How To Merge Two Or More PF Accounts Online?

If you are a working professional and have recently switched jobs in search of better pay and opportunities, then how to merge PF accounts is a valid question. When you change jobs, a new EPFO account is created through your old UAN number. In any case, the fund in the old account will not get transferred to the new one. To avail this service, you need to merge your old and new accounts. In this article, we will explain how to merge PF accounts seamlessly.

Requisites for Merging PF Accounts

If you are considering merging your accounts, you need to consider certain things. This includes:

• First, it is imperative to finish the Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure, which entails confirming the bank account, PAN and other related information.
• Then, you should have a UAN that is linked to your existing EPF account.
• Before merging your EPF accounts, you should wait for 3 days for your UAN to get activated.

However, it is important to note that there is no need to merge right away if you are not required to; if you still want to, you can put it off until later. 

Process to Merge PF Accounts in India

In India, merging PF accounts is hassle-free and involves no complicated procedure. All you need to do is provide the necessary information, such as employer name, account number, net income, etc. 

Additionally, you need to provide information about the accounts you want to merge into your existing account. Thereafter, you will need to fill out an account merge form that you need to submit to the authorities. To know the steps in detail, scroll down.

Here are the Steps on How to Merge PF Accounts

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to merge EPF accounts online

Through EPFO Portal

1. Visit the official website of EPFO https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/, sign in using your UAN and password. If you have forgotten your password, it is easy to reset the same.

2. Then, select 'one member and one EPF account' link, which will lead you to another window. 

3. Here, you need to fill in the required information. This includes your phone number, UAN number, etc. Then click on ‘Generate OTP’

4. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Now, enter the OTP for OTP verification.

5. A new window will pop up where you need to enter information about your earlier EPF accounts that you want to merge.

6. Lastly, before clicking ‘Submit’, mark the declaration box. 

Through Email

If you have two UANs, then you could ask EPFO to deactivate the previous UAN. You need to send an email to uanepf@epfindia.gov.in and mention your current and previous UAN. The previous UAN will be blocked following the required verification, while the current one will remain active. Later, you need to submit a claim to get the funds transferred to the current UAN.

Benefits of Merging EPFO Accounts in India

Here are some advantages of merging multiple EPF accounts: 

• Merging your two or more EPFO accounts can help you to save money in the long run by consolidating your pension and salary payments into a single account.
• Additionally, it also gets simpler to track your expenses and income tax returns.
• Gathering all your data in one place can enhance your organisation’s financial transparency. 
• Lastly, keeping track of multiple EPFO accounts can be a great hassle. You need to keep track of various account numbers, login information, and so on. 

Process After Merging Your PF Accounts

After merging your PF or EPFO accounts in India, there are numerous things you need to follow. Here is the list of the most prominent ones: 

1. Verify your accounts. This will ensure that your information is correct and there are no errors. If necessary, EPFO may also request additional information like proof of residence or income.
2. In the online portal, update all your relevant information. For instance, your bank account number, name and Aadhaar number. If your EPF account has changed, you must update it online.
3. Choose whether you will get full or partial pension payment depending on your current pensionable status (part-time employee, full-time employee, casual worker, etc.). 

Depending on how long you have worked for the same employer, you can receive the entire portion or a part of your pension. The deadline to choose the option is commonly 6 months after the consolidation date but it can vary depending on the case. 

Final Word

Switching jobs is common for employees but to avoid issues with your provident fund amount, it is essential to merge all your EPF accounts from your previous employer into your current one. Your UAN number serves as an umbrella for bringing together all your EPF accounts in a single place.

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