UAN or Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique identification number. It is generated for every employee contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in India. UAN is a centralized identification number to manage the PF or Provident Fund account and its related service for an employee. It is all in one platform. This 12-digit alphanumeric number is introduced by the EPFO to simplify and modernize PF management. Now each employee can have each PF balance, and PF account by themselves with their credential. It is the official number allocated to every PF-contributing employee by the EPFO. It remains constant throughout the employee’s career and acts as a permanent PF account number.
The key Features of UAN Number are the following-
- Portability: The UAN number allows linking multiple PF accounts from different employers under a single UAN number. It is portable to use anytime and anywhere, where you can check your PF balance as well as simplify PF management on your own.
- Ease Of Access: With a UAN number, employees can check the PF account to check the balance and passbook 24/7. It is accessed by the EPFO’s Unified Member Portal online.
- Transparency: The UAN system enhances transparency in PF management between the employee and employers. It is real-time access, both open anytime.
- KYC Verification: Employees can update their Know Your Customer (KYC) details such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank account, and mobile number linked to their UAN. It is like security to the account and ensures the accuracy of the employee information for better transactions.
- Online Service: The UAN portal offers a wide range of online services like checking PF balance, PF withdrawal, PF transfer, notification updates and many more. There is no paperwork required, it is an online process and done online only.
- Unique Identification: Each employee contributing to EPF is allocated a unique UAN. This number remains the same throughout the employee’s career, regardless of job changes.
- Centralized Account: UAN links multiple EPF accounts of an employee under a single umbrella, making it easier to manage and track PF contributions.
- Online Access: With UAN, employees can access their EPF account details online through the EPFO portal. This includes checking PF balance, downloading passbooks, updating KYC details, and tracking EPF transfer and withdrawal claims.
- Portability: UAN ensures portability of PF accounts, allowing seamless transfer of PF accumulations from one employer to another without the need for a new PF account.
- Employee Empowerment: UAN empowers employees by giving them control over their PF accounts. They can view their contribution history, track interest earned, and monitor their retirement savings.
- KYC Updation: UAN facilitates the updating of Know Your Customer (KYC) details such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank account, and mobile number. KYC verification is essential for PF withdrawal and other transactions.
- EPF Withdrawal and Transfer: UAN simplifies the process of PF withdrawal and transfer. Employees can initiate withdrawal or transfer requests online through the UAN portal, eliminating the need for physical forms and paperwork.
- Member e-Sewa Portal: EPFO provides a dedicated member portal (https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/) where employees can access various EPF services, including UAN activation, passbook download, and claim status tracking.
- Employer Portal Integration: Employers play a crucial role in managing UANs and PF contributions of their employees. They are responsible for providing UANs to new employees and facilitating UAN-based services through the employer portal.
The Universal Account Number (UAN) has revolutionized the management of EPF accounts, offering convenience, transparency, and empowerment to employees. With UAN, accessing EPF services has become easier and more efficient, ensuring better compliance and accountability in PF management.