Universal Account Number (UAN) Meaning, Definition & Activation

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit identifier assigned by India’s Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to EPF members. In essence, it helps streamline and track provident fund contributions throughout an employee’s career.

If an individual already possesses a Universal Account Number (UAN), they must disclose it to the new employer when joining the organization. Thus, it allows the employer to link the newly assigned Member Identification Number (Member ID) to the existing UAN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.	What is a UAN?
Ans.	The Universal Account Number (UAN) meaning refers to a unique 12-digit identifier assigned to employees enrolled in the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). Moreover, it serves as a central link for all PF accounts an employee holds across different jobs. No matter how often you change employers, your UAN remains the same. Thus, this makes it easy to manage all your EPF accounts under a universal PF number.
Q2.	How do I generate my UAN number?
Ans.	Generally, the employer generates the universal account number when a new employee joins the organization. However, if the employer hasn’t done so, employees can generate it themselves through the EPFO portal. Here’s how this can be done: 1. First, visit the EPFO Member Portal. 2. Then, click on “Direct UAN Allotment by Employees.” 3. Enter your Aadhaar, PAN, and mobile number to generate your universal account number instantly. You may also be required to fill out Form 11 EPFO during the process.
Q3.	How can I check my EPF balance using UAN?
Ans.	To view your EPF balance using your universal account number, you need to do EPFO login on the EPFO UAN portal. First, go to the “View” tab and click on “Passbook” to perform a universal account number balance check. Then, you’ll be able to see a detailed record of all Provident Fund transactions, including contributions, withdrawals, and the interest earned.
Q4.	How can I activate my UAN online?
Ans.	To activate your account, visit your employer or the nearest EPFO office. Provide essential documents like your Aadhaar and PAN. After that, EPFO officials will guide you through the activation process and help you complete it smoothly. Thus, universal account number activation will be done.
Q5.	Can I use my mobile to activate UAN?
Ans.	Yes, you can use your mobile phone to activate it. For this, you need to access the UAN portal via a mobile browser or download the UMANG app. Then, tap on the “Activate UAN” option, enter your details, and verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to complete the process.
Q6.	What if I change jobs? Do I get a new UAN?
Ans.	No, you don’t get a new number when you change jobs. Also, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) assigns you a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) under the EPF scheme. Generally, it remains the same throughout your career, regardless of how many times you switch employers. Therefore, instead of generating a new universal account number, your new employer will link a fresh EPFO Member ID to your existing number.
Q7.	Can I link all my old PF accounts with one UAN?
Ans.	Yes, you can link all your old Provident Fund (PF) accounts to a single Universal Account Number (UAN) through UAN linking. Make sure to complete your KYC update to ensure a smooth connection of all accounts under your unique universal account number.
Q8.	How is UAN different from a PF account number?
Ans.	The UAN is a 12-digit unique number assigned by EPFO to each employee. It acts as a master ID to manage multiple PF accounts across different jobs. Notably, the PF account number is specific to each employer and employee. Thus, every time you change jobs, a new PF account number is created, but your universal account number remains the same.
Q9.	How do I check my UAN passbook?
Ans.	To access your universal account number passbook, visit the EPFO office or contact your employer. Particularly, you need to submit a request, and EPFO officials will help you retrieve it.