How To Find PF Account Number?

PF Account Number is a 22 digit alphanumeric account number given by the employer during the term of employment, whereas Universal Account Number is a unique number given to a person, which remains unchanged irrespective of you working under different employers. That is why many PF account numbers are found under one UAN. 

You can check your PF account number by:

• Checking Your Salary Slip 
• UMANG App
• Using the UAN Portal
• Visiting the EPFO Office
• Asking Your Employer

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

What is PF Account Number?

• PF account number is a  22-digit alphanumeric 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.
• Since the introduction of Universal Account Number (UAN), it has become easier for employees to know the EPF number.

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 “MHMUM00127800000001313”. 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.

Ways to Find PF Account Number

In case, your employer fails to inform your PF account number, you can follow the below-mentioned steps to get the PF number:

By Checking Your Salary Slip 

• Usually, the EPF account number is mentioned on the salary slip of every employee. Hence, you can check your salary slip to find out your PF number.

By Asking Your Employer 

• You can enquire with the Human Resource (HR) Department of your organization or your employer to get the PF account number.

By Visiting the EPFO Office

• To collect the PF account number, you can also visit the EPFO office. Here, you must provide all the necessary details to receive the account number. Additionally, you must carry proof of identity and fill out the application form.

By UMANG App

• You can download UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New Age Governance) app from playstore, and login using your mobile number. 
• You can then verify all the details related to your PF account, including your PF account number with different employers.

By Using the UAN Portal

• Every employee must know their UAN number. This will ease their process of getting the PF account number on the EPFO portal. You will be able to access all PF details, including your PF number by logging into the EPFO portal.

Why is it Important to Know Your PF Account Number?

EPF account numbers are an important component of an EPF scheme. Previously, employees were not 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 be permitted to transfer their EPF balance from the former ID to their new one only if they 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. 

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 organization. 

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