Introduction
The Universal Account Number (UAN) stands as a testament to India’s commitment to modernizing its financial infrastructure. It represents a significant leap forward in simplifying the management of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) accounts for millions of salaried employees across the country. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of UAN, exploring its registration process, benefits, activation, and more.
What is an Universal Account Number?
UAN, short for Universal Account Number, is a 12-digit unique identification number allocated to every member of the Employee Provident Fund. Governed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), this number remains constant throughout an individual’s professional journey. Even as an employee transitions between different organizations, their UAN persists, serving as a consolidated record of their EPF contributions.
Registration and Activation of UAN:
Acquiring a UAN can be achieved through two primary channels: via employers or directly through the UAN portal. Typically, employers furnish employees with their UAN numbers. Alternatively, individuals can obtain their UAN using their PF Number/Member ID on the UAN portal.
To activate the UAN:
- Visit the EPFO homepage and navigate to ‘Member UAN/Online services’.
- Enter the requisite details in the UAN portal.
- Request and validate an authorization PIN sent to the registered mobile number.
- Activate the UAN using the received PIN.
- Receive a password on the registered mobile number for accessing the UAN account.
Documents Required for UAN Registration:
For first-time registrants, the following documents are necessary:
- Account details including the account number, IFSC code, and branch name.
- Identification proof such as Aadhaar, PAN card, driver’s license, or passport.
- Address proof such as a recent utility bill or rental agreement.
- PAN Card associated with the UAN.
- Aadhaar card for bank account linkage.
- ESIC card.
Services Offered by the UAN Portal:
The UAN portal offers a plethora of services catering to both employees and employers:
- Download/view passbook and UAN card.
- View member IDs and PF linking status.
- Check claim transfer status, file claims, and review system-generated transfer claims.
- Update contact information and KYC documents.
- Access helpdesk contact information.
Importance of Universal Account Number:
The UAN serves as a cornerstone in streamlining PF-related activities for both employees and employers:
- Facilitates PF tracking amid job changes.
- Enables online access to PF withdrawals and transfers.
- Ensures authenticity and validity of PF accounts.
- Minimizes employer involvement in PF management.
- Provides real-time PF contribution updates.
- Simplifies PF withdrawals without employer intervention.
EPF Management Through UAN:
The UAN simplifies EPF management throughout an employee’s career journey. By sharing their UAN and PF account details with successive employers, individuals can seamlessly link all their PF accounts to a single UAN. This facilitates easy monitoring of PF deposits, KYC verification, and claim status checks.
UAN Customer Support:
EPFO offers dedicated customer support through the UAN helpdesk, catering to employee and employer queries regarding EPFO services, grievance resolution, claim forms, and more.
Conclusion
The Universal Account Number heralds a new era of convenience and efficiency in managing EPF accounts. By leveraging technology and centralizing PF-related services, the UAN empowers employees to take control of their financial futures with ease and confidence.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are of the author and do not reflect those of Dhanvantree. Mutual funds are subject to market risks, please read the scheme documents carefully before investing.