Consolidating EPF Balances with UAN
EPFO provides an option to consolidate all your EPF balances which are lying in different member IDs. All contributions made in the past into EPF while in previous jobs can be transferred to the present employer's member ID, thus making things less complicated for future reference. Salaried individuals often tend to switch companies, and the change in employers can make it difficult to remember and track the total provident fund balance. However, there's a way you can keep yourself easily informed and also consolidate your EPF amount.
Understanding UAN
The EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) offers a 12-digit unique number known as UAN (Universal Account Number) that can be activated online to keep track of your account details. UAN acts as an umbrella for multiple member IDs. Member IDs are assigned by the EPFO to the registered companies, which helps companies to contribute towards the employee's EPF balance. Just like a bank's passbook, the total EPF amount in your account can be viewed through the "e-passbook" link on the EPFO website. However, the problem is that for every member ID, the balances are shown separately.
The Process of Consolidation
Notice that the EPF balance of three different jobs is provided through three different links, and if total holdings are to be calculated, you would have to add the balances of these three separate member IDs. It's always better to have your total EPF holdings displayed in a single window. This would present a better picture of your financial health, especially for schemes like EPF, which are meant for long-term investments. The primary objective of EPF is to accumulate money in the EPF account, which can be used in the sunny days of retirement.
One Member - One EPF Account
The work is made simpler by the improved online service provided by the EPFO through the "One Member - One EPF account" option located in its online services menu. Simply put, this is a transfer request. Through a transfer request, all EPF balances against different member IDs are consolidated into one single (present) EPF account. However, an online transfer request is accepted by the EPFO only when the below criteria are met:
- KYC details are linked with the UAN (Universal Account Number).
- Only one transfer request against the previous member ID can be accepted.
- If previous/present bank account and IFS code are available.
- Personal information shown at the time of transferring is authenticated.
The EPFO website auto-populates your personal information, which consists of Name, Mobile number, Email, Bank account number, IFSC, and Aadhar number. If any of the constituents of personal information are not correct, then the same should be first edited and verified in the EPFO records. The tab below the personal information displays the details of the present account into which the transfer will be made. This is the most important tab as it contains details of where your money would be moved. UAN, Employer name, Date Of Joining, Member Name, Father's Name, PF account number, Date of Birth, and Company's Address are constituents of this tab. Cross-check these details carefully before proceeding further.
Steps to Complete the Transfer Request
Once details are verified, it's time to go ahead with the transfer request. This can be completed by following two simple steps.
Step 1: Select Details of Previous Accounts
To make things easier, EPFO provides a GET MID button which pulls the information of previous employers. Simply select the previous employers that need to be consolidated.
Step 2: Authenticating Request Through OTP
The last step is to authenticate the transfer request using a One Time Password (OTP). Once you click on the "Get OTP" option, you would receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. On submitting the received OTP, your transfer request is complete. At your end, the only thing left to do is to submit a copy of the transfer request to the administration department of your current employer. A PDF copy of the request made can be downloaded from the "track claim status" option provided by the EPFO in the online services menu. You can expect the balances to be consolidated within 20 days.
Handling Multiple UAN Numbers
It's also possible that EPF members may have more than one UAN number. This situation can arise due to two reasons. First, while joining a new job, the member did not disclose their existing UAN number. Instead, they opted for a new EPF account. Secondly, this could be because of not filing the "Date of Exit" by your previous employer in ECR (Electronic Challan cum Return) filing, or you have applied for a transfer of service in your current establishment. Having multiple UAN numbers creates a problem while claiming the EPF balance as the PF office would consider the active account only at the time of settlement. In such a case, you should report the matter to your employer and drop an email to [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]. Mention both your current UAN and your previous UAN(s). After due verification, the previous UAN(s) allotted will be blocked, and the current UAN will be kept active. Later, you will be required to submit a claim to get the transfer of service and funds to the current UAN.
Regards, Sumit Kumar Saxena
Location: Ghaziabad, India
From India, Ghaziabad
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256EPFO provides an option to consolidate all your EPF balances which are lying in different member IDs. All contributions made in the past into EPF while in previous jobs can be transferred to the present employer's member ID, thus making things less complicated for future reference. Salaried individuals often tend to switch companies, and the change in employers can make it difficult to remember and track the total provident fund balance. However, there's a way you can keep yourself easily informed and also consolidate your EPF amount.
Understanding UAN
The EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) offers a 12-digit unique number known as UAN (Universal Account Number) that can be activated online to keep track of your account details. UAN acts as an umbrella for multiple member IDs. Member IDs are assigned by the EPFO to the registered companies, which helps companies to contribute towards the employee's EPF balance. Just like a bank's passbook, the total EPF amount in your account can be viewed through the "e-passbook" link on the EPFO website. However, the problem is that for every member ID, the balances are shown separately.
The Process of Consolidation
Notice that the EPF balance of three different jobs is provided through three different links, and if total holdings are to be calculated, you would have to add the balances of these three separate member IDs. It's always better to have your total EPF holdings displayed in a single window. This would present a better picture of your financial health, especially for schemes like EPF, which are meant for long-term investments. The primary objective of EPF is to accumulate money in the EPF account, which can be used in the sunny days of retirement.
One Member - One EPF Account
The work is made simpler by the improved online service provided by the EPFO through the "One Member - One EPF account" option located in its online services menu. Simply put, this is a transfer request. Through a transfer request, all EPF balances against different member IDs are consolidated into one single (present) EPF account. However, an online transfer request is accepted by the EPFO only when the below criteria are met:
- KYC details are linked with the UAN (Universal Account Number).
- Only one transfer request against the previous member ID can be accepted.
- If previous/present bank account and IFS code are available.
- Personal information shown at the time of transferring is authenticated.
The EPFO website auto-populates your personal information, which consists of Name, Mobile number, Email, Bank account number, IFSC, and Aadhar number. If any of the constituents of personal information are not correct, then the same should be first edited and verified in the EPFO records. The tab below the personal information displays the details of the present account into which the transfer will be made. This is the most important tab as it contains details of where your money would be moved. UAN, Employer name, Date Of Joining, Member Name, Father's Name, PF account number, Date of Birth, and Company's Address are constituents of this tab. Cross-check these details carefully before proceeding further.
Steps to Complete the Transfer Request
Once details are verified, it's time to go ahead with the transfer request. This can be completed by following two simple steps.
Step 1: Select Details of Previous Accounts
To make things easier, EPFO provides a GET MID button which pulls the information of previous employers. Simply select the previous employers that need to be consolidated.
Step 2: Authenticating Request Through OTP
The last step is to authenticate the transfer request using a One Time Password (OTP). Once you click on the "Get OTP" option, you would receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. On submitting the received OTP, your transfer request is complete. At your end, the only thing left to do is to submit a copy of the transfer request to the administration department of your current employer. A PDF copy of the request made can be downloaded from the "track claim status" option provided by the EPFO in the online services menu. You can expect the balances to be consolidated within 20 days.
Handling Multiple UAN Numbers
It's also possible that EPF members may have more than one UAN number. This situation can arise due to two reasons. First, while joining a new job, the member did not disclose their existing UAN number. Instead, they opted for a new EPF account. Secondly, this could be because of not filing the "Date of Exit" by your previous employer in ECR (Electronic Challan cum Return) filing, or you have applied for a transfer of service in your current establishment. Having multiple UAN numbers creates a problem while claiming the EPF balance as the PF office would consider the active account only at the time of settlement. In such a case, you should report the matter to your employer and drop an email to [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]. Mention both your current UAN and your previous UAN(s). After due verification, the previous UAN(s) allotted will be blocked, and the current UAN will be kept active. Later, you will be required to submit a claim to get the transfer of service and funds to the current UAN.
Regards, Sumit Kumar Saxena
Location: Ghaziabad, India
From India, Ghaziabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
To transfer your provident fund balance from your previous office to your current employer's member ID, follow these steps:
1. Activate and Link UAN: Ensure your UAN (Universal Account Number) is activated and linked to your KYC details, including your bank account and IFSC code.
2. Consolidate EPF Balances: Log in to the EPFO website and navigate to the "One Member - One EPF Account" option in the online services menu.
3. Initiate Transfer Request:
- Select the previous accounts you want to transfer by using the "GET MID" button to fetch information.
- Verify personal details and the present account information where the transfer will be made.
4. Authenticate Request:
- Request an OTP for authentication, which will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Submit the OTP to complete the transfer request.
5. Submit Transfer Request: Download a PDF copy of the transfer request from the "track claim status" option and submit it to your current employer's administration department.
6. Resolve Multiple UAN Issues: If you have multiple UAN numbers, report the matter to your employer and email
with details of all UANs. After verification, redundant UANs will be blocked, and your active UAN will be retained for future transactions.
By following these steps, you can consolidate your EPF balances and ensure a seamless transfer of your provident fund balance to your current employer's account.
From India, Gurugram
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1. Activate and Link UAN: Ensure your UAN (Universal Account Number) is activated and linked to your KYC details, including your bank account and IFSC code.
2. Consolidate EPF Balances: Log in to the EPFO website and navigate to the "One Member - One EPF Account" option in the online services menu.
3. Initiate Transfer Request:
- Select the previous accounts you want to transfer by using the "GET MID" button to fetch information.
- Verify personal details and the present account information where the transfer will be made.
4. Authenticate Request:
- Request an OTP for authentication, which will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Submit the OTP to complete the transfer request.
5. Submit Transfer Request: Download a PDF copy of the transfer request from the "track claim status" option and submit it to your current employer's administration department.
6. Resolve Multiple UAN Issues: If you have multiple UAN numbers, report the matter to your employer and email
By following these steps, you can consolidate your EPF balances and ensure a seamless transfer of your provident fund balance to your current employer's account.
From India, Gurugram
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Activation of UAN - EPF Members - Circular.pdf
EPF-Provident-F und-Calculator. xlsx