One of the most significant savings programs for salaried people in India is the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). Through consistent payments from both the organisation and the employee, it helps people build a retirement corpus under the control of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Each player within the EPF program is given a distinct employee PF number, which serves as a tracking key for contributions, withdrawals, and other EPF-related moves. To efficiently manage your provident fund account, you must be privy to your PF variety. This article will cover the definition of an employee's PF range, its format, how to locate it, and the various programs it encompasses.

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What is the Employee PF Number?

A distinct 22-character numeric code is assigned to each employee who contributes to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF). It serves as a complete database that hyperlinks an employee's contributions to the EPFO database, facilitating the management and access to of PF-related information for each employer and employee. Consider it your account quantity for PF transactions. You may use it to make withdrawal requests, keep an eye on your balance, and transfer money owed when you move jobs. Because the PF number is associated with the organization's enterprise, it can be limited if a worker moves jobs. However, many PF numbers may also now be blended into a single UAN for simple administration, thanks to the introduction of the Universal Account number (UAN).

Format of the EPF Account Number

The EPF number follows a specific structured format that helps identify the location and establishment details of the employer. So, the PF number gives complete information about where and under which organization your provident fund is registered.

A typical EPF account number looks like this:

Example: MH/BAN/1234567/000/0012345

Let’s break down what each part means:

Part

Meaning

Example

Region Code – Identifies the regional EPFO office

MH (Maharashtra)

Office Code – Refers to the EPFO sub-office

BAN (Bandra)

Establishment Code – Unique code assigned to the employer

1234567

Extension Code – Optional, used for subdivisions within an establishment

Member ID – Unique ID assigned to each employee under that establishment

12345

How to Know the EPF Number?

Method

Steps to Know Your EPF Number

1. Through Employer

Contact your HR or payroll department. They can provide your PF number, as it’s registered with EPFO at the time of joining.

2. Salary Slip

Most salary slips include the PF account number along with the UAN. Check your monthly pay slip.

3. UAN Portal

Visit https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/ and log in using your UAN and password. Your PF number will appear under the “Member ID” section.

4. UMANG App

Download the UMANG app, log in with your mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and check EPF details under the “EPFO” section.

5. EPFO Office

You can visit the nearest EPFO regional office with identity proof and request your PF details.

6. Missed Call/SMS

Give a missed call to 9966044425 or send an SMS “EPFOHO UAN ENG” to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number.

7. Through Aadhaar or PAN

If your Aadhaar or PAN is linked to your EPF account, you can retrieve your PF number via the UAN portal using these credentials.

Importance of PF Account Number

Purpose

Importance of PF Account Number

Tracking Contributions

It helps you monitor the monthly contributions made by you and your employer.

Claiming Withdrawals

You need your PF number to apply for partial or full withdrawals.

Transferring Accounts

When changing jobs, your new employer can easily transfer your old PF balance using the PF number.

Ensuring Transparency

It enables employees to verify if their employer is regularly depositing PF contributions.

For Financial Proof

PF details often serve as proof of employment and savings during loan applications or financial verifications.

Uses of Provident Fund Account Number

Purpose

Use of PF Number

Account Access

Withdrawal/Transfer

Required to withdraw or transfer funds when switching jobs.

Claim Status

Helps you track the status of withdrawal or transfer claims.

Grievance Redressal

Required for submitting complaints or issues through the EPFO grievance portal.

Verification

Used for the verification of PF deposits by employers and EPFO.

Tax Filing

Useful during tax filing to verify annual PF contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do the UAN and PF numbers match?

No. While the UAN (universal Account number) is a permanent id that unites numerous PF numbers from several workplaces, the PF number is related to a particular agency.

Can I have more than one PF number?

Indeed, you could have several PF numbers if you have worked for numerous different corporations; however, they will all be linked under a single UAN.

If I've moved employment, how can I discover my previous PF number?

Under the "service history" area of your UAN account, you may view your previous PF number.

How must I proceed if my PF number is lost?

You can get it by contacting your employer or the EPFO workplace, or by using your UAN or Aadhaar.

Can I use Aadhaar to verify my PF number?

Certainly. Enter your Aadhaar data in the "realize your UAN" section of the UAN portal.

Can PF be transferred without knowing the PF variety?

For the transfer, your PF number is needed. Alternatively, the transfer might also occur automatically upon verification if it is connected to your UAN.

How am I able to find out if my employer consistently deposits PF?

To check donation details, enter your UAN and password to access the EPFO portal.

If I quit my employment, what will happen to my PF number?

Contributions cease, but your PF quantity continues to be valid. When you join a new company, you've got the choice to transfer or withdraw.

Does each employee have a unique PF number?

Indeed, every employee in an organization is assigned a distinct PF number that is related to their business enterprise.

Can I edit or change the information of my PF number?

You may submit a joint statement shape immediately through the EPFO website or via your corporation to make corrections.

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