.

Benefit of Rs 5 crore across approximately 1 lakh accounts
According to the Ministry of Labour, this initiative is expected to benefit around 1 lakh dormant EPF accounts, which collectively hold approximately Rs 5 crore. Through automatic settlement, eligible members will not need to complete a separate claims process. However, the prescribed verification of identity and bank account details will be required for the disbursement of funds.

These two initiatives will make it easier for EPF members to access routine information and support. The WhatsApp service will provide a convenient way to check balances and view passbooks, while automatic settlement will simplify the process of recovering small amounts held in eligible inactive accounts.

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