Universal Account Number (UAN)

Introduction

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a distinct 12-digit identifier assigned to employees participating in the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) in India. It was introduced by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to streamline and centralize the management of EPF accounts, providing a unified system for employees to manage their provident fund contributions and related services.

What is the Universal Account Number?

The Universal Account Number is a permanent number that remains the same throughout an employee’s career, regardless of the number of employers they change. This unique number consolidates multiple Member Identification Numbers (Member IDs) assigned to an individual by different employers under a single UAN, simplifying EPF account management and facilitating easy access to various services.

Getting a UAN Number

When an employee joins a company that is registered under the EPF scheme, the employer initiates the process of generating the UAN through the EPFO portal. Each employee’s UAN is linked to their EPF accounts, ensuring that all provident fund contributions made by various employers are consolidated under one unique number.

How to Find Your UAN Number?

1. Check Your Salary Slip:

Many employers mention the UAN on the salary slip. Check your salary slip for details related to PF contributions.

2. Ask Your Employer:

You can contact your HR department or employer to obtain your UAN. Employers usually have access to this information through their EPFO account.

3. Visit the EPFO Portal:

If you do not have access to your UAN through the above methods, you can find it using the EPFO portal. Here’s how:

1. Go to the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal.
2. Click on “Know your UAN” under the “Important Links” section.
3. Enter the required details like your name, date of birth, and mobile number, verify the captcha code, and click on the submit button.
4. Click on “Get Authorization Pin.” An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Enter the OTP and click on “Validate OTP and get UAN.”
6. Your UAN will be sent to your registered mobile number.

How to Activate Your UAN Number?

Once you have your UAN, follow these steps to activate it:

1. Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal:

Go to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal to activate UAN number or complete the UAN number check.

2. Click on “Activate UAN”:

Under the “Important Links” section, click on “Activate UAN.”

3. Enter the Required Details:

You will be prompted to enter details such as your UAN, Member ID, Aadhaar number, PAN, name, date of birth, mobile number, and Captcha code.

4. Receive OTP:

After entering the details, click on “Get Authorization Pin.” An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.

5. Enter OTP and Activate UAN:

Enter the OTP received on your mobile number and click on “Validate OTP and Activate UAN.”

6. Create Password:

Once your UAN is activated, you will need to create a password for your UAN account. This password will be used for logging into the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal in the future.

7. Successful Activation:

After activation, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number containing your UAN and password details.

Benefits of UAN Activation

1. Unified View of PF Accounts:

UAN number activation allows you to view all your PF accounts in one place, even if you change jobs.

2. Easier Management:

Activate your UAN number to manage your Employee Provident Fund account online, including checking your EPF balance, downloading your passbook, and transferring your PF balance from the previous account to the current one.

3. KYC Update:

You can update your KYC details, such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account information.

4. Online Claims:

You can make partial withdrawals or claim the full PF amount online without involving your employer, provided your KYC details are updated and verified.

5. Alerts and Notifications:

You will receive alerts and notifications regarding your PF contributions, withdrawals, and other updates.

Download UAN Card

UAN Number Activate: Once your UAN is activated, you can download your UAN card:

1. Login to the UAN Portal: Use your UAN and password to log in to the portal.
2. Go to the ‘UAN Card’ Section: Find and click on the ‘UAN Card’ option.
3. Download the Card: Download and print your UAN card for your records.

Documents Required to Open UAN

To open and activate your UAN, the following documents are generally required:

• Aadhaar Card: For identity and address verification.
• PAN Card: For identity verification.
• Bank Account Details: Including the IFSC code, to link your EPF accounts.
• Mobile Number: For receiving OTPs and alerts.
• Email ID: For communication and notifications.

Also Read: UAN Registration

Services Offered by the UAN Portal

The EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal is an online platform provided by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in India. It offers various services to employees and members of the EPFO, allowing them to manage their Provident Fund (PF) accounts conveniently. Here are the key services offered by the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal:

1. Universal Account Number Activation and Management

• Activate UAN: Members can activate their Universal Account Number (UAN) through the portal.
• Update UAN Details: Members can update their personal information linked to UAN, such as name, date of birth, mobile number, email, etc.

2. View and Download the PF Passbook

• Members can view and download their PF passbook, which contains details of contributions made by the employee and the employer, as well as interest earned.

3. Check PF Balance

• Members can check their current EPF account balance and transaction history.

4. Online PF Transfer

• Transfer Claims: Members can initiate a transfer of their PF balance from the previous employer to the current employer through the “One Member – One EPF Account” feature.

5. Online PF Withdrawal

• Claim Submission: Members can apply for partial or full withdrawal of their PF balance online, including claims for advances, final settlement, or pension withdrawal benefits.

6. KYC Update and Management

• Update KYC Information: Members can update their Know Your Customer (KYC) details, such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank account details, and more. KYC verification is essential for hassle-free online claim submissions and transfers.

7. Member Profile

• Members can view and edit their profile information, including personal details and employment history.

8. EPF Pension (EPS) Information

• Members can view their Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) details, including service history and pension contributions.

9. Download UAN Card

• Members can download their UAN card, which contains essential details about the member’s UAN and EPF account.

10. Track Claim Status

• Members can track the status of their submitted claims, whether for withdrawal or transfer.

11. EPF Passbook e-Passbook Service

• Members can access an electronic passbook that contains the details of their EPF contributions, interest earned, and other transactions.

12. Nomination Details

• Members can add or update nominee details for their EPF account, ensuring that the benefits are passed on to the right person in case of the member’s demise.

13. Grievance Redressal

• Members can register and track grievances related to their EPF account through the EPFO’s “EPFiGMS” (EPFO Grievance Management System).

14. E-Nomination

• Members can submit nominations online, which is essential for ensuring that the EPF benefits are disbursed to the rightful nominee.

15. SMS and Email Alerts

• The portal allows members to opt for SMS and email alerts regarding contributions, withdrawals, and other account activities.

16. Employment History

• Members can view their employment history, including details of previous employers and PF account numbers linked with the UAN.

These services provided by the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal make it easier for members to manage their PF accounts, update information, and carry out transactions online without needing to visit an EPFO office physically.

EPF Management Through UAN

UAN simplifies the management of EPF accounts by:

• Consolidating Accounts: Linking multiple EPF accounts under one UAN for easy management.
• Streamlining Transfers: Facilitating quick and hassle-free transfer of PF balances between accounts.
• Providing Transparency: Allowing employees to track their EPF contributions, withdrawals, and transfers.

Importance of Universal Account Number

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a critical component in the management of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) accounts in India. It streamlines various processes and enhances the convenience and security of managing EPF accounts. Here are five important points highlighting the significance of the UAN:

1. Unified Access to Multiple EPF Accounts

• Centralized Management: The UAN serves as a single identifier for an employee’s multiple EPF accounts across different employers. This unification allows employees to manage all their EPF accounts under one umbrella, simplifying the process of tracking contributions and balances.

2. Ease of Transfer and Withdrawal

• Hassle-free Transfers: With UAN, employees can easily transfer their PF balances from previous employers to their current employer online, reducing paperwork and processing time. This seamless process helps maintain continuity in retirement saving schemes.
• Online Withdrawals: UAN enables online withdrawals and advances from the EPF account, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and making the process quicker and more efficient.

3. Transparency and Monitoring

• Real-time Access: Employees can access their EPF account information online, including passbook details, contributions, and interest earned. This transparency helps employees monitor their retirement savings and ensure accurate contributions by employers.

4. Improved Security and Fraud Prevention

• KYC Verification: UAN facilitates the linking and verification of Know Your Customer (KYC) documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details. This verification process enhances the security of EPF accounts and helps prevent fraudulent activities.

5. Convenient Services and Notifications

• Automated Alerts: UAN-linked accounts provide automated SMS and email notifications for various account activities, such as monthly contributions, claim status, and balance updates. These alerts keep employees informed about their account status and any transactions.

UAN Benefits to the Employee

• Simplified Account Management: Consolidates multiple PF accounts under a single UAN.
• Enhanced Transparency: Provides real-time access to EPF account details.
• Improved Security: Ensures secure handling of EPF transactions and personal information.
• Quick Transfers: Facilitates easy transfer of PF balances when changing jobs.
• Online Accessibility: Grants access various online services like checking balances, updating KYC, and applying for withdrawals.

How to Withdraw or Transfer with the UAN Number?

Withdraw EPF Funds

1. Login to the UAN Portal: Use your UAN and password to log in.
2. Go to ‘Online Services’: Click on ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)’.
3. Enter Details: Enter the required details and verify your identity using an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
4. Submit the Form: Submit the claim form. The withdrawal amount will be credited to your bank account after processing.

Transfer EPF Funds

1. Login to the UAN Portal: Use your UAN and password to log in.
2. Go to ‘Online Services’: Click on ‘One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)’.
3. Enter Details: Provide your previous and current Member IDs.
4. Verify Identity: Authenticate using OTP.
5. Submit Request: Submit the transfer request. The funds will be transferred to your current Employee Provident Fund account after verification.

UAN Customer Support

For any queries or issues related to UAN, employees can contact EPFO customer support through:

• EPFO Helpdesk: Available on the official EPFO website.
• Toll-Free Number: EPFO provides a toll-free number for customer support.
• Email Support: Employees can email their queries to the EPFO helpdesk.

Conclusion

The UAN Account Number is a pivotal innovation by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in India, streamlining the management of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) accounts. This unique 12-digit identifier remains constant throughout an employee’s career, simplifying the consolidation of multiple Member Identification Numbers (Member IDs) under a single UAN. The UAN facilitates seamless EPF account management, easy transfers, enhanced transparency, and access to a range of online services. By consolidating EPF contributions from various employers, the UAN ensures that employees have a unified and efficient system to manage their provident fund contributions, withdrawals, and related services, thereby significantly improving the convenience and security of Employee Provident Fund account management.