It's that time of the year again! Book your slot for the upcoming 2024-25 filing season. Don't miss out on our exclusive discount. Pre-Book Your Appointment
Login

universal account number

  • Home
  • Universal-account-number
heading
  • item

Universal Account Number(UAN): How to Know and Activate UAN Online?

Universal Account Number (UAN): How to Know and Activate UAN Online?

Introduction

The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) is one of the most important retirement savings schemes for salaried employees in India. To simplify the management of EPF accounts and make provident fund services more accessible, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) introduced the Universal Account Number (UAN). This unique 12-digit number acts as an umbrella for multiple Member IDs allotted to an employee by different employers throughout their career.

Whether you are joining your first job, changing employers, or planning to access your EPF account online, understanding UAN is essential. It enables employees to check PF balances, transfer PF accounts, download passbooks, update KYC details, and submit withdrawal claims online without depending heavily on employers.

In this article, we will discuss what UAN is, its benefits, how to find your UAN, and the step-by-step process to activate UAN online.

What is UAN?

Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique identification number issued by EPFO to employees covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme. The UAN remains the same throughout an employee’s working life, regardless of the number of jobs they change.

Whenever an employee joins a new company, the employer creates a new PF Member ID. However, all these Member IDs are linked under a single UAN, making it easier to track and manage provident fund contributions.

For example, if an employee works with three different companies over ten years, they may have three different PF account numbers, but all of them can be linked under one UAN.

Why Was UAN Introduced?

Before the introduction of UAN, employees faced several difficulties in managing their provident fund accounts. Every job change often resulted in a new PF account, making it difficult to track old accounts and transfer balances.

The UAN system was introduced to:

  • Simplify PF account management
  • Improve transparency in EPF contributions
  • Reduce dependency on employers
  • Facilitate online PF transfers and withdrawals
  • Provide a centralized platform for EPF services
  • Eliminate duplication of PF accounts

Today, UAN has become the backbone of EPF account management in India.

Key Features of UAN

The Universal Account Number offers several useful features that make provident fund management more convenient.

Unique Identification

Every employee receives a unique UAN that remains unchanged throughout their career.

Multiple PF Accounts Linked

Employees can link all PF Member IDs issued by different employers under one UAN.

Online Accessibility

UAN enables access to various EPFO services through the online portal.

Easy PF Transfers

Employees can transfer PF balances online when changing jobs.

Transparent Contribution Tracking

Monthly contributions made by both employer and employee can be monitored through the EPFO portal.

Paperless Services

Many EPF-related processes can now be completed online without physical paperwork.

Benefits of UAN

The introduction of UAN has significantly improved the employee experience when dealing with provident fund matters.

Easy PF Management

Employees can manage all their EPF accounts from a single platform.

Quick Access to PF Balance

PF balances can be checked online anytime using the UAN.

Seamless Job Changes

Changing employers no longer requires complicated PF transfer procedures.

Faster Claim Processing

Online claims generally get processed faster than traditional offline applications.

Access to PF Passbook

Employees can download their PF passbook and review contributions whenever required.

KYC Integration

Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details can be linked directly with the UAN account.

Reduced Employer Dependency

Employees can access most services independently without requiring employer assistance.

Who is Eligible for UAN?

Any employee covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme receives a UAN.

Generally, organizations registered under EPFO provide UANs to eligible employees. Once allotted, the UAN remains valid throughout the employee's working life.

If an employee already has a UAN and joins a new company, the new employer should link the existing UAN rather than generate a new one.

How to Know Your UAN Number?

Many employees are unaware of their UAN, especially those who recently joined a company or have not actively used their PF account. Fortunately, there are several methods to find your UAN.

Check Your Salary Slip

Most employers mention the UAN on monthly salary slips.

Look under sections such as:

  • Employee Details
  • PF Details
  • EPF Information

This is often the quickest way to find your UAN.

Contact Your Employer

If your salary slip does not contain the UAN, you can contact:

  • Human Resources Department
  • Payroll Department
  • Finance Team

Your employer can provide the UAN associated with your PF account.

Use the EPFO Portal

EPFO offers an online facility to retrieve your UAN.

You will typically need:

  • Registered mobile number
  • Aadhaar number
  • PAN number
  • PF Member ID

After OTP verification, your UAN can be retrieved online.

Through the UMANG App

The UMANG mobile application also provides access to EPFO services, including UAN retrieval.

Employees can verify their identity and obtain their UAN through the app.

How to Activate UAN Online?

Knowing your UAN is only the first step. To access online EPFO services, you must activate your UAN.

Activation creates your EPFO Member Portal account and allows you to use various digital services.

Information Required for UAN Activation

Keep the following details ready:

  • UAN Number
  • Aadhaar Number
  • Mobile Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Name as per EPFO records

Ensure that the information matches official records to avoid activation errors.

Step-by-Step Process to Activate UAN

Step 1: Visit the EPFO Member Portal

Open the official EPFO Member e-Sewa portal.

Step 2: Click on "Activate UAN"

On the login page, select the option to activate your UAN.

Step 3: Enter Personal Details

Provide the required information, including:

  • UAN
  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Aadhaar Number
  • Mobile Number

Step 4: Verify Mobile Number

An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.

Enter the OTP in the verification field.

Step 5: Complete Activation

After successful verification, the system activates your UAN.

You will receive confirmation through SMS.

Step 6: Create Login Credentials

Once activated, you can create a password and log in to your EPFO account.

Services Available After UAN Activation

Activating your UAN unlocks several important EPFO services.

Check PF Balance

Employees can monitor their accumulated PF balance online.

Download PF Passbook

The passbook provides detailed information about monthly PF contributions.

Update KYC Information

Users can update and verify:

  • Aadhaar
  • PAN
  • Bank Account Details

Submit Online Claims

Employees can apply for:

  • PF Withdrawal
  • Partial Withdrawal
  • PF Transfer

through the EPFO portal.

Track Claim Status

Users can monitor the status of submitted claims in real time.

Download UAN Card

An electronic UAN card can be downloaded for future reference.

Common Issues During UAN Activation

While the activation process is generally simple, some users may face difficulties.

Aadhaar Mismatch

The name and date of birth must match Aadhaar records.

Incorrect Mobile Number

The mobile number used should be active and accessible for OTP verification.

Duplicate UAN

Some employees may accidentally receive multiple UANs after changing jobs. Such cases should be reported to EPFO for correction.

OTP Delays

Network issues or server traffic may sometimes delay OTP delivery.

Incorrect Personal Information

Any mismatch in employee records can cause activation failures.

Importance of Linking Aadhaar with UAN

Linking Aadhaar with UAN has become increasingly important for seamless EPF services.

Benefits include:

  • Faster claim processing
  • Easier KYC verification
  • Simplified online withdrawals
  • Improved account security
  • Reduced documentation requirements

Employees should ensure that Aadhaar details are correctly linked and verified.

How UAN Helps During Job Changes

Changing jobs is common in today's professional environment. Without UAN, managing multiple PF accounts could become complicated.

UAN simplifies this process by:

  • Linking all PF accounts under one number
  • Enabling online PF transfers
  • Preserving contribution history
  • Avoiding duplicate accounts
  • Maintaining continuity of retirement savings

Employees should always provide their existing UAN to a new employer instead of requesting a new one.

Tips for Managing Your UAN Account

To make the most of your UAN account, follow these best practices:

  • Keep your mobile number updated.
  • Link Aadhaar and PAN.
  • Regularly check PF contributions.
  • Review your passbook periodically.
  • Update KYC details whenever necessary.
  • Avoid creating multiple UANs.
  • Change your password regularly for security.

These steps can help ensure smooth access to EPFO services.

Conclusion

The Universal Account Number (UAN) has transformed the way employees manage their provident fund accounts. By providing a single identification number that remains valid throughout an employee’s career, UAN simplifies PF account management, improves transparency, and enables access to numerous online services.

Knowing your UAN and activating it online is essential for checking PF balances, downloading passbooks, transferring PF accounts, updating KYC details, and filing withdrawal claims. The activation process is simple, quick, and can be completed online within a few minutes.

For every salaried employee covered under the EPF scheme, maintaining an active UAN is an important step toward efficient retirement planning and hassle-free management of provident fund savings. As digital services continue to evolve, UAN remains a key tool in ensuring convenience, transparency, and financial security for millions of employees across India.

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Every new PF account with a new job will come under a single unified account.
  • It is easier to withdraw (fully or partially) PF online with this number.
  • Employees can transfer their PF balance from old to new using this unique account number.
  • Any time you want a PF statement (visa purpose, loan security, etc.), you can download one instantly by logging in using the member ID or UAN or sending an SMS.
  • New employers do not need to validate your profile if the UAN is already Aadhaar and KYC-verified.
  • UAN ensures employers cannot access or withhold their employees' PF money.
  • It is easier for employees to ensure that their employer regularly deposits their contributions in the PF account.
  • Employees can easily manage and check contributions made to their PF by the employers via SMS after registering on the UAN portal.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) allocates UAN when an employee subscribes to the EPF.

No, an employee can have only one UAN which is transferable across all eligible employers. 

Yes, without UAN, you cannot submit online claims.

Yes, the UAN is linked with the PAN.

No, this cannot be done as the balance in EPF accounts is linked with the UAN, which is transferable across all eligible employers.

UAN stands for Universal Account Number, which comprises information concerning all employee member IDs. UAN is eligible throughout an employee’s lifetime and will remain permanent. The 12-digit UAN will remain the same if an employee switches jobs.

A PF number comprises all PF information and details concerning the PF transaction of an employee with the issuing organisation. This number is mandatory for EPF withdrawals. 

You can change your personal details, such as name, date of birth, gender, relationship, marital status and nationality by logging into the UAN portal. However, please note that these details will only be updated on the UAN portal if they match the details on your Aadhaar card and are approved by your employer through a joint declaration. You can also change your e-mail ID and mobile number on the EPFO portal without the approval of the employer.

To update/change the name and date of birth, click on the ‘Joint Declaration’ option under the ‘Manage’ tab after logging into the portal. Next, enter the updated details, upload the documents and click on the ‘Submit’ button. Your employer will have to approve the changed name and date of birth. Once the employer approves it, the EPFO will update the details on the UAN portal. 

To update the mobile number or e-mail ID, log in to the UAN portal and click on ‘Contact Details’ under the ‘Manage’ tab. Enter your updated mobile number or e-mail ID and click on the ‘Submit’ button. 

You can check your PF account balance by using UAN through the following process:

  • Visit the EPF portal, click ‘Services’ on the dashboard, and click ‘For Employees’.
  • Click on ‘Member Passbook’ under the ‘Services’ heading.
  • Enter your UAN number, password, and captcha code and click on the ‘Login’ button.  
  • Click the ‘Passbook’ option and select the ‘Member ID’.
  • Your PF balance will be displayed on the screen.

You can know the status of UAN by following the below process:

  • Visit the UAN portal.
  • Click on the tab ‘Know your UAN’. 
  • Enter your registered mobile number and captcha for verification. Click on the button ‘Request OTP’. Enter the OTP and captcha code and click the ‘Validate OTP’ button.
  • For verification, it will redirect you to enter your name, DOB, PAN/Aadhaar/member ID, and captcha. After entering all the details, click on the button ‘Show my UAN’.
  • Your UAN number will be displayed on the screen.

You can get your UAN through your employer. You need to contact your HR/accounts department to get your UAN without a mobile number. You can also check your payslips since most of the companies put the UAN numbers on payslips.

You can get the UAN number by giving a missed call when registering and activating your UAN on the UAN portal. Members registered on the UAN portal can get the UAN details by giving a Missed call to 9966044425 from their registered mobile number.

Some companies include the UAN number on the salary slips. Thus, check your salary slip and search for a mention of the UAN number on it. Employers will mention the heading ‘UAN – (12 digit number)’ in the salary slip.

Yes, you must give your old UAN to a new employer when joining a new company/employer. Your new employer will open and link a new EPF account with your existing UAN.

  • You can check your EPF balance via SMS from your registered mobile number.
  • You can check your claim status using your registered mobile number.
  • Contributions made to your EPF account will be updated via SMS to your registered mobile number.
  • When an EPF withdrawal process starts, once the process of crediting the amount to your bank account begins, a notification will be sent via SMS to your registered mobile number.
  • Transfer the EPF amount from your previous member ID to your current one.
  • The validation process only completes when an OTP is entered to your registered mobile number.

You need to login to the UAN portal with your valid UAN and password. Click on the ‘View’ tab and select the ‘UAN Card’ option. Click on the ‘Download’ option to download the PDF copy of the UAN card.

Yes, you need to scan the KYC document copy and upload it to complete the KYC process. You can upload any of the document copies for KYC completion:

  • PAN card
  • Bank Account Statement 
  • Passport 

No. You cannot have two UANs. Thus, when you change jobs, you need to state your UAN to your subsequent employers in Form-11 (Declaration Form). It is a one-time permanent number that will remain the same throughout your career.

Yes, UAN is allotted to all contributory members of EPFO, including contract-based employees.

If you come across any wrong details printed or mistakes in your EPF card, you can go to your employer with the required documents and request them to update the correct information on the card. You can also contact the EPFO helpdesk to solve the issue.

Following are the facilities provided to the UAN members

  1. download passbook
  2. download UAN card
  3. list member previous IDs
  4. Enter KYC details
  5. eligibility for transfer of online claim
  6. personal details