UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit number given to every employee who contributes to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). It is provided by Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and remains same even if you switch jobs. UAN makes it easier for you to manage your PF accounts.
Why is UAN Important?
The UAN is a unique identification number allotted by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to its members. It helps members manage their Provident Fund (PF) accounts across different employers. The unique UAN remains the same until the retirement of an employee. It is essential to check the credits and debits in the PF account. Through UAN, individuals can withdraw and transfer funds without relying on the employer.
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Features & Benefits of UAN
1. Centralised employee information
UAN simplifies managing employee data.
2. Easier verification
UAN lessens the burden on companies to verify employee details for the EPFO.
3. Streamlined access
The EPFO can directly access member bank details and KYC through the UAN, eliminating reliance on employers.
4. Job tracking
The EPFO can easily track an employee's job changes using the UAN system.
How is the EPFO portal helpful for an employee?
Here is how the EPFO portal is helpful for an employee:
- You can easily see how much money is in your PF account.
- You can check and download a list of all your PF transactions.
- If you applied for PF withdrawal or transfer, you could check where it is in process.
- You can activate SMS service, so that you can receive timely update.
- You can update your KYC details using EPFO portal.
How to Activate UAN on EPFO Portal
Activating your UAN on the EPFO portal is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Go to the EPFO member portal
Step 2: Select ‘Our Services’
Step 3: In the drop-down menu select ‘For employees’. On this page, click on ‘Member UAN/ Online Services'. The page that now opens will take you to the UAN Member Portal
Step 4: On this page, click on ‘Activate your UAN', which is located under ‘Important Links’ on the right-hand side
Step 5: Enter details as prompted, such as:
- Universal Account Number or UAN
- Your mobile number (this number is your ‘registered mobile number’)
- Your Provident Fund Member ID
- Enter the captcha code and click on ‘Get authorisation PIN’
Step 6: Request for OTP
Step 7: You will then receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Click on ‘I Agree’ and enter the OTP as received on your registered mobile number
Step 8: Finally, click on ‘Validate OTP and Activate UAN’
You will now receive a password on your registered mobile number, which you need to access your UAN account. Further, you are free to change the password, and you can do this by logging into the UAN Member Portal.
The UAN Member Portal allows you to perform several operations at one go and brings all your information under the shed of your UAN number.
Thus, it simplifies PF usage and gathers all necessary information to easily access at your comfort.
How to Reset Your UAN Password?
Resetting your UAN password on the EPFO portal is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Go to the UAN portal.
Step 2: Click on 'Forgot Password' option.
Step 3: Enter your UAN and the displayed captcha and click 'Submit.'
Step 4: Provide your name, gender, and date of birth and click 'Verify.'
Step 5: Enter your Aadhaar number, captcha and click 'Verify.'
Step 6: Enter your mobile number and click 'Get OTP.'
Step 7: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click 'Verify.'
Step 8: Change your password by entering it twice in the provided boxes.
Step 9: Click 'Submit' to update the password on the EPFO portal.
How to Change/Update Personal Details in the UAN Portal?
Employees can update personal details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, etc., by logging onto the UAN portal. However, these updates must match the information on their Aadhaar card for approval. Additionally, changes to the name and date of birth require employer authorisation.
How to Obtain UAN for EPF?
Here is how you can obtain your UAN:
- Log in to the Employer’s EPF Portal using the ID and password.
- Navigate to the ‘Member’ section and click on the ‘Register Individual’ tab.
- Input the employee’s details, including Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, etc.
- Approve all details in the ‘Approval’ section.
- EPFO generates a new UAN for the employee.
How UAN can help EPFO members
Here is how the UAN helps EPFO members:
- UAN connects and lists all your previous PF accounts under one account number. This enables you to keep track of all your savings contributed towards EPF in one place.
- Allows you a chance to withdraw your PF savings online without any delay.
- Helps you to check your PF balance in an instant. Through the Portal, UAN Member can check PF balance with UAN number and see all statements of credits and disbursements in one click.
- Enables instant SMS confirmation on credit to your PF account. This is of great help to track your UAN account and your savings. Also, it lets you check whether your employer is making timely PF payments.
UAN has been in operation since 2014 and has become very important as the entire process of maintaining PF records has moved online. Along with the simplicity of access, UAN also helps you keep track of your savings in a systematic way.
Also read: Download print your UAN card
How to Know Your UAN
You can know your Universal Account Number (UAN) by visiting the EPFO Member Portal and clicking on “Know Your UAN”. You will need to enter your registered mobile number, captcha code, and other details such as name, date of birth, Aadhaar/PAN/member ID to retrieve your UAN.
Documents Required to Complete UAN Activation Process
The following documents are required for UAN activation:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Bank account details along with IFSC
- Any other identity proof or address proof if required.