UAN | Meaning and Definition

What is UAN?

uan meaning

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to employees to the EPF scheme. It acts as a parent, linking multiple Member IDs allotted to an employee over diverese entities. UAN ensures simplified EPF account management and portability.

EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organization) will provide an Universal Account Number. This allows the user to see all of the Member Identification Numbers associated with their UAN account. 

If someone already has a Universal Account Number, he or she must supply it while joining a new business so that the employer may match the new Member Identification Number to the existing Universal Account Number. 

After downloading Universal Account Number list, an employer has to follow various steps mentioned below:

  • Provide UAN to members- Complete Form 11 and provide the necessary information to the new employer.
  • Either provide the KYC details of every single individual or you can opt for the option of bulk upload in order to provide data of number of employees.

Why is UAN important?

1. Centralized Management: UAN facilitates management of things at a single place, irrespective of job changes or transfers.

2. Easy Transfers: It enables employees to link multiple PF accounts under one Universal Account Number, simplifying the EPF withdrawal and transfer processes.

3. Tracking at-the-go: Employers can easily track employee EPF contributions and ensure compliance with EPF regulations.

Features of Universal Account Number

The major features of UAN are mentioned below:

  • Universal Account Number helps to facilitate the online access to all Provident Fund Account linked to the employee’s UAN number.
  • It allows flexibility to transfer funds from one PF account to another without any hassle.
  • It helps to ensure that all the PF accounts are linked and controlled by a single Universal Account Number.
  • If required, the employees KYC details can be updated on the portal itself.
  • Ensures that there is  a better communication between the employees, employer and the EPFO
  • Employees can manage their EPF accounts conveniently without relying on previous employers.
  • UAN minimizes paperwork associated with EPF transfers and withdrawals.
  • It provides transparency in EPF contributions and withdrawals, reducing discrepancies.

Where is UAN used?

  • Universal Account Number is primarily used for EPF contributions made by both employers and employees.   
  • It facilitates seamless withdrawal or transfer of EPF accumulations when changing jobs.
  • Universal Account Number enables access to various online services offered by the EPFO, such as checking EPF balance, updating KYC details, and tracking EPF claim status.

How to generate UAN number?

Generating your Universal Account Number is a simple process:

1. Employer Responsibility: Employers have to register the new employees on the EPFO portal and generate their UANs.

2. Activation: Employees receive their Universal Account Number from employers and can activate them on the EPFO portal by providing necessary details.

3. Linking EPF Accounts: Once activated, employees can link their existing EPF Member IDs to their UAN for consolidated account management.

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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