EPF UAN: Do I Need To Create New UAN For Every Job Change? EPFO Answers

If you’re changing jobs, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has an important reminder. You don’t need to apply for a new Universal Account Number (UAN) when you switch employers. The EPFO clarified that each employee is allowed only one UAN, which stays the same even when changing jobs.
"Employees are not required to generate a new UAN when leaving their old employment. A member cannot have more than one UAN. There is no requirement for having a fresh UAN at all, in any case of unemployment or change of employment," tweeted EPFO.
 

What is UAN and Why It Matters

UAN is a unique 12-digit number that tracks your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contributions across different employers. It remains unchanged throughout your career, making it easier to manage your retirement savings.  "It is important to activate your UAN to enjoy the services of EPFO such as PF, Pension, Insurance, and most importantly, the Employment Linked Incentive!" tweeted EPFO.

Deadline for Aadhaar-Based UAN Activation

EPFO has also announced that employers must complete Aadhaar-based UAN activation for all their employees by November 30, 2024. This is crucial for employees to access EPFO’s services, including Provident Fund (PF), Pension, Insurance, and Employment Linked Incentives.

How UAN Activation Helps Employees

Once UAN is activated, employees can use EPFO’s online services to manage their PF accounts, download passbooks, submit claims for withdrawals, advances, or transfers, update personal details, and track claims in real time.  New joiners are required to complete the process of UAN activation through Aadhaar-based OTP for all their employees joining in the current financial year by 30th November 2024