How to merge two UAN numbers

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique identifier issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to each employee contributing to the EPF scheme. Ideally, an employee should have only one UAN throughout their career. According to EPFO regulations, having more than one UAN is prohibited and must be rectified immediately.

However, multiple factors, such as switching jobs, employer errors, or previous incomplete registrations, may result in the allotment of two UAN numbers for the same employee.

Having multiple UANs can create confusion in managing provident fund contributions, tracking balances, and making withdrawals. Understanding how to merge two UAN numbers is crucial for every EPF member. Merging two UAN numbers into a single account is essential for smooth EPF management.

Let us explain why multiple UANs occur, how to merge two UAN numbers online, the steps to unify UAN numbers, and how to complete the entire process online.

Reasons for allotment of two UANs

Receiving more than one UAN number is more common than many employees realise. Some of the key reasons include:

• Job change or multiple employers: Each time an employee joins a new organisation, the employer may mistakenly generate a new UAN instead of using the existing one. This is particularly common when the previous employer did not activate the old UAN.
• Data entry errors by employers: Typographical mistakes in employee details, such as name, date of birth, or Aadhaar number, can lead the EPFO system to generate a new UAN.
• Incomplete previous registrations: If an employee started a PF account in the past but did not complete KYC or activation, a new UAN may be issued by the new employer.
• Multiple EPF Accounts: Freelancers or employees working for different establishments simultaneously may inadvertently end up with more than one UAN due to overlapping contributions.
• Unlinked Aadhaar or PAN details: If the employee’s Aadhaar/PAN was not linked properly with the old UAN, the system may fail to recognise the existing account and generate a new UAN.
• System migration issues at EPFO: During EPFO database upgrades or system migration, duplicate UANs may be created for the same employee due to mismatched or incomplete historical records.

Understanding the reason behind merging multiple UANs helps employees and employers resolve the issue efficiently.

What to do if you have two UANs allotted?

If you find yourself linking two UAN accounts, it is crucial to merge multiple UANs to avoid discrepancies in EPF contributions and withdrawals. There are two main methods for merging two UAN numbers:

Method 1: Through an employer request or an email request to EPFO

You can transfer EPF to a single UAN by following the steps mentioned below:

1. To initiate the UAN number merger process, inform your employer or contact the EPFO. The employer will update the EPFO. Inform them that you possess two UANs and request that they help you deactivate the older one.

2. You can email at uanepf@epfindia.gov.in. Clearly mention both the current and previous UAN numbers, along with all your personal details, without leaving out anything.

3. The request will be checked by the team at EPFO. They will block the duplicate UAN and keep your current UAN active.

4. Later on, you must transfer the balance in the EPF account. You can file a claim for transferring the amount from the blocked UAN to an active account.

Keep in mind, this process can take some time, and the responses may not be immediate. But it is effective.

Method 2: Through the EPFO Portal

Finally, all your PF accounts will be consolidated under a single UAN. You can request a UAN merger on the EPFO portal by following the process mentioned below:

1. Go to the official website of the EPFO, which is https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/.

2. Sign in with your UAN and password. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it on this page.

3. Log in, locate, and click on the “One Member – One EPF Account” link; a new window will open for you to merge the accounts.

4. Following that, fill in your UAN, your registered mobile number, and other details if asked for.

5. Click on ‘Generate OTP.’ You will receive a one-time password on your mobile phone. Enter the OTP for verification.

6. Once verified, a new page will appear. Enter the details of your old EPF accounts that you want to merge.

7. Review all information, check the declaration box, and click ‘Submit.’ Your request will be processed.

Importance of merging two UAN numbers

Merging multiple UAN numbers is essential for several reasons:

• Accurate EPF tracking: A single UAN ensures that all contributions are consolidated under one account.
• Ease of withdrawals and transfers: With one UAN, managing PF transfers during job changes becomes seamless.
• Avoiding errors: Prevents misallocation of funds and discrepancies in your PF balance.
• Simplified online services: Features like EPF passbook, online claims, and UAN activation work efficiently with a single UAN.
• Improved KYC management: Having a single UAN allows you to update Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details without duplication issues.
• Better transparency: It gives you a clear, unified view of your PF savings and service history across all jobs.

How to merge two UAN numbers online?

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) makes it simple for employees to merge two UAN numbers online through the unified member portal. This facility is especially useful for individuals who have changed jobs frequently and ended up with multiple UANs and want to deactivate their old UAN numbers.

To know how to merge 2 UAN numbers, the complete online process follows:

1. Visit the EPFO portal: Go to the EPFO Member portal at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.

2. Login with active UAN: Enter your active UAN, password, and captcha code to sign in.

3. Navigate to Online Services: Go to the 'Online Services' section and click on the option 'One Member – One EPF Account.'

4. Verify personal details: Check whether your personal information displayed on the next screen is correct.

5. Get PF details: Now, click 'Get Details' to display PF details related to both UANs.

6. Verify via OTP: If it is fine, click on 'Get OTP.' Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click 'Submit.'

7. Fill Form 13: Now, fill in Form 13 with all the PF details of your previous and current employers. This is a required form for transferring.

8. Track request status: Upon submission, you get a Tracking ID—keep track of it to get the status of your transfer.

9. Submit to employer: Print Form 13 and sign it. Submit it to your present employer within ten days.

10. Await approval: After that, both employers will verify the information. If everything is right, they will approve the request, and the transfer of your EPF will be finished.

This online process is quick, reduces paperwork, and ensures error-free transfers. However, your KYC details (Aadhaar, PAN, Bank Account) must match across both UANs and are verified on the EPFO portal. Any mismatch may delay or reject your merger request. Additionally, ensure your UAN is activated and your Aadhaar is linked before initiating the online merger process.

Conclusion

Having multiple UAN numbers can be confusing when managing your EPF account. By following the steps to merge two UAN numbers, employees can consolidate all PF Accounts under a single UAN, ensuring smooth tracking, withdrawals, and online access.

Whether you raise a request through your employer or send an email to EPFO, or through the EPFO portal, merging UANs is a straightforward process that safeguards your provident fund contributions and simplifies financial planning for the future. The online method through the 'One Member – One EPF Account' portal provides the most efficient way to complete this process.

EPFO UAN consolidation helps in avoiding duplication of accounts and ensures accurate interest calculation on your Provident Fund balance. It also reduces the chances of delays in claim settlements and fund transfers. Ultimately, merging UANs brings clarity, convenience, and complete control over your EPF savings.

Also Read: Guide to link your Aadhaar with EPFO

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes. The views expressed in this article are personal. Axis Bank and/or the author shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader arising from reliance on the content herein. Readers are advised to consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Axis Bank does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any third-party content or links included in this article.