What Is UAN Number & How Does It Work?

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a crucial identifier for Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account holders. It enables seamless access to various EPF-related services online. With this number, employees can easily withdraw PF, check their EPF balance, and apply for loans against PF through the EPFO portal.

This unique 12-digit number that remains the same throughout an employee’s employment, regardless of their employment changes. It acts as a centralised link for all EPF accounts associated with an individual, simplifying account management and tracking of contributions and benefits.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Universal Account Number and how it enhances your EPF experience.

Understanding the UAN Number

The Universal Account Number is a 12-digit unique identification number assigned to employees who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). It is issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and authenticated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

When discussing ‘what is UAN number?’, it is important to understand that it remains the same throughout an employee’s employment, regardless of their employment changes. Whenever an employee switches their workplace, EPFO assigns a new Member Identification Number (EPF Account ID), which is automatically linked to the existing UAN. This ensures seamless management of provident fund accounts, simplifying processes such as EPF transfers and withdrawals.

Employees can provide their UAN to a new employer to request a new Member ID, which will then be linked to their existing UAN. This system acts as a centralised framework, consolidating multiple EPF accounts under a single UAN. As a result, employees can easily track and manage their retirement savings across different employers.

Process of How to Find UAN Number Online

You can find UAN numbers using two simple methods: through your employer or via the EPFO online portal. Here is how:

• Checking Your UAN Through Your Employer

• If this is your first job, your employer will typically provide your UAN when you join.
• If you have not received it, check your salary slip—most Indian companies print the UAN on payslips once they start deducting Provident Fund (PF) contributions.

• Finding Your UAN on the EPFO Website

You can also retrieve your UAN using the EPFO portal by following these steps:

1. Visit the official EPFO website.
2. Go to the “Our Services” section and select “For Employees.”
3. Choose “Member UAN/Online Service (OCS/OTCP)” from the menu.
4. You’ll be redirected to unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in. Click on “Know Your UAN” in the Important Links section.
5. Enter the captcha code and your registered mobile number.
6. Click “Request OTP.” You’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) on your mobile.
7. Enter the OTP and your UAN will be sent to you via SMS.

• Finding Your UAN via SMS

Alternatively, you can check your UAN and EPF balance by sending an SMS. Send “EPFOHO UAN ENG” to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number. You will receive an SMS with your UAN, PF balance, and contribution details.

Process to Activate Your UAN 

To activate your UAN, you need either your UAN or PF Member ID. Follow these simple steps to activate it through the EPFO portal:

• Visit the UAN Portal: Go to the official EPFO portal and click on ‘Activate UAN’ under the ‘Important Links’ section.
• Enter Required Details: Choose the UAN option and input the following details: UAN, Aadhaar number, Name, Date of birth, Mobile number and Captcha code. Tick the consent box and click on ‘Get Authorisation Pin’.
• Verify Your Information: A new screen will display your entered details. Carefully review all the information for accuracy.
• Authenticate via OTP: Click the ‘I Agree’ checkbox. Enter the OTP (sent to your registered mobile number). Click ‘Validate OTP and Activate UAN’.
• UAN Activation Confirmation: Once the OTP is verified, your UAN is activated.

Importance of the UAN Number 

The UAN is a key component of the EPF system, streamlining employee data management and making it easier to track multiple PF accounts. Here is why UAN is essential:

• Simplified Employee Verification: Reduces the burden on employers and the EPFO by maintaining a centralised record of an employee’s work history.
• Enhanced Tracking: EPFO can efficiently monitor an employee’s job transitions and associated EPF contributions.
• Easy EPF Transfers & Withdrawals: Employees can easily transfer or withdraw their PF online, minimising delays.
• Centralised EPF Management: All new PF accounts created with each job change are linked under one UAN, ensuring seamless management.
• Access to PF e-Services: With UAN, employees can avail multiple online services, including:
  • Checking employer details (e.g., date of joining, company name and EPS details)
  • Viewing and downloading the PF passbook
  • Downloading the UAN card
  • Verifying PF balance and downloading statements
  • Applying for PF or EPS withdrawal
  • Updating KYC and personal details
  • Tracking EPF claim status
  • Merging old EPF accounts under a single UAN

Process to Link Aadhaar with UAN 

Linking Aadhaar to your EPF account ensures faster withdrawals and seamless fund transfers. However, before proceeding, your employer must verify and approve your KYC details: 

Link Aadhaar via Offline Mode by Visiting EPFO Office 

1. Fill out the ‘Aadhaar Seeding Application’ form with your UAN, Aadhaar number, and other details.
2. Attach self-attested copies of your UAN, PAN, and Aadhaar.
3. Submit the form at the nearest EPFO office or Common Services Centre (CSC).
4. Once verified, your Aadhaar will be linked to your EPF account.
5. You will receive a confirmation SMS on your registered mobile number upon successful linking.

Link Aadhaar via EPFO e-KYC Portal by OTP Verification

1. Visit the EPFO e-KYC Portal.
2. Under ‘EPFO Members’, select ‘Link with Aadhaar’.
3. Enter the UAN number and registered phone number to get an OTP.
4. Enter the One Time Password (OTP) and click on ‘Confirm OTP’.
5. Provide your Aadhaar number and select ‘Using Mobile/Email-based OTP’ for verification.
6. They will send an OTP to your email and Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
7. Put in the OTP and Captcha code, then click ‘Submit’.

Once verified, you can link your Aadhaar successfully to your EPF account.

Link Aadhaar via EPFO Portal

1. Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal.
2. Login using your UAN and password.
3. Click on ‘Manage’ > ‘KYC’.
4. Under ‘Add KYC’, enter your Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, and passport number, then click ‘Submit’.
5. These details will appear under ‘Pending KYC’ until approved by your employer (usually within 15 days).
6. Once approved, they will move to ‘Approved KYC’, confirming successful linking.

Link Aadhaar via EPFO e-KYC Portal by Biometric Verification

1. Visit the EPFO e-KYC Portal.
2. Choose ‘Link UAN Aadhaar’ under ‘EPFO Members’.
3. Enter the UAN number and registered phone number to get an OTP.
4. Enter the One Time Password (OTP) and click on ‘Confirm OTP’.
5. Enter your Aadhaar number and select ‘Using Biometrics’ for verification.
6. An official and registered biometric device will take your fingerprint and iris.
7. Enter the Captcha code and click ‘Submit’.
8. Once the verification is successful, you can link your Aadhaar card to your provident fund account.

What are the Benefits of UAN Number?

The Universal Account Number simplifies EPF management, providing employees with easy access to their PF accounts and ensuring seamless transfers between jobs. Here are the key benefits:

• Secure & KYC-Authenticated Access: A KYC-verified UAN linked to Aadhaar ensures secure access to your EPF account and transactions.
• Minimal Employer Involvement: The EPF transfer process is automated, reducing dependency on employers for fund transfers and account management.
• Instant PF Balance Check: View your EPF balance anytime, anywhere through the UAN portal, SMS, or missed call service.
• Full Control Over Your EPF Account: Only you can access and manage your EPF contributions, withdrawals, and transfers using your KYC-linked UAN.
• Universal Identification: Your UAN remains the same throughout your career, regardless of job changes or new employers.
• Hassle-Free Job Changes: No need for manual fund transfers; simply share your UAN and KYC details with your new employer and your EPF account is automatically transferred.
• Track Employer Contributions: Easily verify whether your employer is crediting PF contributions on time, ensuring compliance.

What are the Documents Required to Open UAN? 

The following documents are required for UAN activation and generation:

• Address proof such as a utility bill that is older than 3 months, a driver’s license, or a rent/lease agreement.
• ID proof such as  a passport, driving license, or voter ID
• Aadhaar card
• Bank details such as bank account number, IFSC code, and branch name.
• PAN card
• ESIC card

Process to Download a UAN Card

Employees can easily download and print their UAN Card from the EPFO online portal by following these steps:

1. Visit the EPFO Portal and log in using your UAN and account password.
2. Under the ‘View’ section, click on ‘UAN Card’.
3. Your UAN Card will be displayed on the screen.
4. Click on ‘Download’ (top-right corner) to save a soft copy.
5. Optionally, print a hard copy of your UAN card for future reference.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and effectively managing your UAN allows employees to take full control of their EPF savings. With seamless fund transfers, easy online access, and secure transactions, UAN enhances financial security and simplifies EPF management.

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