The Universal Account Number (UAN) is an identification number assigned to both a person and his/her respective employer which enables both to contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). It is a 12- digit number issued by the MoEL (Ministry of Employment and Labour) in collaboration with EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization).
The employee and employer are allotted two separate UANs which remain the same throughout a person’s career and the company’s lifecycle respectively. Even if the employee happens to change jobs, UAN remains the same. The only update that takes place in case of job change is a new member identification number is assigned to the UAN of the employee.
Being employed is not mandate in order to generate UAN registration. People who are not working can also raise a request for member ID by the means of direct membership.
UAN ATTRIBUTES AND BENEFITS
It centralizes the employee data at a single master database and simplifies the verification process as necessitated by EPFO.
Ease of PF fund transfer from old to the new account.
It comes with a feature to access your PF statement over your phone as and when required (for visa or loan etc.)
It has eased the information access so much so that both you and your employer can check the information regarding your PF account by logging into the portal with the credentials required.
Withdrawal requests and submissions are also made hasslefree for both the parties.
With UAN, KYC details are also centralized for any further use.
Prompt check into PF balance
It comes with a feature to use it through the mobile phone. All you need to do is drop in an SMS by your linked number to the UAN service manager.
UAN is independent of employers you have. This is an employee’s identification number.
Being linked to your KYC, you have access to the account. It is a great security feature.
You can log in and check if your employer is sincerely contributing towards your PF.
With the ease of information access, you can always update your details as and when required.
There are mobile apps available for PF related information and usage. Also, the monthly contribution is updated via SMS on the registered mobile number.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Following documents will be required to generate UAN activation;
Bank account number, bank name, IFSC code
Identity proof like driving license, Aadhar card, passport, voter id etc.
Residence proof like Aadhar card, passport, rent agreement, utility bill etc.
PAN card
Aadhar card
ESIC card if applicable
Note: If by any chance, the employer does not generate your UAN and still makes a contribution towards your PF, you can always log into the UAN portal and create your own account. By doing so you can keep a check on employer’s contributions as well.