Universal Account Number (UAN)

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to every salaried employee in India who contributes to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). It acts as a single umbrella number that connects all your PF accounts opened by different employers during your career.

In simple words, even if you switch jobs multiple times, your UAN stays the same, making it easier to track contributions, check your balance, transfer funds, or make withdrawals all through one secure platform. For anyone starting their professional journey or learning to manage finances better, understanding your UAN is the first step towards efficient EPF management and long-term financial security.

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Getting a UAN Number

Your Universal Account Number (UAN) is usually generated by your employer when you join an organization that contributes to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). In most cases, the UAN is mentioned on your salary slip or can be obtained from your company’s HR or payroll department.

If you haven’t received your UAN, don’t worry you can easily find or generate it yourself through the EPFO Member Portal or the UMANG app. All you need are basic details such as your Member ID, Aadhaar, or PAN, along with your registered mobile number. Make sure you use only official EPFO websites or apps like unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in to access your information safely.

How to Find and Activate Your UAN

Activating your Universal Account Number (UAN) is a simple process that can be done online in just a few minutes. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Visit the official EPFO Member Portal unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in or download the UMANG app.
2. Click on “Know Your UAN” to find your number.
3. Enter your name, date of birth, mobile number, and one of the following Aadhaar, PAN, or Member ID.
4. You’ll receive your UAN on your registered mobile number via SMS.
5. Once you have the UAN, return to the homepage and click on “Activate UAN.”
6. Enter your UAN, mobile number, and other required details, then click on “Get Authorization PIN.”
7. Enter the OTP received on your mobile to verify and create a password for your account.

That’s it! Your UAN is now activated, and you can log in anytime to check your PF balance, download your UAN card, or manage transfers.

Download UAN Card

• After logging into the EPFO portal with your UAN and password, click the ‘Download UAN Card’ option.

• Save or print the UAN Card, which acts as your digital identity for EPF transactions.

Documents Required to Open / Register UAN

• Aadhaar card (strongly recommended for e-KYC)
• PAN card
• Bank account details (account number, IFSC)
• Photo ID (passport, driving licence, voter ID)
• Address proof (utility bill, rent agreement)
• Employment details (like PF ID or Member ID)

Services Offered by the Portal

With your activated UAN, you can:

• View and download your PF passbook anytime
• Transfer EPF balance when you change jobs
• Update KYC details online for smooth claims
• Track status of EPF withdrawals, claims, and transfer requests
• Download your UAN Card for easy reference

EPF Management Through UAN

All your EPF accounts from different employers are linked under a single UAN, giving you one unified login to manage everything easily. You can view all your PF member IDs in one place, check your balance and monthly contributions, and even transfer or withdraw funds without any paperwork. The portal also allows you to update KYC details online, with employer approval done digitally making your entire EPF management smooth and hassle-free.

With UAN, you no longer need to depend on your past employers for PF updates or claim processing. It ensures complete transparency and control over your retirement savings, anytime and anywhere.

Importance of Universal Account Number

The Universal Account Number (UAN) plays a vital role in simplifying and securing your EPF management. It centralizes all your PF accounts under one platform, giving you complete control over your retirement savings. With UAN, you can easily track contributions, request transfers, or withdraw funds without depending on your employer.

It also reduces paperwork, prevents data mismatches, and ensures transparency, as every contribution made by your employer is visible online. In short, UAN helps maintain the continuity of your savings and makes managing your EPF account effortless as you move through different stages of your career.

UAN Benefits to the Employee

• One UAN for all future employments no confusion about multiple PF numbers
• Online access to PF statements, withdrawals, and transfer services anytime
• Hassle-free fund transfers when switching jobs with instant SMS notifications
• Faster withdrawals and claim processing for KYC-compliant accounts
• Centralized and transparent record of all PF contributions in one place

How to Withdraw or Transfer Using UAN

For Withdrawal:

1. Log in to the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal –https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/
2. Go to Online Services → Claim (Form 31/19/10C).
3. Verify your KYC details, select the reason for withdrawal, and submit your request.
4. The approved amount will be credited directly to your linked bank account.

For Transfer:

1. On the same portal, go to ‘One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)’.
2. Enter your previous and current employer details.
3. Submit the request online employer approval is now mostly digital and quick.
4. Track your transfer status anytime under the ‘Online Services’ section.

Tip: It’s always better to transfer your EPF balance instead of withdrawing it when changing jobs. Transfers keep your retirement fund growing and tax-free.

UAN Customer Support & Important Contacts

• Official EPFO Website:https://www.epfindia.gov.in/  always use this for verified updates and instructions.

• UAN Member Portal:https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/ for login, KYC, transfers, and claims.

• Toll-Free Helplines:

  • EPFO: 14470
  • UAN Helpdesk: 1800-11-8005 / 1800118005

• Online Grievance Redressal: epfigms.gov.in  raise and track your complaint easily.

Conclusion

The Universal Account Number (UAN) simplifies every step of your EPF journey from tracking contributions to transferring funds when you change jobs. It reduces dependency on employers for routine updates or approvals, keeping your savings protected, transparent, and easily accessible. By keeping your UAN active, linking your Aadhaar and bank details, and using the portal or UMANG app, you can manage your EPF anytime with ease. Stay updated, stay KYC-compliant, and secure your retirement the smart and stress-free way.