EPFO will now provide updates to account holders via a WhatsApp channel; learn the easy way to join..

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched an official WhatsApp channel to rapidly disseminate information to its members, employees, and pensioners. The organization announced this via a post on the social media platform X.

In its post, the EPFO ​​announced, "EPFO now on WhatsApp too!" and urged members to join the channel to receive official updates and useful information. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide official information directly to PF members' phones, eliminating the need for them to repeatedly visit portals. However, this channel is intended solely for information dissemination; facilities for checking PF balances or withdrawing funds will continue to be available only through the official portal and the UMANG app.

**Features available on the EPFO ​​WhatsApp channel:**
Latest updates on PF interest rates, rule changes, claim settlement guidelines, and pension schemes; information on preventing cyber fraud, filling out online forms, and details regarding new EPFO ​​services. The EPFO ​​has clarified that this is strictly an information-update channel.

**How ​​to join the official EPFO ​​WhatsApp channel:**
Click on the official WhatsApp channel link provided in the EPFO's social media post. Alternatively, you can join directly by scanning the official QR code issued by the EPFO ​​using your smartphone's camera or the WhatsApp scanner. Once the link opens, click the 'Follow' button in WhatsApp and enable the bell icon to receive the latest notifications.

**EPFO working on PF withdrawal via UPI:**
In addition to the WhatsApp channel, the EPFO ​​is expanding its other digital services. Recent indications from the Union Labour Minister suggest that work is underway to enable direct fund transfers from PF accounts to bank accounts via a UPI gateway; testing for this feature has already been completed.

Furthermore, the EPFO ​​has advised members to remain vigilant against cyber fraudsters. The organization has urged members to join only those channels linked via verified, official EPFO ​​sources. Never share your UAN number, password, Aadhaar details, or bank OTP with any unknown WhatsApp number or caller.

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