How To Find PF Account Number?

The Ministry of Labour and Employment first launched the Employee's Provident Fund (EPF) in 1952. The ministry has actively managed and looked after the implementation of this fund since it contributes towards savings among working professionals in India. EPF scheme helps to provide social security to employees. It acts as a compulsory contributory fund for all employed professionals in our country.

Employees Provident Fund is an ideal scheme to build your savings throughout your career. However, it is mandatory to know your EPF account number to monitor all details of PF accounts. If you fail to receive your PF account number from your employer on time, make sure to note down your Universal Account Number (UAN) to manage your account. 

Read along this blog to find details about how to find the account numbers and more. 

What is PF Account Number?

PF account number, also denoted as an employee's provident fund (EPF) account number, is an account number that an employer allocates to their employees to check their EPF account status, balance available in their account, etc. Every employee must have a PF account number to withdraw from an EPF account.

Every employee must acquire their PF number while they are employed. Once they quit their jobs, it would be difficult for them to know their PF number. Moreover, since the introduction of Universal Account Number (UAN), it has become easier for employees to know the EPF number. 

The UAN is a universal number that links multiple IDs given by different employers to an employee’s PF accounts. A UAN is allotted to every employee and it remains the same throughout his/her employment life. Employers can generate new UAN numbers for respective employees by visiting EPFO's official portal. 

The PF number is a 22-digit alphanumeric number, an employer provides to an employee during EPF account opening. This number entails various details of an organisation, employee, state, and regional EPF office that looks after EPF account activities. 

Why is It Important to Know Your PF Account Number?

EPF account number is an important component of an EPF plan. Previously, no employees were allowed to borrow or move funds from one member ID to a new one unless and until they were issued an EPF number. However, the implementation of UAN has made this process simpler and easier. Now, the EPF account number acts as the primary identifier while the UAN is the secondary identifier of EPF accounts.

Apart from this, every employee must know how to get the PF account number for these reasons:

• If you want to withdraw your EPF balance, your PF account number is mandatory.
• Once an employer provides you with the PF account number, you can find out your UAN number easily.
• If you want to check your EPF balance, you must enter the PF account number.
• Employees will not be permitted to transfer their EPF balance from the former ID to their new one if they do not have a PF account number.

Therefore, it is no longer surprising why you should search for a PF account number if you misplace the same. 

PF Account Number Format

A PF account number comprises both alphabets and digits. Here is an example of what a PF account number looks like and every detail you get to know from this number. 

Let us consider a PF number as “MHMUM0012780000001313”. This number reveals the following information:

• The initial two alphabets in the number denote the state. For example, UP stands for Uttar Pradesh, KA for Karnataka, MH for Maharashtra and so on
• The next three letters denote the regional PF office code.
• The first seven numbers show the establishment ID of your employer.
• The next three numbers stand for the extension code of an establishment ID.
• The last seven numbers indicate the actual EPF account number and remain specific to employees.

How to Find PF Account Number?

Usually, it is the responsibility of an employer to register a new employee for a PF number and allocate it on time. Furthermore, the employer must ensure the EPF amount is getting deposited on time monthly. If an employee does not get a new PF account number at the time of joining, he/she must ask for this number.

Moreover, if you are changing jobs, you must know how to find the PF account number. Your next employer will need your PF number to find your UAN and then can assign you a new PF number. 

In case, an employer fails to inform the employee of his/her PF account number, the employee must follow the below-mentioned steps to get this number:

• By Checking Your Salary Slip: Usually, the EPF account number is mentioned on the salary slip of every employee. Hence, if an employee misses out on his/her account number, this is the first and foremost thing he/she can do.
• By Asking Your Employer: An employee can enquire the Human Resource Department of their respective employers to get the PF account number.
• By Visiting the EPFO Office: To collect the PF account number, an employee can visit the EPFO office. Here, every employee must provide all necessary details to receive the account number. Additionally, employees must carry proof of identity and fill out the application form.
• By Using the UAN Portal: Every employee must know their UAN number. This will ease their process of achieving the PF account number on the EPFO portal. Logging into the EPFO portal, an employee will be able to access all PF details.

Conclusion

The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) stands as an important source of income for retirement. If you have enough knowledge about your Universal Account Number (UAN), you must know how to find EPF no and easily access your EPF balance and withdraw funds during times of emergency.

It is mandatory to know about the PF account number while withdrawing money from the EPF account. Thus, it will be beneficial to know about your PF account number as soon as possible. Otherwise, it might get difficult after you leave your current organisation. 

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