Easten Mediatech
Two services announced on 1 November
The Labour Ministry says EPFO members will be able to use verified WhatsApp access for account information.
The announced functions include PF balance, five recent transactions, passbook information and guidance.
EPFO also announced automatic settlement for certain Aadhaar-verified inactive accounts with up to Rs 1,000.
Who may benefit from automatic settlement
The ministry says eligible members would not need to file individual claims for these small inactive balances.
Settlement still depends on prescribed identity and bank-account verification.
The government estimates one lakh accounts involving Rs 5 crore could benefit; this is not cash already paid out.
What members should check
Use only an EPFO-verified channel and never share a one-time password with someone claiming to help by message.
Keep Aadhaar, bank details and UAN records accurate through official EPFO processes.
A WhatsApp message promising instant cash should not be treated as proof of eligibility or settlement.
If an account has a larger balance or mismatched identity details, different procedures may apply.
Why the distinction matters
A launch announcement does not mean every member's account can be settled automatically on the same day.
Members should watch EPFO's official guidance for rollout details and confirm any change inside their own account.