Understanding EPF and Your Past Employment: What Can Your Current Employer See?
Do you have any concerns about your EPF balance and contributions at past employers? Let's dispel the myths surrounding EPF data visibility and provide clarity on what details your current employer can access.
Can Your Current Employer View Your Previous Employer's PF Contribution?
No, your current employer cannot view your previous employer's pension fund contributions (PF). According to current regulations, your employer can access basic profile information of employees through the unique UAN (Unique Account Number) but cannot see the details of the contributions made by previous employers. This protects the confidentiality and privacy of your previous employer's financial records.
Access to EPF Contributions via UAN
EPF contributions by different employers, where you have worked, can be seen only in the member passbook, often referred to as the employee passbook. Employers upload and pay EPF contributions for employees through the Unified portal - EPFO using the unique UAN for each employee. Only through this passbook can you view your contributions and balance. The organization can view some basic profile details of the employee through the UAN, but they do not have access to previous employer's contributions.
UAN and EPF Passbook for Verification
When you provide your UAN number, it does not allow anyone to know specific details about your EPF contributions directly. However, it is common for new employers to request the EPF passbook as well, where they can view your contributions and balance. This is a standard verification process to ensure the authenticity of your employment history and contributions.
Employer Access to PF Information
As per the current UAN portal facilities, even if you know the PF number, anyone can view the date of leaving the job. Legally, unless explicitly mentioned in the RTI (Right to Information) Act, such information should not be shared. However, to maintain transparency and security, the PF organization might need to modify their web application. In a similar vein, your personal information, including your employment history, is protected under the RTI Act, ensuring your privacy is maintained.
Conclusion: While your current employer may request your EPF passbook for verification, they do not have direct access to your previous employer's contributions. Your employment history and contributions are confidential, and your privacy is protected under the law. Keep your details secure and accurate for a smooth transition and employment process.