The UAN remains unchanged throughout an employee's career, regardless of changing jobs, making EPF-related transactions more accessible and convenient. Whenever you switch a job, the EPFO gives you a new member under the same UAN number, on intimation.

In the field of employment schemes in India, the Universal Account Number (UAN) is of significant importance for every working individual. It serves as a unique identification number allotted to employees who are contributing to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). The UAN number and its activation are important for accessing various EPF services and their benefits.

According to the government rules, it is mandatory to link Aadhaar with UAN. You can do so both online and offline. The UAN online registration process is a convenient way to link your UAN number. It is also compulsory to link your UAN number to your multiple EPF accounts, as its purpose is to bring all EPFs under one unique number.

Importance of UAN Number

The UAN simplifies various EPF-related processes for employees. These processes include checking EPF balance, withdrawing PF funds, transferring PF from one account to another and updating personal details.

It coordinates all EPF accounts linked to an employee, simplifying administrative procedures and maintaining transparency. It enables online access to EPF passbooks, KYC verification, and updates on EPF balance and transactions.

Know Your UAN Number

There are two ways to get your UAN number: -

1.The Employer

Your employer should provide you with the UAN allotted by the EPFO. In case you have yet to receive it, you can request it from your HR or check your payslip, where the UAN is often mentioned.

2. The EPFO portal

Another way to get your UAN is to visit the official EPFO website and click on the “Know your UAN” option in the “Important Links” Section. You will be redirected to the next page. Here, enter your mobile number and the captcha; you will receive an OTP (Time Password).

Fill in all the required fields after verifying the OTP, and you will get your UAN number on your screen.

How to Activate UAN Number?

Activating your UAN number is an easy-to-do process facilitated by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the EPFO’s Official Portal

Visit the official EPFO website.

2. Click on the "Activate UAN" Option

"On the homepage of the portal, navigate to the "Important Links" section, and there, locate and click on the prominently displayed "Activate UAN" option."

3. Enter Required Details

You will be directed to a page where you need to enter essential details such as UAN, PF member ID, Aadhaar, PAN, name, date of birth and mobile number. Ensure the details entered match those provided by your employer.

4.Verify OTP

After entering the details, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the designated field for verification.

5.Set Password

Once OTP verification is successful, you will be prompted to set a password for your UAN account. Choose a strong password that you can remember and confirm it.

6.Activation Confirmation

After setting the password, your UAN will be successfully activated. You can now log in to your UAN account using your UAN and password.

Benefits of Activating UAN Number

Activating the UAN number unlocks many benefits. Some of them are as under:

1.Convenient Access to EPF Balance and Transaction History

Gain effortless entry to your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) balance and comprehensive transaction history that allows easy monitoring and management of your funds.

2.Effortless PF Withdrawal and Transfer Procedures

Experience hassle-free processes for withdrawing or transferring your Provident Fund (PF) amounts, ensuring smooth transitions between jobs or financial requirements.

3.Regular Updates on EPF Contributions

Stay informed with timely notifications and updates regarding your EPF contributions, ensuring you are well aware of your financial standing and future planning.

4.Streamlined Online Claim Submission and Tracking

Utilise the user-friendly online platform for submitting EPF claims and seamlessly tracking their progress, ensuring a transparent and efficient process from start to finish.

5.Integration of Multiple Member IDs under a Single UAN

Enjoy the convenience of consolidating multiple Member Identification Numbers (Member IDs) under a single Universal Account Number (UAN), simplifying account management and providing a centralised view of your EPF accounts.

Conclusion

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a crucial identifier for employees contributing to the EPF scheme in India. Serving as a single alternative to multiple Member Identification Numbers, it simplifies EPF transactions. The UAN online registration process makes it convenient for employees to manage their UAN. Mandatory for accessing EPF benefits, linking Aadhaar, and managing multiple accounts, the UAN streamlines administrative processes for enhanced convenience.