EPFO launches WhatsApp service, auto-settles dormant accounts

The Union Labour and Employment Ministry has rolled out two new service offerings aimed at simplifying Provident Fund access for Indian workers. The initiatives, announced by Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, represent efforts to modernise the EPFO's digital interface and reduce administrative friction for account holders.

Under the first initiative, subscribers can now access routine provident fund information through WhatsApp, eliminating the need to visit EPFO offices or navigate complex online portals. The messaging-based service allows members to retrieve account details and other standard queries directly from their phones, aligning with India's growing reliance on mobile-first service delivery.

The second measure addresses a persistent challenge in the provident fund system: dormant accounts. The EPFO will now automatically settle accounts holding balances up to Rs 1,000, removing the procedural hurdles that often prevent workers from claiming small amounts. This move is expected to benefit workers who have changed employers or retired but faced delays in claim settlement.

These steps reflect the government's broader push to digitise social security administration and enhance accessibility for workers across India's formal and informal sectors. The initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the EPFO's service delivery infrastructure as India's workforce continues to expand.