Which of the following methods is NOT used to check the EPF balance?

The method that is not used to check the EPF balance is email notification. While there are various effective means to access your EPF balance, such as through the EPFO portal, mobile apps, and visiting your employer's office, email notifications do not offer a direct way to retrieve real-time EPF balances.

The EPFO portal and mobile app provide users with an online interface where they can log in and view their account details, including the balance. Visiting the employer’s office allows employees to inquire and obtain information directly from HR or the finance department, which can also provide verification.

In contrast, while email can be used for notifications related to the EPF, such as updates or alerts about contributions, it does not serve as a method for actively checking or obtaining the current balance of an EPF account. Thus, the lack of functionality for balance inquiries within email services leads to it being identified as the method that is not used for checking the EPF balance.