Provident Fund Payout Status Check

There are 4 different easy ways to check your Provident Fund balance online and offline. These methods are hassle-free and save time, money and effort spent visiting his nearest EPFO ​​office or checking with his employer.

Check PF Balance through SMS

You can check PF balance by simply sending an SMS to EPFO’s special mobile number: 7738299899. The SMS you send should read like this <EPFOHO UAN ENG>. All letters need to be uppercase, if you want to check PF balance in English.

Subsequently, I will explain the format of this message further.

  • The first six letters, EPFOHO remain the same for everyone.
  • After single space, fill in your Universal Account Number or UAN.
  • You have to key in the language in which you want to check PF balance by SMS after single space following the UAN number.
  • Use ENG if you want to inquire in English. For Hindi, use HIN, Marathi- MAR and so on.
  • It is now possible check PF balance in English, Hindi, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Bangla. EPF have added more languages.

You will receive an SMS message from EPFO indicating your latest PF balance.

To use this facility, there are some basic requirements.

  1. The PF account has to be linked with your Aadhaar card.
  2. Mobile number should be the same which you have given at the time of Aadhaar registration or updated later.
  3. Your mobile number should be recorded with EPFO and linked to your Provident Fund account.
  4. The facility to check PF balance by SMS cannot be used from any mobile number, even if you have the UAN. Hence, ensure you use the same number that is registered with EPFO.
  5. Repeated attempts to check PF balance by SMS using another mobile number will fail automatically.
  6. After several failed attempts, EPFO can temporarily block your SMS facility to check PF balance as a fraud prevention measure.

Remember, it can take several minutes or even a couple of hour for a response from EPFO indicating your PF balance. This depends upon traffic to the EPFO mobile number and PF balance check system. Sending repeated messages will only delay the response.

Check PF Balance through Missed Call

You can also check PF balance by giving a missed call to 011-22901406. Before utilizing the missed call facility to check PF balance, here are basic guidelines.

  • The missed call should be made from the same mobile phone number that is recorded in your Provident Fund account by EPFO.
  • Your Provident Fund account should be fully compliant with existing Know Your Customer regulations, meaning linked with your Aadhar card and PAN.
  • The mobile number used to place the missed call should be same one registered with Unique Identification Development Authority of India (UIDAI) at the time of applying for Aadhar or updated and verified later.
  • Missed call to 011-22901406 cannot be made from a landline telephone or any other mobile phone number.
  • Never place repeated missed calls to this number: it can cause the facility to check PF balance being temporarily blocked as fraud prevention measure.

The call to 011-22901406 gets automatically disconnected. You will receive a SMS message after some time. At times, this SMS can take a few minutes or even a couple of hours to arrive on your mobile phone. This too depends upon traffic to EPFO’s balance enquiry systems.

Download UMANG App to Check PF Balance

UMANG means Unified Mobile Application for New Age Governance. It is a smartphone app that can be downloaded free.

This app is provided by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is reliable and safe to use.

  • Download UMANG app on your smartphone.
  • Activate the app after providing necessary details.
  • Go to the EPFO link provided on the app.
  • Click on ‘Employee Centric Services’.
  • You will find two options: “View Passbook” and “Raise Claim.”
  • Opt for “View Passbook”.
  • The app will ask for your UAN number
  • Upon filling the UAN number, you will receive a One Time Password (OTP) through SMS on your mobile.
  • Key in this OTP and view your e-passbook to check PF balance.

While using UMANG app too, you need to follow the same procedures. This means, your mobile number should be linked to the Provident Fund account.

It has to be the same number that reflects on your Aadhaar card and PAN details. This is vital to receive the OTP since EPFO system will send the SMS only on your registered mobile number.

Check PF Balance at EPFO Portal

If you do not have Aadhaar card, PAN or mobile number, it is still possible to check PF balance online. Access the EPFO portal from any computer.

  • Visit the EPFO portal and click on ‘e-Passbook’ link that appears on right side of the page.
  • Upon clicking this link, you have to submit your UAN.
  • Next steps is to complete the Captcha code and submit.

The EPFO portal has the following instructions if you want to check PF balance.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
  1. This facility is to view the e-passbook, PF subscribers have to be registered on the EPFO Unified Member Portal.
  2. E-Passbook will be available after six hours of registration at Unified Member Portal.
  3. Changes in the credentials at Unified Member Portal will be effective at this Portal after six hours.
  4. Passbook will have the entries which have been reuniting at the EPFO field offices.
  5. Passbook facility will not be available for exempted establishment members, settled members and inoperative members.

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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