The overhaul is aimed at delivering faster, more reliable and secure services for stakeholders, according to the EPFO.
One of the key changes is that members can no longer activate their Universal Account Number (UAN) or generate a new UAN through the EPFO portal. Both services have now been shifted to the government’s UMANG app and require Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT).
UAN activation moves to UMANG
The option to activate a UAN on the Unified Member Portal has been removed. Members must now use the UMANG app by selecting EPFO Services and choosing “UAN Activation” under “UAN Services Through Face Auth” to complete the process.
New UAN generation no longer available on portal
EPFO has also discontinued direct UAN allotment through the portal. Users looking to generate a new UAN must do so via the UMANG app by selecting “UAN Allotment and Activation” under “UAN Services Through Face Auth”, with Aadhaar-based Face Authentication.
Existing PF members can still obtain a UAN
Users who already have a Provident Fund account but have not been assigned a UAN can still obtain one. They need to verify their registered mobile number, provide the required member details and complete the process to link a newly generated UAN to their existing PF account.
Simpler UAN retrieval
The upgraded portal also introduces a streamlined UAN retrieval process. Members need to enter their registered mobile number, upload the required identity or address proof, and verify the OTP sent to their phone to retrieve their UAN.
Death claim service remains on the portal
The facility for filing death claims, including pension-related claims, continues to be available through the Unified Member Portal.
Before submitting a claim, beneficiaries should ensure that their Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active and that bank account details are ready. Required documents include the member’s death certificate, bank account proof such as a cancelled cheque or passbook, and proof of the beneficiary’s date of birth, where applicable.
EPFO said only PDF documents can be uploaded, with each file limited to 2 MB, and file names must not contain spaces.
What is the UMANG app?
The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app is the government’s digital platform that enables users to access EPFO services on their smartphones without visiting an EPFO office. It now serves as the primary platform for UAN activation and generation using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication.
