Employee Provident Fund (EPF) operates on the Universal Account Number (UAN). Being a new worker or a person who tried to activate UAN, you have to be aware of how to manage EPF account. This blog is extremely detailed on how to start a UAN, how to create it, and how to solve such troubles like UAN is not active. With this information you will have all the access to web offerings of EPFO.

Learning the Universal Account Number (UAN):

Every employee who makes a contribution to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) receives the 12-digit UAN. This number is portable across multiple employers throughout your career. You can unify all accounts under a single UAN when switching jobs, eliminating the need to manage multiple EPF accounts.

Benefits of Activating UAN:

Activating your UAN offers the following benefits:

1. Access the EPF account online:
    
   • Download passbooks
     
     
   • Check the account balance.
     
     
   • View transaction history
     
     
2. Hassle-Free Transfers:
   Seamlessly transfer your PF balance when switching jobs without delays.
   
   
3. Unified Management:
   Consolidate all EPF accounts from previous employers under one UAN.
   
   
4. Ease of Withdrawal:
   Withdraw PF funds directly without visiting the EPF office.
   
   
5. Account Security:
   Be aware that employers continuously make contributions towards the account, and regularly ensure that everything is fine.

How to Check UAN Status Online:

Check your UAN online, if you do not know, please follow the following steps:

1. Visit the EPFO Member Portal.
   
   
2. Click the ‘Know Your UAN’ link.
   
   
3. Enter Aadhaar, PAN or Member ID.
   
   
4. Authenticate information by sending an OTP to registered cell phone number.
   
   
5. Upon confirmation, the system will show UAN status. In case of it being inactive, follow the following steps of activation.

How to Generate a UAN:

1. Through your employer:

   Once their staff members register with the EPFO, most companies create UANs for them. Your pay slip or a request from your HR department will show your UAN.

2. Self-Generation on the EPFO Portal:

   If your employer hasn’t provided a UAN, you can generate it yourself:

   1. Go to the EPFO Member Portal.
      
      
   2. Click ‘Know Your UAN’.
      
      
   3. Input your Member ID, PAN, or Aadhaar numbers.
      
      
   4. To prove your identity, send an OTP to the mobile number you registered under.
      
      
   5. Either your UAN will show on the system or it will ask you to generate a fresh one. 

Also Read -   Employee Onboarding Checklist

Step-by-step Guide to UAN Activation:

Activating your UAN is straightforward and essential for managing your EPF account. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the UAN Portal

Go to the EPF Member Portal.

Step 2: Click on "Activate UAN."

In the home page, choose Activate UAN’ option.

Step 3: Fill out your details.

Present the necessary data, such as:

• UAN
  
  
• Member ID (given by your employer)
  
  
• Aadhaar or PAN
  
  
• The EPFO records have the name and date of birth.
  
  
• A registered mobile number

Step 4: Verify Through OTP

Click on the button of obtaining the authorisation pin. You shall get an OTP to your registered mobile number.

Step 5: Post and enter a password.

Input OTP and press on Validate OTP and Activate UAN. You can activate your account by setting a password. To secure password, use a strong password.

Linking Aadhaar and PAN with UAN:

1. Log in to the UAN Portal:

   The portal is accessed using your UAN and password.

2. Navigate to the KYC Section:

   Select the Manage tab and then on the KYC.

3. Add Aadhaar and PAN Details:

   Key in Aadhaar and PAN.

4. Submit for Verification:

   We shall cross your information with government databases. On approval, we shall join your Aadhaar and PAN.

Problem-solving common problems with UAN activation:

Issue 1: UAN Not Active
The UAN becomes inactive when one has not registered on the EPFO portal. To activate it follow the steps above.

Issue 2: Incorrect Details
You might have trouble with activation in case your information is not compatible with the EPFO records. In such cases:

• Compare your name, date of birth among others with your Aadhaar and PAN.
  
  
• Correct the wrong information with the help of your employer or directly through the EPFO.

Issue 3: Unlinked Mobile Number
A registered mobile number is needed for OTP verification. Your unlinked number:

• Update your cell number with your employer or EPFO office.
  
  
• Add your cell number by selecting "Update KYC" on the UAN site.

Issue 4: Forgot UAN
If you don’t remember your UAN, retrieve it by:

• Select the 'Know Your UAN' option from the EPFO portal.
  
  
• You are entering your Member ID, Aadhaar, or PAN details for verification.

Linking multiple EPF accounts to one UAN:

If you've changed jobs and have multiple EPF accounts, you can link them to your UAN.

1. Log in to the UAN portal.
   
   
2. Go to the ‘Service History’ section to view all linked accounts.
   
   
3. Consolidation of accounts the ‘One Member-One EPF’ feature is used to consolidate accounts.
   
   
4. When you make a request in terms of changing your account, we will combine your money.

Login Process to the UAN Portal Once it has been activated:

On activating your UAN, you can log into the portal and obtain EPF services.

1. Visit the UAN Member Portal.
   
   
2. Enter your UAN and password.
   
   
3. CAPTCHA verification is complete and you need to click on Sign In.

Learning how to withdraw/transfer money using UAN.

You are also able to withdraw or transfer EPF funds online by using UAN activation.

For Withdrawals:

1. Log in to the UAN portal.
   
   
2. Click "Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)" under "Online Services".
   
   
3. Enter the pertinent information and send the essential docs.
   
   
4. Submit the claim for processing.

For Transfers:

1. Log in to the UAN portal.
   
   
2. Under the "Online Services" menu, select "Transfer Request."
   
   
3. Describe your former and present companies in great detail.
   
   
4. Submit the request, and EPFO will transfer your funds.

How to Update UAN Details:

It is important to ensure that you update your UAN details in order to manage your EPF without errors. Already know how to update your details:

1. Log in to the UAN portal.
   
   
2. In the manage tab, go to the option of Basic Details and get to the part that allows modification of basic details.
   
   
3. Change your name, date-of-birth or other misplaced information.
   
   
4. Present the changes to the employers.

Resolving UAN activation issues through the EPFO Helpdesk:

If you encounter persistent problems during UAN activation, reach out to the EPFO helpdesk:

• Helpdesk Number: 1800-118-005
  
  
• Email Support: employerfeedback@epfindia.gov.in
  
  
• EPFO Office: Visit the nearest EPFO office for assistance.

FAQ

1. How do I activate my UAN?

To activate your UAN, visit the EPFO Member Portal.

• Click ‘Activate UAN’ and provide necessary information.
  
  
• Send an OTP to your registered phone number for verification.
  
  
• Create a password for activation.

2. What is the process of registering in the PF portal?

To register in the PF portal:

1. Log in to the EPFO portal by clicking on activate UAN.

• Insert your UAN, Member ID and other personal information.
  
  
• Submit and verify via OTP.
  
  
• Complete the registration by registering a password.

3. How do I track a PF claim?

To stay updated on the status of your PF claim, visit on-line by:

• Logging in to the UAN portal.
  
  
• Going to the online services section.
  
  
• The status of updates can be viewed by clicking on Track Claim Status.

4. Where can I activate my UAN number?

Similarly to the UAN activation:

• Visit the EPFO Member Portal.
  
  
• Click on activate UAN, fill the form.
  
  
• Complete OTP verification and password.

5. Is my PF account active?

In order to check if your PF account is active, do the following steps:

• Log in to the UAN portal.
  
  
• Enter the section of the service history.
  
  
• Confirm the existence of the affiliated accounts at your present employer.

6. How can you check my UAN number with the help of a mobile number?

Log into the EPFO portal using the facility at the portal named Know Your UAN.

• Use your registered mobile number, Member ID or Aadhaar.
  
  
• Check with OTP to get your UAN.

7. How to verify UAN activation?

• To check the UAN, come to the EPFO site and select Know Your UAN.
  
  
• Add your details and confirm by means of OTP.
  
  
• System displays UAN status.

8. Is it time consuming to activate UAN?

Activation to UAN becomes instant on the successful verification of OTP, and creation of a password.

9. What would happen when my UAN number is not functioning?
If your UAN is not active:

• Switch it on and follow the procedure of UAN activation.
  
  
• Seek the assistance of your employer or EPFO in case of occurrence of any mistakes.

10. How do I check if UAN is active?

Log in to the UAN portal. If you can access your account, your UAN is active.

11. How does UAN become inactive?

A UAN becomes inactive if:

• The EPFO portal has neither registered it nor activated it.
  
  
• The linked mobile number is no longer valid.

12. How long does it take for UAN to get activated?

UAN activation is instant once OTP is verified and the password is set.

13. How can I setup my PF account online?

Your PF account activates immediately with your UAN. Make sure your employer connects your PF and UAN.

14. How can I activate my dormant PF account?

Activating inactive PF accounts:

UAN portal login
Link and revive previous accounts using ‘One Member-One EPF’.

15. How can I verify my PF account activity?

To determine whether your PF account is active or not, visit the section in the UAN portal that contains the section "Service History".

16. What happens if UAN is inactive?

EPFO's online balance checks, withdrawals, and claims need a UAN.

17. How do I activate my UAN?

Register your UAN on the EPFO portal, confirm via OTP, and choose a password to activate it.

18. How many hours after UAN is activated?

Online EPF services are available immediately after UAN activation.