UAN Not Linked to Aadhaar? EPFO Gives New 15-Day Deadline, or Your PF Will Be Stuck!

As of November 2025, there is no fresh or new 15-day deadline mandating the linking of Universal Account Number (UAN) to Aadhaar for general Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) account management or withdrawals. The requirement to link Aadhaar with UAN has been in force since mid-2021, enabling employers to deposit contributions and members to access online EPFO services seamlessly.

Past Deadline for First-Time Employees Under ELI Scheme

Previously, a specific deadline of June 30, 2025, was set for first-time employees to activate their UAN and link their Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts to avail benefits under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme. This deadline has passed. The ELI Scheme incentivizes formal employment by providing financial benefits disbursed via direct bank transfers linked to Aadhaar-seeded accounts.

Consequences of Not Linking UAN with Aadhaar

Failing to link UAN with Aadhaar can lead to several critical issues for EPF members:

• Employer Contributions Halted: Employers cannot remit monthly EPF contributions without linked Aadhaar details.
• Restricted Online Services: Members lose access to valuable online EPFO services such as EPF balance checks via e-passbook, managing KYC details, and tracking claims.
• Difficulty in PF Withdrawals or Transfers: Online withdrawal or transfer requests require a fully KYC-compliant UAN, including Aadhaar linkage, causing delays or denial of claims without it.
• Loss of ELI Scheme Benefits: Financial incentives under the ELI Scheme require Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for direct benefit transfers, so non-linkage results in ineligibility.

How to Link UAN with Aadhaar

Members can complete Aadhaar linkage through two convenient modes:

Online Method via EPFO Member Portal or UMANG App

1. Log in to the EPFO Member Portal or launch the UMANG app.
2. Navigate to the “e-KYC” or “Manage” tab.
3. Choose the Aadhaar linking option.
4. Enter your Aadhaar number and name as per the Aadhaar card.
5. Verify via OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
6. Upon verification, your Aadhaar is linked, and status shows as “Approved.”

Offline Method via EPFO Office or Common Service Centre

1. Fill the Aadhaar Seeding Application Form with UAN, Aadhaar, and PAN details.
2. Attach self-attested photocopies of the required documents.
3. Submit the form at the nearest EPFO field office or CSC.
4. After verification by EPFO, you receive confirmation via SMS.

While the June 30, 2025 deadline for first-time UAN activation and Aadhaar seeding under the ELI Scheme has passed, the general mandate to link UAN with Aadhaar remains in place. There is currently no new 15-day linking deadline. Linking Aadhaar to UAN is crucial for uninterrupted employer contributions, smooth online EPFO services, hassle-free withdrawals, and eligibility for government incentive schemes.