The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) remains one of the most important retirement savings schemes for salaried employees in India. With the rapid adoption of digital technology, employees and employers have multiple platforms to manage their EPF accounts and transactions conveniently. Many users often wonder whether EPF online payment can be made directly through the UMANG app, and how digital access can simplify the management of contributions, withdrawals, and the EPF passbook. This article explores the role of the UMANG app in EPF transactions and how it fits into your overall EPF management.
Understanding the UMANG app
UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a government-backed multi-purpose mobile application that provides access to numerous government services on a single platform. It integrates services from various departments, including the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), allowing users to access EPF-related information from anywhere.
Key EPF services available on UMANG app
Although UMANG app offers several EPF-related features, it is important to distinguish which services it supports:
- EPF passbook viewing: Members can view their passbook, which reflects their contributions, employer’s share, and total accumulated balance.
- Claim status tracking: Applicants can track withdrawal, transfer, or advance claim statuses.
- Withdrawal requests: Partial and full withdrawal claims can be submitted online through the app.
- Profile updates: Members can update contact details and view UAN-linked information.
- Pensioner services: Pensioners can check disbursement details and submit life certificates.
However, the app does not directly support the facility for EPF online payment for employers. Employer contributions cannot be paid through UMANG but must be processed through the employer’s designated EPFO portal or banking interface.
EPF online payment: how it works for employers
Employers are responsible for depositing monthly EPF contributions for their employees. The online payment process for employers is handled through:
- The EPFO Employer e-Sewa portal.
- Internet banking enabled with authorised banks.
- Direct bank payment integration systems linked to EPFO.
Employers generate Electronic Challan-cum-Returns (ECR) through the e-Sewa portal and make payments through their chosen banking partners. UMANG app does not offer payment gateways for employer contributions as this remains part of EPFO’s employer-facing system.
EPF online payment for employees: applicable transactions
Though employees do not contribute directly, they are often required to:
- Initiate advance withdrawal claims.
- Apply for full settlement upon retirement or resignation.
- Transfer balances from one EPF account to another.
These transactions can be submitted online using the UMANG app, significantly reducing paperwork and processing time.
How to view EPF passbook on UMANG app
Accessing the EPF passbook via UMANG app involves:
- Logging into the UMANG app.
- Selecting the ‘EPFO’ service option.
- Entering your Universal Account Number (UAN), mobile number, and OTP verification.
- Selecting ‘View Passbook.’
The passbook displays:
- Employee contribution
- Employer contribution
- Pension fund allocation
- Interest credited
- Total accumulated balance
For example, if an employee contributes Rs. 2,000 monthly and the employer contributes Rs. 1,500 monthly for 5 years:
- Employee’s share: Rs. 2,000 × 12 × 5 = Rs. 1,20,000
- Employer’s share: Rs. 1,500 × 12 × 5 = Rs. 90,000
- Total without interest: Rs. 2,10,000
- Interest (approximate at 8% annual compounded): Rs. 46,000 (for illustration)
Total EPF balance: Rs. 2,56,000
These details are updated regularly and are easily accessible through UMANG.
UMANG app vs EPFO portal
| Feature | UMANG App | EPFO Portal |
| View passbook | Available | Available |
| Apply for withdrawal | Available | Available |
| Check claim status | Available | Available |
| Employer payment facility | Not available | Available (for employers only) |
| Update profile | Limited | Available |
UMANG app complements but does not replace the core employer functions available on the EPFO portal.
Benefits of using UMANG app for EPF management
- Convenience: Accessible anytime via smartphone.
- Real-time updates: Immediate access to passbook and claim status.
- Multiple services: Integration with over 100 government services.
- Security: OTP-based authentication linked with UAN and mobile number.
Limitations of UMANG app for EPF payment
- Employers cannot make contribution payments via UMANG.
- Certain profile updates and grievance redressal require login to the full EPFO portal.
- Limited access for international users or NRIs who may hold EPF accounts but lack Indian mobile numbers.
What NRIs should know about EPF online access
Although NRIs typically do not contribute to EPF, returning NRIs who previously worked in India may still have balances in their EPF accounts. They can:
- View passbook through UMANG (if linked to active Indian mobile number).
- Apply for withdrawals upon retirement, unemployment, or permanent relocation.
However, contribution payments by NRIs themselves are not allowed since EPF contributions are strictly employment-based within India.
Future scope of EPF online payments via UMANG
While UMANG simplifies employee-level access, expanding its features to include employer payment processing may not be feasible due to regulatory separation of employer and employee interfaces. EPFO continues to upgrade employer payment gateways directly on its dedicated e-Sewa platform to maintain compliance with real-time transaction regulations and data security.
Summary
The UMANG app plays a vital role in EPF management for employees, providing easy access to view the EPF passbook, submit withdrawal claims, and track claim statuses. However, EPF online payment for employer contributions is not possible through UMANG, as such payments must be made through the EPFO employer portal and authorised bank integrations. For instance, employees contributing Rs. 2,000 per month and employers contributing Rs. 1,500 for 5 years can accumulate approximately Rs. 2,56,000 with interest, easily tracked via UMANG. While UMANG enhances transparency and convenience for employees, employers must continue using designated portals for contribution deposits. The combination of UMANG and EPFO portals allows for efficient digital management of EPF accounts.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Individuals must carefully assess all advantages, disadvantages and risks before participating or investing in the Indian financial market.
