The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme ensures financial security for salaried employees after retirement. However, errors such as misspelt or incorrect names in your EPF account can delay your claims. To address this, the EPFO launched an online name change service in 2017, allowing corrections through either the online or offline method, simplifying the process for account holders.
Online method of changing employee name in EPF account
Understanding how to change your name in an EPF account online can save you from the unnecessary hassles of submitting physical documents and a long waiting period of three months.
Here is a step-by-step process to changing your name in an EPF account online:
Step 1: Go to the EPFO Unified portal.
Step 2: Log in with your user ID (UAN) and password.
Step 3: Go to the ‘Manage’ tab and click the ‘Modify Basic Details’ option.
Step 4: On the next page, fill in your name as per your Aadhaar Card.
Step 5: Click on ‘Update Details’.
Step 6: Upon successful request submission, you will receive a ‘Pending Approval by Employer’ notification.
Employers can review requests under the ‘Details Change Request’ option listed under the ‘Member’ tab. Post the employer’s verification, the request will be sent to the Dealing Head of the concerned EPFO office. After the Dealing Head’s review, the request is sent to the Section Supervisor and then to the APFC/RPFC. The APFC/RPFC has the final say on whether the request is approved or denied.
Generally, once your request is verified by your employer, EPF will update your name within 30 days..
Note: Ensure your details are updated on the UIDAI portal since the EPFO verifies name change requests against your Aadhaar Card details.
Name correction in EPF account offline
To correct your name in your PF account offline, you will need to contact your employer or visit the nearest EPF office. Submit the EPF name correction form along with the necessary supporting documents. This process may take longer due to manual handling, so it's important to follow up regularly with the relevant authorities to ensure timely processing.
How to change the name in EPF after marriage
In India, it is common for women to take up the husband’s family surname after marriage. If you have already changed your name in bank records, it is essential to update your name across all government documents and official records, including EPF, to avoid future issues. To update your name on the EPFO database after marriage, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Unified portal.
Step 2: Log in with your UAN and password.
Step 3: Click ‘Modify Basic Details’ under the ‘Manage’ tab.
Step 4: Enter your new surname to be updated.
Step 5: Click the ‘Update’ button.
Before updating your name on the EPFO database, you should get your name updated on your Aadhaar card. Doing so will allow seamless e-KYC verification for the change. Additionally, for a name change due to marriage, you may need to submit additional documents like copies of your marriage certificate to validate your claim.
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EPF name correction form
The EPF name correction form is more of a joint letter addressed to the Regional EPFO Commissioner than a form. According to the EPFO guidelines, it must be written in the following format:
- The letter should be addressed to the Regional PF Commissioner.
- The subject of the letter should be titled ‘Joint declaration by the member and employer’.
- In the letter, state that you are/were an employee of the company that entered the wrong details and that you are writing this letter to request corrections.
- In the table with three columns, enter the correct entry and the incorrect entry made. While the table will list multiple correction particulars, you only need to fill in the ones where the information requires updating.
- Mention the documents you will provide to support your name change claim.
- Affix your name to the form and sign it.
- Enter the name of your former organisation’s authorised signatory.
- The authorised signatory needs to sign and seal the form.
EPF name change rules
Understanding the EPF account name change rules and regulations can help make the process seamless and hassle-free. You should keep the following regulations in mind when applying for a name change:
- Both your employer and the EPFO must verify the name change request.
- Only documents from the above-mentioned list are accepted as valid name change proofs. Ensure that the document you submit has the correct details.
Documents accepted as EPF account name change proofs
As per government mandates, the following documents are accepted as valid proofs for EPF account name change requests:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN Card
- Voter’s ID
- Ration card
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Bank/post office passbook
- ESID ID card
- Utility bill (water/phone/electricity)
- Birth certificate issued by the registrar
- School records and education certificates
Read Also: How to check EPF balance amount
Conclusion
Updating your name and EPF details can help avoid unnecessary claim rejections down the line. But before you update your information online, ensure that your Aadhaar card is up to date since the EPFO will verify your credentials through the Aadhaar database.
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Frequently asked questions
If your UAN is not active, you can change your name in EPF by submitting a name correction form to your employer or directly to the EPF office. Ensure to attach the required documents for verification. Regular follow-up is recommended for timely processing.
The processing time for a Provident Fund (PF) name correction typically ranges from 20 to 30 days after submission of the required documents. This duration may vary based on the efficiency of the regional EPF office handling the request.
To correct your PF details, download the Joint Declaration Form from the EPFO website. Fill in your personal information, specifying the incorrect and correct details. Both you and your employer must sign the form. Submit it, along with supporting documents like Aadhaar or PAN, to your regional EPF office.
Yes, you can update your name in your EPF account online. Log in to the UAN Member Portal, navigate to 'Manage' > 'Modify Basic Details,' and enter your correct name as per Aadhaar. Submit the request, which will be forwarded to your employer for approval. After employer verification, EPFO will process the change.
You can correct your name and father’s name in EPF online by logging into the UAN portal, submitting a correction request under the ‘Manage’ section, and uploading supporting documents. The request will then be sent for employer and EPFO approval.
The name change request in EPFO is approved by your employer and subsequently verified by the EPFO field office. Once both approvals are obtained, the changes will be updated in the EPF records.
To change your name in a PF account online, log into the EPFO UAN portal, navigate to ‘Manage > Modify Basic Details,’ enter the correct name as per Aadhaar, and submit the request. Employer approval and EPFO verification are required for completion.
To update your name in EPF after marriage, log into the UAN portal, submit a name change request with supporting documents such as marriage certificate or updated Aadhaar, and get it approved by your employer and EPFO.
You can correct your father’s name in EPFO by logging into the UAN portal, selecting the ‘Modify Basic Details’ option, and submitting the correct name with valid proof such as Aadhaar or PAN. Employer approval is required.
For any corrections related to your PF account, you can contact the EPFO helpline at 14470 or email helpdesk@epfindia.gov.in for assistance regarding name changes, account updates, and other queries.
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