The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has streamlined the process for employees to access their UAN Details online. The Universal Account Number, essential for monitoring provident fund savings, can be retrieved or activated through the official EPFO member portal.
What is the Universal Account Number (UAN)?
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit identifier issued by the EPFO to every member contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). According to EPFO guidelines, the UAN serves as a single umbrella number that links multiple Member IDs allocated to an employee during their career.
Officials state that the system was designed to improve transparency and portability of retirement benefits. “The UAN empowers workers by allowing them to consolidate and track their provident fund contributions in one place,” the EPFO said in its official FAQ document.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check UAN Details Online
Accessing the EPFO Member Portal
To begin, employees should visit the official EPFO UAN Member Portal: unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
On the homepage, under “Important Links,” users can select the “Know Your UAN” option. This section provides the gateway to retrieving UAN information.
Verification Process
The portal requires entry of the employee’s registered mobile number, followed by a CAPTCHA code. Once submitted, an OTP (one-time password) is sent for verification.
After verification, users must provide personal information such as their name, date of birth, and either Aadhaar, PAN, or EPF Member ID. If the information matches EPFO’s records, the UAN is displayed on screen and may also be sent by SMS.
How to Activate and Use the UAN
Activation Process
After retrieving the number, employees must activate their UAN to access full services. On the same portal, the “Activate UAN” option allows users to set up credentials by providing UAN, Member ID, and identity details.
Once verified via OTP, employees create a password to log in. This activation enables secure access to provident fund records.
Services Available After Activation
With an active UAN, employees can:
- View and download their EPF passbook.
- Access linked Member IDs from different employers.
- Update KYC information such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details.
- Download a digital UAN card.
- Change or update mobile number and email on record.
According to financial advisors, these features enhance transparency and reduce reliance on employers for PF-related tasks.
Alternative Methods to Find UAN Details
Employees unable to access the portal may check their salary slips, as many organisations print UAN numbers on them. Alternatively, human resource departments can provide the number directly.
The EPFO’s services are also available on the government-backed UMANG mobile application, which allows users to retrieve and activate UAN, file claims, and access passbooks.
Why UAN Matters
Labour economists emphasise that the UAN has become a cornerstone of India’s formal retirement savings system. By consolidating multiple PF accounts, it reduces administrative delays and ensures employees retain control of their savings when changing jobs.
“The portability of UAN across employers ensures continuity of provident fund accounts, which is critical for long-term financial security,” said Dr. Ananya Gupta, a senior researcher at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.
Conclusion
The digitisation of provident fund services through the UAN has significantly eased access for millions of Indian workers. By following the step-by-step process on the EPFO portal, employees can secure their UAN details, activate their accounts, and manage retirement savings independently. The initiative reflects India’s broader move towards transparent, technology-enabled governance.
