As individuals transition between jobs, they often accrue multiple Universal Account Numbers ( UAN s) from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Bringing together these disparate UANs into a single entity is crucial to mitigate potential setbacks. The UAN, a distinctive 12-digit identifier bestowed upon by the EPFO, ideally remains constant throughout one’s career, irrespective of job shifts.
Reasons Behind Multiple UANs The issuance of a new UAN can stem from various scenarios. For instance, if a former employer fails to furnish the Member ID and UAN during job transition, the new employer may assign a fresh UAN and EPF account . Additionally, discrepancies like the omission of the final working day in the Electronic Challan and Return (ECR) by the previous employer might prompt the new organization to issue a new UAN to the employee.
Consolidating EPF Accounts with UAN Leveraging the Universal Account Number (UAN), individuals can amalgamate their numerous EPF accounts into a unified entity. By furnishing the UAN to the new employer during EPF account registration at a fresh workplace, funds from previous employer accounts can seamlessly transition to the new one upon establishment. Nonetheless, if a new UAN is generated by the new organization, it becomes imperative to merge all UANs into a solitary entity, as highlighted in an ET report.
Steps to Merge Multiple UANs Online
Embark on the consolidation journey by adhering to these steps:Visit the Member Sewa portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.inNavigate to the ‘Online Services’ tab and select ‘One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request).’Scrutinize your personal particulars and current EPF account information, delineating the destination for the transfer.To initiate the transfer of the erstwhile account, secure attestation from either the previous or present employer. Opting for attestation from the present employer expedites the processing. Input the old member ID (comprising the previous PF account number or UAN) and click ‘Get Details’ to peruse your antecedent EPF account particulars. Procure the one-time password (OTP) by clicking ‘Get OTP’ and enter it upon receipt on your registered mobile number to proceed further.
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Upon successful completion of these steps, your request for merging EPF accounts will be duly submitted. Subsequently, your current employer must endorse the merger request. Once sanctioned, EPFO authorities will undertake the processing and consolidation of your previous EPF accounts into the existing one. Continuously monitor the portal to stay abreast of updates pertaining to the merger status.
Key Reminders It’s imperative to ensure that your former EPF accounts adhere to the Know Your Customer (KYC) prerequisites for online request submission. In case of multiple old EPF accounts, each merger request necessitates individual submission.
Alternatively, you can communicate your existing and new UANs via email to [email protected]. The EPFO will validate the provided information to facilitate resolution. Subsequently, your previous UAN will be rendered inactive, while the current UAN remains operational. Following this, you must submit a claim to transfer the EPF account associated with the deactivated UAN to the new active account.
