EPFO Mandates Universal Account Number (UAN) for All Employers
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has implemented a significant change affecting all employers covered under the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. The organization has made the Universal Account Number (UAN) mandatory for all employers. This crucial update simplifies the management of provident fund accounts and streamlines access to benefits for employees.
Understanding UAN and its Importance
The UAN, or Universal Account Number, acts as a lifelong identification number for your EPF account. It’s your single point of access to all your EPF contributions, regardless of how many employers you’ve worked for. Having a UAN allows you to easily track your PF balance, download your online passbook, and request transfers between different PF accounts. This significantly simplifies the process of managing your retirement savings, eliminating the complexities associated with multiple PF accounts.
UAN and Job Changes: Clarifying the Misconceptions
The EPFO has specifically addressed concerns regarding UAN and job changes. Contrary to some beliefs, employees are *not* required to generate a new UAN when switching jobs. A single UAN remains active throughout your career. This eliminates the need for redundant paperwork and simplifies the process of consolidating your PF contributions under a single, consistent identifier.
How to Generate Your UAN via the EPFO Portal (If you don’t already have one)
If you don’t have a UAN, obtaining one is straightforward through the official EPFO portal. Follow these steps:
1.
Visit the EPFO Portal:
Go to the official EPFO website: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/2.
Direct UAN Allotment:
On the right-hand side of the page, locate and click on ‘Direct UAN Allotment by Employees’.3.
Aadhaar Verification:
Provide your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and enter the CAPTCHA to generate an OTP (One-Time Password).4.
OTP Verification:
Enter the received OTP and click ‘Submit’.5.
Employment Status:
Answer ‘YES’ to the question: “Are you employed in any private company/factory/establishment?” Selecting ‘NO’ will redirect you to the homepage.6.
Employment Category:
Select your appropriate employment category from the dropdown menu. This will determine the next steps.7.
Employer Information:
If your employment category is under EPFO, you’ll be asked for your PF code. Otherwise, you will need to enter the establishment details.8.
Establishment Details:
The system will display your establishment details for verification.9.
Date of Joining and Identity Proof:
Enter your date of joining, select your identity proof type (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN), and upload a copy.10.
Aadhaar Verification (again):
Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID, the CAPTCHA, and generate an OTP.11.
OTP Submission and Registration:
Submit the OTP, and the system will fetch your details from UIDAI. Click ‘REGISTER’.12.
UAN Generation:
Your UAN will be generated and sent to your registered mobile phone.Stay Updated on EPFO News and Developments
Regularly checking the official EPFO website and reliable news sources ensures you stay informed about changes and updates related to your provident fund account. This will enable you to manage your retirement savings effectively and confidently.
