Universal Account Number (UAN) | Meaning & Definition

Is UAN the Solution to Managing Your EPF When Switching Jobs?

Have you ever struggled to manage your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) when switching jobs? If yes, the Universal Account Number (UAN) is here to solve that problem for you! 

UAN is a unique 12-digit number. This UAN Number is assigned by the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). This number acts as a central hub to manage all your EPF accounts seamlessly. 

Let’s take a closer look to understand why UAN activation is a major shift for employees across India.

What is a Universal Account Number (UAN)?

UAN EPFO logo, UAN Number meaning and definition
EPFO logo

The UAN, or Universal Account Number, is a 12-digit unique identifier provided to every employee. Keeping in mind that the employee must be enrolled under the EPF scheme. Think of it as the parent account that links all your EPF Member IDs, regardless of how many jobs you change. 

For example, if you’ve worked for three companies, your UAN ensures all three EPF accounts are linked and managed in one place. 

Employees must fill out Form 11 when joining a new organization. This is done to provide their existing UAN and EPF details for smooth integration. With the EPFO, you can easily view, manage, and transfer your EPF accounts using your UAN number.

Why is UAN Important?

The Universal Account Number makes managing your EPF account easier and more efficient. Here’s how:

  1. Centralized Management:
    • Manage all your EPF accounts under one number.
    • Save time and avoid confusion.
  2. Easy Transfers:
    • Link multiple EPF accounts to your UAN.
    • Transfer funds between accounts quickly when you switch jobs.
  3. Transparency and Tracking:
    • Track contributions in real-time.
    • Avoid discrepancies in EPF contributions.
  4. Minimized Paperwork:
    • Digital management reduces dependency on manual forms.
Features of UAN

Here are the standout features of a Universal Account Number:

  • Provides online access to all EPF accounts linked to your UAN number.
  • Allows seamless transfer of funds from one account to another.
  • Simplifies updating of KYC details via the EPFO portal.
  • Enhances communication between employees, employers, and the EPFO.
  • Empowers employees to manage their EPF on their own, without relying on past employers.
Where is UAN Used?

The UAN number is crucial for managing your Employee Provident Fund. Here’s where it comes into play:

  • EPF Contributions: Both employees and employers use UAN to manage and track monthly EPF deposits.
  • Online Services: Check your EPF balance, update KYC details, or track claims using the EPFO portal or UMANG app.
  • Withdrawals and Transfers: Easily transfer or withdraw EPF funds when you change jobs.

How to Generate a UAN Number?

Generating your UAN is straightforward.

  1. Employer Registration:
    • Employers register new employees on the EPFO portal and generate their UAN number.
  2. Activation:
    • Once generated, employees can activate their UAN via the EPFO portal.
  3. Link EPF Accounts:
    • After activation, link all your EPF accounts to your UAN for easier management.

How to Know Your UAN Number?

How know your UAN Number

Are you not sure what your UAN number is? Use these methods to find it:

  • Payslip: Most employers print the UAN on your monthly payslip.
  • EPFO Login Portal: Go to EPFO log in with your registered mobile number to view your UAN number.
  • UMANG App: Access the app to find your Universal Account Number under account details.
  • Employer Help: Your HR department can provide your UAN number if needed.

How to Check UAN Balance?

How to check UAN Balance

Checking your UAN balance is hassle-free. Choose any of these options:

  1. EPFO Login Portal:
  2. UMANG App:
    • Use the UMANG app to access your EPF details linked to your Universal Account Number.
  3. SMS:
    • Send “EPFOHO UAN ENG” to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number.
  4. Missed Call:
    • Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number.
How to Activate UAN with EPFO UAN Login
How to Activate UAN with EPFO UAN Login​

Activating your UAN number is easy. Follow the following steps for UAN Activation online:

  1. Visit the EPFO login portal.
  2. Click on ‘Activate UAN’.
  3. Enter details like UAN number, Aadhaar, PAN, and Member ID.
  4. Verify using an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

In this way, you can activate EPF login by UAN. Once activated, you can use your Universal Account Number to access all EPF services. 

Thus, proving that UAN EPFO goes hand in hand. Yet, they are not quite similar in their meaning and approach! Let’s understand the differentiating factor in the upcoming section.

Is UAN the Same as EPF?

No, UAN and EPF are not the same. The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is your savings fund. The Universal Account Number (UAN) is the unique identifier that links multiple EPF accounts.

For example: If you change jobs, your UAN remains the same, but a new EPF Member ID is created for every employer.

Why UAN is a Must-Have for Employees

The Universal Account Number improves the way employees and employers manage EPF. It ensures transparency, simplifies fund transfers, and reduces paperwork. For example, if Priya changes jobs five times, she doesn’t need five separate EPF accounts. Her UAN keeps everything connected.

By activating your UAN and using the EPFO portal, you take charge of your financial future.

The Crux

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is not just a number; it’s your gateway to efficient EPF management. Whether you’re checking your balance, transferring funds, or tracking contributions, the UAN number simplifies it all.

Make sure you activate your UAN using the Employees Provident Fund UAN login today on the EPFO portal. Stay informed, stay empowered, and take control of your Employee Provident Fund!

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How to know my UAN number?

There are several ways to know your UAN number:

  • Payslip: Many employers include the Universal Account Number on your monthly payslip.
  • EPFO Portal: You can log in to the EPFO portal with your registered mobile number and check your UAN number under your profile.
  • UMANG App: Log into the UMANG app with your mobile number, and your Universal Account Number will be displayed under your account details.
  • Employer: If you’re unable to find your UAN number through these methods, your HR department can provide you with your Universal Account Number.
 

How to check UAN balance?

Checking Universal Account Number balance is simple and can be done in multiple ways:

  • EPFO Portal: Log in using your UAN number and password on the EPFO member portal to check your balance.
  • UMANG App: You can check your balance using the UAN number on the UMANG app. Simply log in with your registered UAN and mobile number.
  • SMS: Send an SMS to 7738299899 in the format “EPFOHO UAN ENG” from your registered mobile number to check your balance.
  • Missed Call: You can give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your mobile number registered with your Universal Account Number to know your EPF balance instantly.

How to verify UAN number?

You can easily verify your UAN number through the EPFO portal:

  • Log into the EPFO member portal using your Universal Account Number and password.
  • After logging in, you’ll see your linked EPF accounts, verifying that your Universal Account Number is active.

How to activate UAN?

To activate your UAN number, follow these steps:

1. Visit the EPFO Member Portal.

2. Click on ‘Activate UAN’.

3. Enter your UAN number, member ID, Aadhaar, PAN, and other necessary details.

4. You’ll receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to activate your UAN.

Once activated, your Universal Account Number can be used to access all EPF-related services on the EPFO portal.

Are EPF and UAN same?

No, EPF (Employee Provident Fund) and UAN number are not the same.

The EPF refers to the actual savings fund that receives contributions from both the employer and employee.

On the other hand, the Universal Account Number is a unique identifier that links various EPF accounts for the employee across different jobs.

The EPFO issues Universal Account Number numbers to employees to manage their EPF accounts efficiently.

Conclusion

We can thus summarize that Universal Account Number acts as a unique identifier for PF account holders as it streamlines the whole Provident Fund Management System. 

Moreover, it also guarantees the employee’s safety as it is not possible for employer’s to hold or reject PF claims. Universal Account Number eliminates the  need for number of PF accounts and reduces the overall cost and time needed for settlement of PF.

Universal Account Number revolutionizes EPF management by providing a centralized, portable, and user-friendly system for employees and employers alike. By streamlining processes and ensuring transparency, Universal Account Number simplifies EPF operations and enhances the overall experience of managing retirement savings. 

Understanding and effectively utilizing Universal Account Number is crucial for navigating the complexities of EPF contributions and withdrawals in India.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit unique number provided to employees contributing to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). 

A UAN number helps in linking various Provident Fund (PF) accounts of an employee. Regardless of job changes, your UAN number stays the same, acting as a one-stop solution to manage multiple EPF accounts under one number.

Usually the employer generates the UAN number when a new employee joins the company.

However, if not, one can generate the UAN number on their own through the EPFO portal. Steps to generate the UAN:


1. Go to the EPFO Member Portal.
2. Select the “Direct UAN Allotment by Employees” option.
3. Provide details like Aadhaar, PAN, and mobile number to generate UAN number instantly.

1: Go to the the Services section of the website (epfindia.gov.in).

2: Choose For Workers and then Member UAN/Online Service (OCS/OTCP) from the services menu.

3: You will now be led to the (unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in) portal. Click on Know Your UAN under the Important Links section.

By using EPFO online portal an employee can check his PF balance.

You can track the status of your UAN number via the EPFO portal:

1. Go to the EPFO portal and select the “Know Your UAN Status” option.

2. Enter your PAN or Aadhaar, along with your mobile number to track the status of your UAN number.

If your UAN number has not been activated, you’ll be prompted to complete the activation process.

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