How UAN Simplifies Job Changes: Insights from a Recent EPFO Session on KYC Process

Universal Account Number (UAN) Allotment by EPFO

The allotment of a Universal Account Number (UAN) to every contributing member by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made switching jobs while retaining the same Provident Fund (PF) account easier. Previously, transferring the PF account from one employer to another after changing jobs was a lengthy process, often resulting in the withdrawal of PF amounts and preventing the funds from accumulating. To address this issue, the PF department is now assigning a UAN to all participating employees, ensuring that the UAN remains the same for an individual throughout their employment.

Facilitation Session for UAN and KYC Process

Under the supervision of Regional PF Commissioners, RC (I), (II), Assistant PF Commissioners, and all officers, a facilitation session was held at the PF office to explain the process of uploading the newly allotted UAN along with the KYC details of individual employees. This session provided valuable new insights and was overall a positive experience.

Go through the EPFO website; there is a separate link for UAN. Download the user manual for members as well as for employers. You will get all the information you need.

Employer's Responsibility for UAN Allotment

Initially, the employer's responsibility is to collect any one document from the following list from employees:
1. PAN card copy
2. Bank passbook copy
3. Cancelled Cheque
4. Passport copy
5. Aadhar copy
6. Election Voter ID copy

Employers should fill in the KYC details for the existing members. The UAN number will be allotted from the Delhi office after completing the KYC formalities by the employer.

Start preparing for KYC.

Regards,
Arun J.

First, log in to the Online Transfer Claim Portal (OTCP) for Employers platform. Here, you will find an option to download under UAN, and there is a list of employees along with their names and UANs. Please copy it to a spreadsheet (Excel) and prepare the sheet containing the nature of the document and their numbers, i.e., if it's a bank account, then A/C No. and IFSC code or the PAN. After filling in all the details, we need to upload the same with the conversion of the Excel sheet to a notepad.

Regards,
Deependra

I am working in a PSU in the HR department for three years. I have a query regarding UAN. I am thinking of switching jobs to another PSU without showing my past experience since I will not get an NOC. The company I am presently in has already switched to UAN. Is it possible to withdraw my PF, close the previous account, and create a new UAN number with the new employer? If it is possible, will the new employer come to know about my past experience? Please guide.

Regards,
Debismitha

Debismitha, did you find a solution to your problem because I am facing the same issue. The only difference is that I worked for nine months in a private company.

Yes, you can withdraw and create a new UAN number. The consequences of this action will be that you will become a fresh candidate for EPFO, and the number of years you have contributed towards your pension will become zero.

Hi,

As per the rule, if you are switching jobs, you have to carry forward your existing PF account along with your UAN number. Although you can withdraw your PF, since things are now online, once your details are entered into the system, it will reflect your previous information, and your declaration that this is your new job might be traced.