UAN ( Universal Account Number ) : Importance, Benefits, Services & Online Process

Traditionally, salaried employees had to maintain a physical record of their provident fund account. Thus, it was difficult to keep track of the contributions made through this method. However, after the process was digitised, things became much more convenient and easy with the help of the Universal Account Number (UAN). In this article, we will shed light on what UAN is and its uses. Take a look

What is a UAN ( Universal Account Number ) in India?

Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to each member of the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in India. The UAN is used to facilitate online services such as checking the balance of an EPF account, downloading passbooks, and making claims for benefits such as withdrawals and pensions. It also helps to reduce the administrative burden for employers, as they do not have to maintain separate records for each of their employees' EPF accounts. Employees can get their UAN from their employer or from the EPFO website. Once you have your UAN, you can activate it by linking it to your EPF account and using personal details such as your name, date of birth, and mobile number. The UAN is a permanent number that remains the same throughout the member's working life, regardless of the number of times the member changes jobs. 

Importance of UAN in the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is an important aspect of the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme in India. It serves several important functions, including the following.

1. Facilitating online services

With a UAN, members can easily access their EPF account online and check their balance, download passbooks, and make claims for benefits such as withdrawals and pensions.

2. Linking multiple EPF accounts

A UAN allows an individual to link all their EPF accounts from different employers, making it easy to keep track of their savings and benefits.

3. Improving transparency and reducing administrative burden

The UAN helps reduce employers' administrative burden by eliminating the need to maintain separate records for each employee's EPF account. It also improves transparency by allowing members to access their account details and transactions online.

4. Streamlining the transfer process

When an employee changes jobs, the UAN helps streamline the transfer process by eliminating the need for the employee to keep track of multiple account numbers, which helps easily transfer funds and claims.

5. Enhancing security

UAN helps prevent fraud by ensuring each member has a unique and verified identification number. It also helps to ensure that the benefits of the EPF scheme reach the intended beneficiaries.

Overview of the process for obtaining a UAN

The following table gives an overview of getting a UAN for EPF.

Who is eligible to obtain a UAN?

Any individual who is a member of the EPFO and has an active EPF account is eligible to obtain a UAN, regardless of whether they are a formal sector employee, self-employed, or an unorganised sector worker.

Documents required to apply for a UAN

You may need the following documents to apply for UAN.

• Address proof

• Employee's details

• KYC documents

• Bank details

• Member ID

Note: This is an indicative list of documents.

How to apply for a UAN

Here are the steps to apply for UAN

1. Visit the EPFO website.

2. Click on the "Our Services" tab and select "For Employees".

3. Click on the "UAN Member e-Sewa" option.

4. Click on the "Activate UAN" button.

5. Enter your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and Aadhaar number.

6. Upload a scanned copy of your Aadhaar card and a recent passport-sized photograph.

7. Click on the "Submit" button.

Your UAN will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number and email address.

What are the benefits of having the UAN?

The benefits of having a Universal Account Number (UAN) for employees in India are as follows.

1. With the help of your UAN you can view your provident fund (PF) account details online, including your balance and transaction history.

2. It makes it easier for you to transfer your PF balance from one account to another when you change jobs.

3. You can apply for advances or withdraw your PF balance online using your UAN.

4. With the UAN, you will receive all the credit from your previous accounts and can also check your claim status.

5. You can also update your personal details, such as contact information and bank account details linked to your UAN.

6. Your UAN will remain the same throughout your working life, so you don't have to apply for a new number every time you change jobs.

7. By having UAN, you also receive SMS and email alerts of your transaction and balance status.

How to use the UAN

Once you have obtained your UAN from the Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in India, you can access various services related to your provident fund (PF) account online. For example.

• Apply for advances or withdraw your PF balance online

• Transfer your PF balance from one account to another when you change jobs

• Check the status of your claim

• Download your e-passbook, which contains all the transactions in your account

Common issues with UAN and how to resolve them

The following table lists the common issues with UAN and their solution.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions about UAN.

Can I change my personal details linked to my UAN?

Yes, you can change your personal details linked to your UAN by visiting the official website of the EPFO and following the instructions provided for updating personal information.

How to retrieve a lost or forgotten UAN?

You can visit the UAN Member e-Sewa portal and click on the "Get UAN" button. The system will check if your details match the records of EPFO, and if it fits, it will send your UAN to your registered mobile number and email address.

How can I activate my UAN?

You can activate your UAN by visiting the official website of the EPFO and following the instructions provided. This typically involves providing personal details and linking your UAN with your EPF account.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.