
What is a UAN Number?
Posted on Thursday, March 20th, 2025 | By IndusInd Bank
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique identifier given to every employee who is a part of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in India. For the uninitiated, EPF is a retirement savings scheme where both the employee and employer contribute a portion of the salary each month. The UAN is a crucial number that helps in the effective management of a member’s EPF account.
Here’s an in-depth look at what the UAN number is, its benefits, how to find it, and more.
Understanding the UAN in Detail
- The UAN or Universal Account Number is a 12-digit unique number. It is assigned to every employee enrolled under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).
- When you join a new organisation, they open a new PF account and assign you a new member ID. Both are linked to your UAN, and they change when you switch jobs.
- The UAN acts as a single account number that links multiple member IDs and EPF accounts that an individual receives from different employers.
- The UAN remains constant throughout an employee’s career, even if they switch jobs.
Features and Benefits of the UAN
Now that you know what the UAN number is, let’s look at its features and benefits:
1. Tracking across Multiple EPF accounts
The UAN consolidates all EPF accounts of an employee under one umbrella. This makes it easier to track contributions, transfers, and withdrawals across different jobs.
2. Accessing Online Services
With a UAN, employees can access various online services. They can view and download their EPF passbook, update their KYC details, apply for PF or EPS withdrawals, track EPF claim status, and more.
3. Reducing Dependency
Thanks to the UAN, an employee does not have to depend on their employers for managing EPF accounts. They can access and manage their accounts online on their own.
4. Porting EPF accounts
Employees can transfer their EPF balance from one employer to another using their UAN.
How to Find Your UAN?
Now, let’s see how to find the UAN number through various methods:
1. Reach Out to Your Employer
Your employer is the one who assigns and communicates your UAN. You can ask the HR department or the payroll team for your UAN details.
2. Check Your Salary Slip
Many organisations include the UAN on the salary slip. Check your most recent salary slip to know your UAN.
3. Visit the EPFO Portal
Here’s how to find your UAN number by visiting the EPFO portal
- Go to the EPFO website.
- Click on the ‘Know Your UAN’ under the ‘Important Links’ section.
- Enter your mobile number and captcha for verification.
- Enter your PF number or member ID and other required details.
Your UAN will be displayed on the screen.
How to Activate UAN?
Once you know your UAN, you need to activate it to access various online services.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the EPFO member portal.
- Click on ‘Activate UAN’ under the ‘Important Links’ section.
- Enter your UAN, member ID, and other required details and tick the consent box.
- Review your details and agree to submit.
- You will receive an OTP on the mobile number registered with the portal.
- Enter the OTP to complete the activation process.
After activation, you can log in using your UAN and password to manage your EPF account online.
Also Read: Importance of Saving Money from an Early Stage
Conclusion
It is crucial to know your UAN to manage your EPF in a hassle-free manner and make the correct decisions regarding your retirement savings.
To complement your financial journey, consider opening a Savings Account with IndusInd Bank. We offer a range of features designed to help you save and grow your money, including attractive interest rates, convenient online banking, auto-sweep deposits, and much more.
Open a Savings Account online now and start banking with us!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your circumstances. Hence, you are advised to consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision. IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) does not influence the views of the author in any way. IBL and the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for making any financial decisions based on the contents and information.