Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit number allotted by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to every employee having a provident fund account. This number allotted to an employee remains the same throughout the time irrespective of the change in job. When an employee changes jobs, EPFO allots a new member identification number of the EPF account ID, which is linked to the UAN. Many times people get multiple PF accounts due to change of jobs. Normally every employer opens his own separate PF account. EPFO has started this facility that if you want, you can merge two accounts.
First way
You have to inform your current employer or write to EPF to block the previous UAN and transfer the existing balance to the active UAN. The employee has to file a claim to transfer the EPF account to the active account linked with the blocked UAN. To resolve this issue, EPFO will conduct a verification. Send an email to uanepf@epfindia.gov.in with your current and previous UAN.
Another way
Click on Request for Transfer to file a transfer claim online. There, enter the captcha and get the PIN. After entering the PIN, the online claim application can be submitted. It will be deactivated after the identification process is complete. Once the UAN is deactivated automatically, the old EPF account will be linked with the new UAN. You will receive an SMS informing you about the deactivation status of the old UAN.
Reasons for getting two UAN
Employee does not reveal his previous number – When an employee changes his job, he should give his previous UAN and PF account number. If he does not provide this information, the new employer opens his new account. Previous Institute/Company not mentioning the date of leaving – Your previous institution/company should mention the date of leaving the job in the electronic challan and return. If this information is not provided at the right time, the new company assigns a new number to the employee.
