UAN Full Form
UAN stands for Universal Account Number.
UAN Meaning
Universal Account Number is a 12-digit unique number issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labor and Employment. This number stays the same throughout an employee’s career, even if they change jobs multiple times.
Official UAN Definition
UAN Definition in Simple Words:
A clean, formal, widely accepted definition of Universal Account Number is:
Universal Account Number is a single identification number that connects all your EPF Member IDs created by different employers. Instead of managing multiple PF accounts, employees can track everything using one number.
Think of UAN as a parent account that holds all your PF records in one place.
What is UAN Number?
In formal HR/enterprise terms, it is defined as:
"The Universal Account Number is a 12-digit unique identification number allotted by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to every employee contributing to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). It enables centralized access, transfer, and management of multiple EPF accounts linked to an employee across different employers."
Why was UAN Introduced?
Before Universal Account Number, every time an employee changed jobs, a new PF number was issued. This created confusion, delays, and lost records.
Universal Account Number was introduced to:
- Link multiple PF accounts under one number
- Make PF transfers easier
- Reduce dependency on employers
- Improve transparency and control for employees
Who is Eligible for a Universal Account Number?
Any employee working in an organization covered under the EPF Act is assigned a Universal Account Number.
- Salaried Employees: Anyone contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).
- Contract Workers: Even contract-based employees are included as contributory members.
Where is Universal Account Number Used?
The UAN number is crucial for managing your Employee Provident Fund. Here’s where it comes into play:
- EPF Contributions: Both employees and employers use Universal Account Number to manage and track monthly EPF deposits.
- Online Services: Check your EPF balance, update KYC details, or track claims using the EPFO portal or UMANG app.
- Withdrawals and Transfers: Easily transfer or withdraw EPF funds when you change jobs.
How to Generate a UAN Number?
Generating your UAN is straightforward.
Step 1: Employer Registration: Employers register new employees on the EPFO portal and generate their UAN number.
Step 2: Activation: Once generated, employees can activate their Universal Account Number via the EPFO portal.
Step 3: Link EPF Accounts: After activation, link all your EPF accounts to your Universal Account Number for easier management.
How to Know Your UAN?
If you are unsure about your Universal Account Number, there are simple ways to know your UAN.
- Check your salary slip
- Ask your HR or employer
- Use the EPFO website
- Use Aadhaar or PAN on the EPFO portal
How to do UAN Login?
To manage your PF online, you need UAN login access.
Step 1: Visit the EPFO UAN portal
Step 2: Enter your UAN number
Step 3: Enter your password
Step 4: Fill in the captcha
Step 5: Click on Sign In
UAN Activation Process
If your Universal Account Number is not active, you must complete UAN activation.
Step 1: Go to the EPFO UAN portal
Step 2: Click on Activate UAN
Step 3: Enter Universal Account Number, Aadhaar, PAN, and mobile number
Step 3: Verify using OTP
Step 4: Create a password
After this, you can use UAN log in services easily.
UAN Password Change Process
If you forget your password or want to update it, Universal Account Number password change is simple.
Step 1: Visit the UAN login page
Step 2: Click on Forgot Password
Step 3: Enter your UAN number
Step 4: Verify using OTP
Step 5: Set a new password
What is a UAN Passbook?
The UAN Passbook shows your PF contribution details.
It includes:
- Monthly employee contribution
- Employer contribution
- Interest earned
- Total PF balance
How to Access UAN Passbook?
- Log in through UAN passbook login
- Use PF UAN login on the EPFO portal
How to do PF Balance Check with UAN Number?
You can do PF balance check with UAN number in multiple ways.
Method 1: EPFO Login Portal: Log in using your UAN number and password on the EPFO login member portal to view the balance.
Method 2: UMANG App: Use the UMANG app to access your EPF details linked to your Universal Account Number.
Method 3: SMS: Send “EPFOHO UAN ENG” to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number.
Method 4: Missed Call: Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number.
What is the UAN Member Portal?
The UAN member portal is the official EPFO platform for employees.
Services Available on UAN Member Portal:
- View PF balance
- Download UAN Passbook
- Update KYC details
- Apply for PF withdrawal
- Transfer PF accounts
- Download Universal Account Number card
EPFO Universal Account Number and PF Transfers
With EPFO Universal Account Number, PF transfers have become faster and more paperless.
When you join a new company:
- Share your UAN with the employer
- New PF account gets linked automatically
- Old balance transfers without manual forms
Is Universal Account Number the Same as EPF?
No.
- EPF is your savings account
- UAN is the number that links all EPF accounts
Every job creates a new EPF Member ID, but the Universal Account Number stays the same.
Why is UAN Important for Employees?
Universal Account Number gives employees control over their retirement savings.
- No dependence on past employers
- Full transparency of PF deposits
- Easy access anytime, anywhere
- Secure and government-backed system
Why is UAN Important for Employers?
Universal Account Number makes it easier for employers to manage PF work smoothly.
- Easy PF registration for new employees
- Less paperwork and manual follow ups
- Simple PF contribution and filing process
- Quick verification of employee PF details
- Better compliance with EPFO rules
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know PF balance?
You can know your PF balance through the EPFO UAN portal, the UMANG app, the missed call service, or the SMS service. These options show your latest PF balance and contribution details once your Universal Account Number is active.
How to check my PF balance?
To check your PF balance, your UAN must be activated and linked with your mobile number. After that, you can log in to the EPFO portal or use the missed call or SMS facility to view your PF balance.
How to check PF balance with UAN number?
You can check PF balance with UAN number by logging in to the EPFO member portal using your Universal Account Number and password. After login, you can view your UAN Passbook which shows employee contribution, employer contribution, and interest earned.
How to activate UAN no?
To activate your UAN number, visit the EPFO UAN portal and click on Activate UAN. Enter your Universal Account Number, Aadhaar or PAN, and mobile number. After OTP verification, set your password and your Universal Account Number will be activated.
How to know PF balance by SMS?
To know PF balance by SMS, send EPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number. You will receive an SMS with your PF balance and last contribution details.
How to check UAN balance?
Universal Account Number balance refers to the PF balance linked to your Universal Account Number. You can check it by logging in to the EPFO portal, using the UMANG app, or giving a missed call from your registered mobile number.
What is my UAN number?
Your UAN number is a 12-digit unique number given by EPFO. You can find it on your salary slip, by contacting your HR or employer, or through the EPFO portal using your Aadhaar or PAN details.
How to create a UAN ID?
Employees cannot create a Universal Account Number ID themselves. The employer generates the Universal Account Number when an employee joins the company. After that, the employee must activate the UAN on the EPFO portal to start using it.
What is this number 9966044425?
The number 9966044425 is the official EPFO missed call number. When you give a missed call from your registered mobile number, the call disconnects automatically and you receive an SMS with your PF balance and last contribution details. Your Universal Account Number must be activated to use this service.
What are the requirements to use the PF balance enquiry service?
To use the PF balance enquiry service through missed call or SMS, your Universal Account Number should be activated and your mobile number should be linked with Universal Account Number. Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details should also be verified for smooth access.
Can I withdraw 100% PF amount?
Yes, you can withdraw 100 percent of your PF amount if you meet EPFO rules such as retirement or remaining unemployed for more than two months. PF withdrawal can be done online through the EPFO portal using your UAN login.
