What Is Universal Account Number (UAN)?
A Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit identifier issued by India’s Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). It serves as a central umbrella ID linking all of an employee’s Provident Fund (PF) accounts across multiple employers.
Once assigned, the UAN remains constant throughout a person’s working life, regardless of job changes. It facilitates EPF account tracking, withdrawals, transfers, and online self-service access.
Why UAN Matters
- Enables employees to view and manage all linked PF accounts under one login via the EPFO UAN portal, including passbook access and contribution history.
- Simplifies EPF transfers when changing jobs—multiple Member IDs get consolidated under one UAN.
- Supports online KYC updates, claim submissions, and Aadhaar- or Face-ID–based authentication for seamless service access.
How to Get and Activate UAN
- Employers issue UANs to eligible employees upon joining. If you already have one from a prior employer, you must provide it so new Member IDs can be linked.
- If the employer hasn’t issued it, employees can generate UAN using the EPFO portal with Aadhaar, PAN, and mobile number.
- UAN activation requires verification—via Aadhaar-based OTP or Face ID through the UMANG app—and typically sends access credentials instantly.
Key Features & Benefits
- Portability: UAN stays the same throughout a career, even across employers.
- Transparency: Employees can review all contribution history, transfers, and balances in one centralized portal.
- Efficiency: Integrated Aadhaar and streamlined KYC reduce paperwork and speed up claim processing.
Recent 2025 UAN Updates
- EPFO extended UAN activation and Aadhaar linkage deadline to June 30, 2025, to include eligibility under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme.
- Bulk UAN generation without Aadhaar is now supported and Face ID can activate UAN instantly via UMANG app.
- Streamlined member profile updates and joint declarations, improving accuracy and reducing delays in name or DOB corrections.
Expert Tips for UAN Users
- Provide your existing UAN whenever you join a new employer.
- Link Aadhaar and bank details early to maximize access to EPF and insurance benefits.
- Use the EPFO portal or mobile app to activate UAN securely and quickly.
- Keep KYC documentation updated to maintain seamless access and ensure accurate PF contributions.
