Managing Provident Fund (PF) accounts could soon become easier for millions of salaried employees in India. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is preparing to introduce two new facilities aimed at simplifying access to PF services and reducing the burden of maintaining old, inactive accounts.

Under these initiatives, EPFO members will be able to access selected PF-related services through WhatsApp. Additionally, eligible inactive PF accounts with balances of up to ₹1,000 will be settled automatically, reducing the need for members to complete lengthy withdrawal procedures.

These announcements were highlighted during EPFO's 74th Foundation Day celebrations held in New Delhi on November 1, 2026. Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya was scheduled to inaugurate the event.

Here is everything you need to know about these proposed facilities.

1. Small and Inactive PF Accounts to Be Settled Automatically

Many employees change jobs several times during their careers. In the process, some forget about their previous PF accounts, leaving small balances untouched for years.

Under the proposed initiative, EPFO plans to automatically settle eligible inactive accounts containing balances of up to ₹1,000.

The objective is to reduce administrative work and make it easier for members to receive small amounts lying in their old accounts.

Once the facility becomes operational, eligible members may not need to initiate a separate withdrawal request or complete the usual paperwork for these accounts.

However, EPFO and the Press Information Bureau have not yet clarified the complete eligibility conditions, payment procedure or exact implementation date.

Therefore, members should wait for detailed official guidelines before assuming that every inactive account with a balance below ₹1,000 will automatically receive payment.

2. PF-Related Services Will Be Available Through WhatsApp

Another important initiative involves introducing WhatsApp-based services for EPFO members.

The organisation is planning to use the popular messaging platform to make communication and access to PF-related information more convenient.

Instead of depending entirely on traditional service channels, members will have another digital option for accessing selected EPFO facilities.

This initiative could make routine PF-related assistance more accessible, particularly for people who are less comfortable navigating complicated online portals.

However, the complete list of services, official WhatsApp numbers and step-by-step procedures have not yet been disclosed.

Members should use only WhatsApp contact details published through official EPFO channels and avoid sharing their UAN passwords, OTPs or banking credentials with unknown numbers.

3. Digital Life Certificate Facility for EPS Pensioners

Another important development highlighted during the Foundation Day celebrations concerns pensioners.

EPFO, in partnership with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), is providing a doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) submission facility for eligible EPS pensioners.

Under this arrangement, pensioners can request assistance through the helpline number 033-22029000 and submit their Digital Life Certificate from their homes without visiting a bank or EPFO office.

The service is being provided free of cost, making it particularly useful for elderly pensioners and individuals who face difficulties travelling.

The facility aims to simplify the annual life certificate submission process and ensure greater convenience for pension beneficiaries.

4. EPFO to Honour Outstanding Employees and Offices

The 74th Foundation Day celebration is also an occasion to recognise the contributions of EPFO employees and offices.

During the event, the Provident Fund Awards 2026 will be presented to regional and zonal offices, officers and employees for their performance and contributions.

The Union Labour and Employment Minister will also visit exhibition stalls showcasing EPFO's initiatives and institutional developments.

Additionally, special publications covering institutional learning, knowledge development, governance and legal awareness will be released.

5. What Do These Changes Mean for PF Account Holders?

The proposed initiatives are aimed at making provident fund services simpler and more accessible.

Here is how members could benefit:

• Less paperwork: Eligible inactive accounts with balances up to ₹1,000 may be settled automatically.

• Convenient access: WhatsApp could provide another channel for selected PF-related services.

• Better accessibility: Digital services may reduce the need for repeated visits to EPFO offices.

• Pensioner assistance: Doorstep Digital Life Certificate submission can make compliance easier for elderly pensioners.

Final Words

EPFO's proposed WhatsApp services and automatic settlement of eligible inactive PF accounts represent further steps towards digitalising provident fund administration.

For salaried employees who have changed jobs and forgotten about small balances in their previous accounts, the automatic settlement facility could be particularly useful.

However, members should remember that the detailed eligibility conditions, launch timelines and WhatsApp service procedures are still awaited. It is advisable to follow official EPFO announcements before taking any action related to PF accounts.