UAN is a unique ID issued to every employee. It is linked to your PF accounts across your jobs and simplifies management, transfers, and withdrawals of funds from PF account. Linked with Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details, the UAN ensures transparency, quick processing, and easy access to various EPF services through the UAN portal.
The UAN is a 12-digit unique ID issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), verified by the Ministry of Labour. It remains the same for an employee throughout their career, regardless of job changes.
UAN stands for Universal Account Number.
Why is UAN Important?
Some key features & benefits of the UAN are provided below:
Feature | Explanation |
| Single Identity | Single universal identity that stays the same throughout an employee’s career. |
| Monitoring job changes | All PF accounts across different jobs can be linked under one UAN and enables EPFO to monitor job changes efficiently. |
| Services | Allows access to multiple online EPF services, such as UAN card download, viewing and downloading the PF passbook, updating personal information and KYC details, etc. |
| Online access | Provides easy online access to PF services like passbook download, claim submission, and KYC updates. |
| Transparency | Ensures transparency by allowing employees to track employer contributions. |
| Simplified procedure | Simplifies PF transfers and withdrawals through online processing, and allows real-time tracking. Reduces dependence on employers for PF-related services. |
| Nomination | E-nomination facility available online for smooth settlement of funds. |
| Method | Explanation |
| Through your Employer | You can get to know your UAN and member ID from your employer or HR department. However, only PF-registered employers can enroll you under EPF and issue a UAN. |
| Through Salary Slip | Employers usually include the UAN Number in the employees’ salary slips. You can check your salary slip issued by the employer or company to find out your UAN. |
| Through the UAN Portal Using PF Number/Member ID | You can also obtain your UAN through the UAN portal in the 'Know your UAN' tab. |
To activate UAN, you must have your Universal Account Number or PF member ID with you. Here’s how to activate UAN on the EPFO portal:
Step 1: Go to the UAN portal and click on ‘Activate UAN’ under the ‘Important Links’ heading.
Step 2: Select the UAN option, enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, mobile number, and captcha code, tick the consent box, and click on the ‘Get Authorisation Pin’ button.
Step 3: A new screen will appear on your desktop, where your details will be displayed. Make sure that all the information is correct.
Step 4: Now, you will have to click on the ‘I Agree’ checkbox. Enter the four-digit OTP and click on ‘Validate OTP and Activate UAN’.
Step 5: Once the OTP is verified, the UAN will be activated.
Upon UAN activation, you will receive a password on your registered mobile number to log in to your account.
Linking Aadhaar with your EPF account ensures quicker withdrawals and transfers. Employees can now complete Aadhaar seeding directly on the UAN portal, without needing employer approval if both Aadhaar and UAN are already verified.
Follow the steps below to link UAN with Aadhaar:
Step 1: Sign in to EPFO portal using UAN, password, and captcha.
Step 2: Under the ‘Manage’ tab on the top panel, click on ‘KYC’
Step 3: Select the box in front of Aadhaar, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and name, and save the details.
Step 4: After submitting, your details will reflect under the ‘Pending KYC’ tab. Once the employer approves, it will reflect under the ‘Approved KYC’ tab (Approval usually takes 15 days).
There are multiple ways to check your PF balance, both with and without UAN.
Every PF regional office offers customer support and has a different customer care number in case of queries or assistance required by users. For UAN or KYC services, contact 1800118005.
UAN Helpdesk Email ID: employeefeedback@epfindia.gov.in