How To Merge Two Or More PF Accounts Online?

When your jobs change, having separate EPF accounts under a single UAN is common. However, they dont merge automatically. You need to request EPFO for online transfer of balance to the active PF account. In this article, we will explain how to merge PF accounts seamlessly.

Why should you merge your PF Accounts?

Here are some advantages of merging multiple EPF accounts: 

• It save money in the long run by consolidating your pension and salary payments into a single account.
• It also gets simpler to track your expenses and income tax returns.
• Withdrawal procedures are significantly simplified, any potential delays avoided.
• Managing multiple EPFO accounts can be a hassle, requiring you to track multiple details.

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. 

How to merge PF Accounts Online?

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

Through EPFO Portal

1. Visit the official website of EPFO, 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.

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.