A Step-by-Step Guide to UAN Generation and Activation Process

The Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) assigns a unique 12-digit number or UAN (Universal Account Number) to employees contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).  The UAN remains the same throughout an employee’s work cycle. UAN helps identify one employee from another. It is like the bank account number but for EPF contributions. 

This blog talks about how to generate and activate UAN online. But first, let’s understand the importance of UAN.

Why is UAN Important? 

The UAN serves as an important access code to check any kind of EPF-related queries. UAN serves as a central account number for a member’s EPF account irrespective of the number of companies they may have worked for or the number of EPF accounts they may have. This makes it easier for members to access their EPF account information and to transfer their EPF balance from one account to another when changing jobs.

The UAN is also used to track the contributions made to a member’s EPF account and to calculate the benefits that are payable upon retirement or withdrawal. Point to note – always ensure that your UAN is correct and up to date to enjoy the benefits of your EPF account.

How to Get a UAN? 

You can generate or get UAN via different methods. Below mentioned are some of them:

1. Through Your Employer

An employer has to follow these steps to register an employee for UAN:

1. Step 1: Go to the EPFO homepage of the Government of India.
2. Step 2: Sign in using your UAN and password.
3. Step 3: Navigate the cursor to the ‘Member’ section and click on ‘Register Individual’.
4. Step 4: Insert every applicable detail of your  PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details, etc.
5. Step 5: Approve the details in the ‘approval’ section.

2. Through the UAN Portal 

In case the employer has not shared the UAN, employees can generate it by following these steps:

1. Step 1: Visit the UAN member portal.
2. Step 2: Navigate to ‘Know your UAN’ in the bottom right corner of the page and click on it.
3. Step 3: Provide all the required details such as PAN, Member ID or Aadhaar number.
4. Step 4: Click on ‘Get Authorisation PIN’. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
5. Step 5: Type in the OTP in its designated place. You will receive an SMS informing you of your UAN and its status.

How to Activate UAN Online?

You can activate UAN online using the following steps:

1. Go to the EPFO Member Portal 

Visit the EPFO member portal and click on ‘Activate UAN’.

2. Select from UAN, Aadhaar or Member ID

You would have three options to choose from – UAN, Aadhaar and member ID.

3. Enter Details, Select ‘Get Authorisation PIN’ and Activate

Let’s say you have selected UAN. Enter details like your name, email ID, date of birth and mobile number. Click on ‘Get Authorisation PIN’ enter the PIN and click on ‘Validate OTP and Activate UAN’.

4. UAN Activation Confirmation

Your UAN will be activated and sent to your registered mobile number. 

Documents Required for UAN Registration

You would need the following documents for UAN registration:

• Proof of Identity: Passport, Aadhaar card, Voter’s ID Card, driving licence, etc. 
• Proof of Address: Ration card, rent agreement, property deed, utility bills, etc.
• Details of the bank account number and the IFSC code

Benefits of UAN

UAN, besides being mandatory for every EPF member, has some benefits too. These benefits include the following:

• Easy PF Transfer
• Withdrawals from the EPF account
• Easier EPF Transactions with Mobile Updates
• Access to EPF services

Also Read

How To Link PAN With EPF Account Online And Offline

Difference Between EPF And EPS

How to Check PF Balance with UAN?

You can do a PF balance check with UAN online through the following steps:

Step 1: Go to the EPFO portal then click under ‘Services’ and ‘For Employees’.

Step 2: Click on ‘Member Passbook’.

Step 3: Enter in your UAN and password and submit.

Step 4: The PF account balance would be displayed.
You can also send an SMS by typing <EPFOHO UAN ENG>. Enter your UAN in the middle and send the SMS to 7738299899.

How to Reset UAN Password? 

Given below are steps to reset or change your UAN login password:

1. Step 1: Go to the login section on the official website of EPFO’s Unified Portal.
2. Step 2: You will be redirected to the homepage. Click on the ‘Forgot Password’ tab on the right-hand side.
3. Step 3: Insert UAN and type in your registered mobile number in the designated places. Press the ‘Yes’ button to receive OTP. 
4. Step 4: Provide the OTP you just received and click on ‘Verify’. 
5. Step 5: Enter the new password twice, click the ‘Submit’ button and log in to the portal with the new password.

Given below are the steps to change your UAN password after login: 

1. Step 1: Go to the Member e-Sewa section and sign in with your credentials.
2. Step 2: Press the ‘Account’ option on the top menu bar. 
3. Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Change password’ option and click on it. Enter your old password and new password. Confirm your new password and press the ‘update’ button. 
4. Step 4: You will get a notification that you have changed your password.. 

How to Download a UAN Card? 

Detailed below is the process to download and print a UAN card:

1. Step 1: Visit the official website of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation and log in using your credentials.
2. Step 2: Navigate to the UAN card option and click on it. 
3. Step 3: Your UAN card will appear on your screen with relevant details and images. Click on the download button.
4. Step 4: Once the download process is complete, save it on your computer and take a print-out.

Linking of Aadhaar with UAN 

Your Aadhaar can be linked with your UAN through 3 processes- via the EPFO portal, via Umang App or by visiting an EPFO office. Detailed below are the three processes: 

1. Linking of Aadhaar with UAN via the EPFO Portal

1. Step 1: Visit the EPF portal and navigate to the ‘For Employees’ section and click on ‘UAN Member e-Sewa’.
2. Step 2: Log in to the portal by providing your UAN and password. 
3. Step 3: Click the ‘Manage’ button. Then click on KYC. 
4. Step 4: You will be redirected to the ‘Add KYC’ tab where you have to enter your PAN, Aadhaar, bank account, driving licence and voter ID details.
5. Step 5: Click on submit. You can find these details after clicking on ‘Pending KYC’. After your employer approves it, you can view it under the ‘Approved KYC’ tab. Note that the approval process can take up to 15 days.

2. Linking of Aadhaar via Umang App

1. Step 1: Use your MPIN or an OTP to sign in to the Umang App.
2. Step 2: Visit the ‘All Services’ tab, click on EPFO under it and click on e-KYC services. 
3. Step 3: Click on Aadhaar seeding option under e-KYC services. 
4. Step 4: Provide your UAN and press the ‘Get OTP’ button after which an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile phone number.
5. Step 5: Provide your Aadhaar information after which you will again receive an OTP on your phone and email ID. Once you complete your OTP verification, your Aadhaar number will be linked to your UAN.

3. Linking of Aadhaar with UAN via Offline Mode

1. Step 1: Visit the nearest EPFO office branch, and ask for an Aadhaar Seeding Application form. 
2. Step 2: Fill up the form with your Aadhaar, UAN and other related information. 
3. Step 3: Attach self-attested copies of PAN, UAN and Aadhaar. 
4. Step 4: Submit the form and other important documents at the EPFO field office or Common Service Centre (CSC). 
5. Step 5: You will receive an SMS after the verification process is complete and your Aadhaar has been successfully linked to the UAN.

UAN Customer Care Details 

There is an online helpdesk for UAN-related complaints and queries. Given below are its details: 

1. UAN helpdesk toll-free number is 1800 118 005.
2. UAN helpdesk mail ID is [email protected]
3. If you are an employer, you can send a mail to [email protected] 

Final Word

If you are a salaried employee who has an EPF account, know what the UAN is. It is an identification number that helps you identify your EPF account and do transactions therein. 

You can also get the EPF account transferred to a new employer using your UAN. So, keep your UAN handy. If you don’t have it, generate UAN online through the EPFO portal. The process is simple, quick and gives you the unique UAN which helps you maintain, manage and track your EPF account easily.

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