The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit identification number provided to employees in India who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). It plays a crucial role in simplifying provident fund management by linking multiple Member IDs under one umbrella account.
This Universal Account Number EPF guide explains everything you need to know about UAN, from activation and balance checks to how to find UAN number online and manage your account through the UAN EPF portal.
With a UAN, employees can track their EPF balance, transfer funds when switching jobs, withdraw money when eligible, and access several EPFO services online. Introduced in 2014, the system transformed how salaried individuals manage their retirement savings.
Let’s explore its importance, generation process, activation, required documents, and benefits.
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Overview
Before diving into the details, here is a quick summary of the Universal Account Number and its key features. This table provides a snapshot of how the UAN functions within the EPF system and how it supports digital services through the UAN EPF portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Full Form | Universal Account Number |
| Issuing Authority | Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) |
| Introduced In | 2014 |
| Number Format | 12-digit unique number |
| Purpose | Links multiple EPF accounts under one ID |
| Who Gets It | Salaried employees contributing to EPF |
| Changes With Job? | No, UAN remains the same |
| Services Available | PF balance check, transfer, withdrawal, KYC update |
| Activation Mode | Online via EPFO portal |
| Mobile Services | SMS and missed call facility available |
Is A Universal Account Number Important?
A salaried individual working in a company will have to keep aside some money every month to put in the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). The money is deducted from the individual’s salary every month. The accumulated amount is given to the employees when they turn 55 years old.
EPF account holders will have a UAN, a 12-digit number, issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The UAN is given by the employers to the employees when they join the company. Even if you change jobs multiple times, your UAN remains the same. You can also know your UAN status anytime through the portal.
The UAN is important because it makes managing EPF accounts much easier. It combines multiple accounts into one, so employees can track their savings and transfer funds smoothly when changing jobs.
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Benefits Of Activating UAN
Once activated, your UAN allows you to independently monitor, manage, and secure your retirement savings. Understanding the UAN login and activation steps ensures smooth digital access.
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Easy Access to PF Balance and Passbook: Log in via the UAN EPF portal to check your contributions and download your passbook anytime.
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Seamless PF Transfer When Changing Jobs: When you switch employers, you can transfer your EPF balance online through the UAN portal. There is no need for manual paperwork, and the process becomes significantly faster.
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Online PF Withdrawal Facility: You can submit withdrawal claims online for retirement, medical emergencies, unemployment, home purchase, or other eligible reasons. The claim status can also be tracked digitally.
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Update and Verify KYC Details: Activation allows you to update Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, and other KYC information directly through the portal, ensuring smooth processing of claims.
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Download UAN Card: You can download and print your UAN card anytime, which acts as proof of your EPF registration.
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Track Employer Contributions: You can monitor whether your employer is depositing the correct monthly contribution. This reduces the risk of delayed or missing payments.
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Submit Grievances Online: If you face any issues related to EPF, you can file complaints directly through the EPFO grievance portal.
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SMS and Missed Call Alerts: You can receive regular updates about your balance and transactions via SMS services.
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Reduced Dependency on Employers: You no longer need to depend on your HR department for basic EPF services, which saves time and avoids unnecessary delays.
Activating your account also allows you to check UAN online and manage services without employer dependency.
How To Generate UAN Numbers Online?
Employers usually generate a UAN for new employees. However, understanding the process ensures transparency and accountability. Below are the steps involved in generating a UAN through the employer portal.
Step 1: Visit the UAN EPF portal.
Step 2: Log in using your credentials in the “Member” section.
Step 3: Enter the employee’s details, such as PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, etc.
Step 4: Approve all details in the “Approval” section.
A new UAN will be generated by EPFO and employers will be able to link the Provident fund account with the new UAN.
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How To Know Your Universal Account Number?
If you do not know your UAN, you can retrieve it easily online. EPFO provides a dedicated service that allows employees to find their UAN using registered mobile details.
Here’s how to perform a UAN number lookup:
Step 1: Go to the official EPFO website.
Step 2: Click on ‘Know your UAN’ under the ‘Important Links’.
Step 3: Enter the mobile number linked to your EPF account.
Step 4: Type the captcha code.
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your phone.
Step 6: Click on ‘Validate OTP & get UAN’.
This process allows employees to know your UAN status instantly.
You can also:
Both Aadhaar and PAN verification methods support secure UAN number lookup.
How To Check PF By UAN Number?
Once you complete the UAN login and activation steps, you can check your PF balance online:
Step 1: Visit the EPF portal.
Step 2: Click on ‘For Employees’ under ‘Services’.
Step 3: Click on ‘Member Passbook’.
Step 4: The page will be redirected to a new page.
Step 5: Enter the UAN and password.
Step 6: Fill in the Captcha and sign in.
Step 7: An OTP will be sent to the linked number.
Step 8: Enter OTP and click ‘Verify’.
Step 9: The PF will be shown on the screen.
Alternative Methods To Check PF Balance
Employees can also check their PF balance using the following methods:
These services are available only if your KYC details are updated and verified.
How To Check UAN Online With Aadhaar Or PAN?
If you have misplaced your UAN, you can:
Both methods allow you to find the UAN number online securely.
The EPFO system verifies your identity before displaying details, ensuring data protection.
List Of Documents Required For UAN Number
To generate and activate a UAN, certain documents must be submitted and verified. Proper documentation ensures smooth processing and prevents errors.
Here are the essential documents required:
Employees should ensure that names and dates of birth match across documents to avoid rejection during the UAN login and activation steps.
Conclusion
The Universal Account Number has revolutionised EPF management in India. This Universal Account Number EPF guide shows how employees can independently manage retirement savings with full transparency.
From learning how to find the UAN number online, performing a UAN number lookup, understanding the UAN login and activation steps, or knowing how to check UAN, the system empowers employees with digital control.
By regularly logging into the UAN EPF portal, updating KYC details, and using services like checking UAN online with Aadhaar or how to find UAN number with PAN, employees can ensure seamless EPF management and secure retirement planning.
Why Choose Jaagruk Bharat Service To Activate UAN?
Activating and managing UAN can sometimes feel complicated, especially for first-time users. Jaagruk Bharat simplifies the process by offering structured assistance and updated information.
Here’s why Jaagruk Bharat stands out:
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Step-by-Step Guidance: Clear instructions for UAN generation, activation, and linking.
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Government Updates: Regular updates on EPF rules, interest rates, and compliance changes.
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Error Prevention: Assistance in correcting KYC mismatches and documentation errors.
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Community Support: Access to India’s largest Jaagruk Bharat community for queries and discussions.
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Time-Saving Process: Minimises confusion and delays in activation.
Jaagruk Bharat ensures that employees remain informed, compliant, and empowered in managing their EPF accounts efficiently.
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