Introduction

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit identifier assigned to employees contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in India. It acts as a single reference number for multiple Member Identification Numbers (Member IDs) allotted by different establishments where an individual has worked. The UAN simplifies the management of provident fund accounts, enabling employees to access and manage their EPF accounts online with ease.

Understanding how to get your UAN number is essential for accessing various EPF-related services, including checking your balance, transferring funds, and withdrawing your provident fund amount. This tutorial provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to obtain your UAN number, best practices to follow, useful tools and resources, real-life examples, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand Eligibility

Before applying for a UAN number, ensure that you are employed in an organization registered with the EPFO where the EPF scheme is applicable. Typically, employees earning less than ₹15,000 per month are eligible for EPF contributions, and their employers will have registered them with the EPFO.

Step 2: Collect Required Information

To obtain your UAN, you need basic personal and employment details, including:

• Full name as per official records
• Date of birth
• Mobile number
• Email address
• Employee ID (provided by your employer)
• EPF member ID or establishment code (if available)

Step 3: Request UAN from Your Employer

Your employer is responsible for generating and providing your UAN number. Typically, the HR or payroll department assigns the UAN when you join the organization. If you do not have your UAN, contact the HR department to request it. They will verify your details and share the UAN with you.

Step 4: Use the EPFO Portal to Retrieve or Generate UAN

If your employer has already generated a UAN, you can retrieve it by following these steps:

1. Visit the EPFO UAN Member Portal at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
2. Click on the “Activate UAN” option
3. Enter your member ID (EPF number), which usually includes the establishment code, extension, and account number
4. Provide your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID
5. Submit the details and verify your mobile number through an OTP (One-Time Password)
6. Create a password to activate your account

Once activated, your UAN will be displayed on the dashboard.

Step 5: Use the UAN to Access EPF Services

After obtaining your UAN, you can use it to:

• Check your EPF balance online
• Download passbooks
• Submit claims for withdrawal or transfer
• Update KYC details such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank information
• Monitor contribution history

Step 6: Generate UAN via EPFO Helpdesk Portal (Optional)

If you do not have your member ID or your employer is unresponsive, you can try generating or retrieving your UAN using the EPFO Helpdesk portal:

1. Go to https://epfigms.gov.in/
2. Use the “Know Your UAN Status” or “Member UAN/Online Services” options
3. Provide necessary details like Aadhaar number, PAN, or mobile number
4. Follow prompts to retrieve or generate your UAN

Best Practices

Keep Your Personal Information Updated

Ensure that your employer has your correct and updated personal details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and email address. Mismatched or outdated information can delay UAN generation and account activation.

Link Aadhaar and PAN to Your UAN

Linking your Aadhaar and PAN with your UAN helps to authenticate your identity and streamline EPF services such as withdrawal or transfer. Many services require KYC-compliance, so timely linking saves time and effort.

Activate Your UAN Immediately

Once you receive your UAN, activate it on the EPFO portal to unlock online services. Activation requires valid details and mobile verification, so keep your phone handy during the process.

Maintain Records of Your UAN and EPF Account

Always keep a record of your UAN and EPF account details. This helps in smooth management of your provident fund, especially when changing jobs or filing claims.

Verify Monthly EPF Contributions

Regularly check your EPF passbook or statement to ensure that your employer is depositing the correct amount. Discrepancies should be addressed promptly with your employer or EPFO.

Tools and Resources

EPFO Member Portal

The official member portal (https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/) is the primary platform to activate UAN, check EPF balance, download passbooks, and manage your account.

EPFO Mobile App

The UMANG app and EPFO’s dedicated mobile apps provide convenient access to EPF services, including UAN activation, balance inquiry, and claim submission.

EPFO Helpdesk Portal

The EPFO Helpdesk portal (https://epfigms.gov.in/) supports grievance redressal and provides tools to retrieve UAN or check claim status.

SMS Services

Registered mobile numbers linked to UAN can receive SMS alerts for contributions and claims, ensuring you stay updated with your EPF account status.

Online Forums and Blogs

Several reputable blogs and forums provide detailed guides and community support for EPF and UAN-related queries. These can be valuable for troubleshooting and learning best practices.

Real Examples

Example 1: UAN Activation by a New Employee

Ravi joined a new IT company where EPF is applicable. His HR provided his EPF member ID but did not share the UAN initially. Ravi visited the EPFO member portal, entered his member ID and other details, and activated his UAN by verifying his mobile number. Once activated, Ravi was able to view his EPF balance and download his passbook.

Example 2: Retrieving UAN for a Returning Employee

Priya had worked in multiple companies and lost track of her UAN. Using her registered mobile number and EPF member IDs from previous jobs, she logged into the EPFO portal and retrieved her UAN. She linked her Aadhaar and PAN online, making future withdrawals seamless.

Example 3: UAN Generation via EPFO Helpdesk Portal

Deepak’s employer was unresponsive to his request for UAN. He used the EPFO Helpdesk portal, entered his Aadhaar and personal details, and successfully generated his UAN. He then activated it on the member portal to access his EPF account.

FAQs

What is the Universal Account Number (UAN)?

The UAN is a unique 12-digit number allotted to EPF members, serving as a single identifier for multiple EPF accounts maintained by an individual across different employers.

How can I get my UAN number?

Your employer issues the UAN when you join. Alternatively, you can retrieve or activate your UAN via the EPFO member portal using your EPF member ID and other personal details.

Can I generate UAN on my own without employer intervention?

While the employer is responsible for generating UAN, employees can activate and retrieve their UAN online if the employer has already generated it. In cases where UAN is not generated, contacting the employer is necessary.

What if I do not have my EPF member ID?

You can check your salary slips, EPF passbook, or ask your employer to provide the member ID. Alternatively, use the EPFO Helpdesk portal to retrieve your UAN using your Aadhaar or PAN.

Is UAN mandatory for EPF withdrawal?

Yes, UAN is mandatory for online EPF withdrawals and transfers, as it centralizes all your EPF accounts and simplifies the process.

Can I change my UAN after it is generated?

No, the UAN is unique and permanent for each employee and cannot be changed once allotted.

How do I activate my UAN?

Visit the EPFO member portal, select “Activate UAN,” enter your member ID, personal details, mobile number, and verify via OTP. Set a password to complete activation.

Conclusion

Obtaining and activating your Universal Account Number (UAN) is a crucial step in managing your Employees’ Provident Fund account effectively. The UAN streamlines access to various EPF services, enabling you to monitor contributions, initiate withdrawals, and transfer funds seamlessly across different employers.

By following the step-by-step process outlined in this tutorial, keeping your personal information updated, linking essential KYC documents, and utilizing the available online tools and portals, you can ensure smooth management of your EPF account. Remember to maintain records of your UAN and regularly verify your EPF contributions for financial security in the long run.