Linking Your Old EPF Account to UAN for Seamless Retirement Planning

Transitioning from the older Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account to the more contemporary Unified Account Number (UAN) system can be a straightforward process, ensuring that your retirement savings are always accessible and linked to your current needs. This guide will walk you through the steps to link your old EPF account to your UAN, making sure that your savings stay with you throughout your career.

Understanding the EPF-UAN Transfer Process

To transfer your previous EPF account to your current or latest UAN number, follow these steps:

Transferring the Old EPF Account: It is possible to transfer your previous EPF account to your current UAN by linking the accounts. This process ensures that your savings remain accessible and up-to-date. UAN Allotment: If direct transfer is not possible, you can create a UAN number for your old EPF account using the option 'UAN allotment for existing PF account.' This allows you to manage your account with a UAN and then later surrender any one of your UANs, if needed.

Activating Your UAN

Once you have your UAN, the next step is to activate it on the UAN portal. The UAN is essentially a unique identifier assigned to your EPF account, and activation allows you to access and manage your savings more efficiently.

Your UAN comprises of four components: state PF office, employer ID, and employee ID. It is possible that you may have the employer or employee ID but not the first two. A simple hit-and-trial approach or seeking help from colleagues can help you find the correct UAN linked to your old PF number.

To activate your UAN:

Completing the Transfer for Deactivated or Inactive PF Accounts

When UAN became compulsory, all existing open and inactive PF accounts were automatically assigned a UAN. To complete the process of linking your old EPF account to your UAN:

Find the UAN linked with your old PF number. Initiate a transfer to the new UAN, ensuring that all your savings are updated and accessible.

Handling Employer Changes

Depending on whether you are still working for the employer that originally issued your EPF account:

Active Employment: Your employer will likely link your old EPF account with your UAN. Leaving the Employer: In this case, you should proactively transfer your EPF to your latest account with a UAN to ensure continuous management of your savings.

Step-by-Step Process for Transferring to UAN

For those who already have a UAN and wish to link their EPF account, the process is quite simple:

Log in to your unified portal. Navigate to the 'Online Services' tab. Select the second option applicable to your need. Enter your old EPF account number. Obtain and submit an OTP from your phone to verify your identity and proceed with the transfer.

This seamless process ensures that your retirement savings are always linked to the most current and relevant account, providing peace of mind and easier management of your financial welfare.