What is a UAN number

Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique number allotted to a member of the EPFO scheme. Using the EPF account, you can identify and manage your EPF account information.
 

Like your bank account number, a UAN is a discrete account number linked to your EPF (Employee Provident Fund) account. It helps manage and shift your EPF account across various employers you work with. A universal account number also acts as security to keep your deposits safe as they are accessible only to you and your employer.

Using the UAN, your employer contributes to your deposit. To become an EPFO member and receive a UAN number, you must follow a specific procedure detailed in the article below.

What is a UAN number?
 

The Ministry of Labour and Employment issues a unique 12-digit number linked to EPF account for every member of EPFO. You and your employer have access to the UAN number, using which both your contributions are collected in the EPF account. Your organisation also has a separate UAN number for making their contributions. A UAN is a permanent number that, when issued, remains unchanged throughout your employment duration irrespective of the organisations you switch.

Each time you switch a job, the EPFO issues you a new member ID, but your UAN number remains the same. To retrieve a new member ID, you can request EPFO or ask your employer to get a new member ID using your existing UAN.

Why is a UAN number needed?
 

To simplify the process of EPF contribution, the Government of India launched the UAN mandate for bringing EPF accounts from different employers under a single umbrella, making it easier to manage and operate these accounts. Earlier, the process was lengthy and challenging to manage since new member IDs were generated every time an individual changed an organisation.

A UAN number eases the process as you can access all your EPF accounts from various employers in one place. You don’t need to manage numerous passwords and account details to access your EPF accounts.

EPF is one of the most preferred long-term savings schemes offering attractive returns upon your retirement. However, you can explore several other long-term savings and deposit accounts to ensure a better lifestyle after retirement. You can invest in Metra Trust fixed deposits and make decent returns. It is risk-free and offers monthly and quarterly interest pay-out options.

How to check a UAN number?
 

You can find the UAN number by contacting your employer or visiting the official UAN portal. Following are the ways to check your UAN number:

Checking UAN through an employer
 

When your first company registers you under the EPFO scheme, it intimates detailing your EPF account and the UAN number. If your employer has not informed you, you can find it in your salary slip. You will also receive monthly SMS when the employer contributes to your EPF account.

Checking UAN through the EPF portal
 

Here are the steps to find the UAN number through the UAN portal.

• Visit the official website of EPFO.
• Click on the “Know Your UAN Status” option.
• Enter your details as asked in the online form. You will be required to enter your name, Aadhaar or PAN details. You may also choose to fill out the form based on your member ID details that you can get from your employer.
• Once you have filled the form as per the requirements, click on ‘Get Authorisation Pin.’
• You will receive a pin on your registered mobile number.
• Enter the pin and click on the ‘Validate OTP’ button.
• You will see a UAN button on the screen after successful validation. 
• Click on the UAN button to receive your Universal Account Number on your phone.

How to generate a UAN number?
 

Usually, your first employer applies on your behalf to generate the UAN number. You need to submit prerequisite documents to your employer to complete the process. Once your UAN is generated, it remains the same throughout your employment journey. You must submit your UAN to your new employer whenever you switch jobs.

Documents required to generate a UAN number
 

As mentioned earlier, you must submit a few documents to the employer to generate your UAN. Here are the common documents that are required during the application.

• Your identity proof such as Aadhaar, driving license, voter ID, passport, etc.
• Bank account details such as account number, IFSC code, and branch.
• Recent utility bills or rental agreements for proof of address.

Aadhaar and PAN are mandatory documents while generating your UAN number.

How to link your Aadhaar to UAN?
 

As per government norms, linking your Aadhaar to the UAN number is mandatory. In case your Aadhaar details are not linked to UAN at the time of the EPF account application, you can do it by visiting the official portal and signing into your EPF account using UAN login details. Here are the ways to link your Aadhar and UAN:

Linking Aadhaar and UAN offline
 

To link your Aadhaar and UAN, you need to visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or an EPFO field office. You can find an offline application over the counter. Enter your EPF account details and Aadhaar details in the application form. After approval, your Aadhaar will be linked to your UAN.

Linking Aadhaar and UAN online
 

You can log on to the UAN portal and your account using your UAN number and mobile OTP. Once logged in, you must enter your Aadhaar number and gender. For verification, you can choose mobile OTP verification. Once your verification is successful, your Aadhaar will be linked to your UAN.

How to link multiple accounts with EPF?
 

UAN helps to consolidate all your EPF accounts under a single umbrella. Before proceeding, you need to keep your UAN and current PPF account details handy, including your bank account details. Your current employer will have to verify your details. Subsequently, you can apply for consolidation. Here is how you can accumulate all EPF accounts under a single UAN.

• After logging in, you must click on ‘Our Service’ and choose ‘For Employee’ services.
• Click on ‘One Employee – One EPF Account’
• Enter the required details for generating OTP
• Enter the OTP, and you will be redirected to the EPF ID page.
• Subsequently, enter your old EPF ID and click on the ‘submit’ button after accepting the declaration.

Your EPF accounts will be consolidated, and you will receive a notification via SMS on your registered mobile number. UAN simplifies your EPF account management so that you can efficiently keep track of your account operation. A UAN number reduces your efforts and helps consolidate your EPF accounts when you switch a company.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Metra Trust or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. Metra Trust shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.