Can I Provide an Inactive UAN Number to My New Employer?

Yes, you can provide an inactive Universal Account Number (UAN) to your new employer. However, it's important to note that an inactive UAN typically means it is not currently linked to an active Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. While your new employer might prefer an active UAN for seamless EPF contributions and management, there are steps you can take to activate it.

How to Reactivate an Inactive UAN

If your previous UAN is inactive, consider reactivating it by linking it to your new employer's EPF account. This process can often be done through the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) website or by contacting your previous employer for assistance. Here are the essential steps:

Prepare for the Activation: Before proceeding, you should prepare by submitting a joint declaration form to the concerned PF office. This form will address discrepancies in your PF records and should be signed by an authorized signatory from your previous company. Include the necessary supporting documents for any required correction. Activate the UAN: Once the form is submitted and approved, you can activate your UAN. The same UAN can then be shared with your new employer. Monitor the Status: Make sure to monitor the status of your UAN to ensure it remains active until your retirement and that it is not deactivated if you are unemployed for an extended period.

UAN’s Active Status and Link with Aadhaar

UAN is always active till your retirement. The PF Office deactivates it when you are unemployed for a while. It’s worth noting that Aadhaar is now linked with UAN. Therefore, when you join a new company, your HR will create an EPF account using your existing UAN, as the employer portal will show your existing UAN when entering your Aadhaar number on the portal.

Managing Multiple UANs

Often, individuals might end up with multiple UANs. Given this, it would be wise to provide the latest updated UAN to your current organization to facilitate the transfer of old PF accumulated money to the current PF account. Caution: Government might soon start canceling multiple UANs for an individual. This change could cause issues if you have not consolidated your accounts before the cancellation happens.

Activating a UAN at a Later Date

Yes, you can activate a previously inactive UAN at any time if needed. The status of your PF account (whether it's activated or not) does not affect your new employer's processing. The key is to ensure your UAN is active and up-to-date to avoid any complications in transferring your accumulated PF funds.

Additional Tips and FAQs

Question: Is it necessary to provide an active UAN to start working? Answer: Not necessarily. Providing an inactive UAN is generally acceptable, but your employer may prefer an active UAN for better tracking and management. Question: What happens if I have multiple UANs? Answer: You should consolidate your UANs to avoid confusion and potential issues with the government shutdown of multiple accounts. Communicate with your previous and current employers to ensure a smooth transfer of funds. Question: Can I change my UAN if I already have one? Answer: Generally, you cannot change your UAN after it is assigned. If you need to update it, you must go through the process to deactivate and reactivate your current UAN.

For detailed steps and the latest requirements, always refer to the EPFO official website or consult with your HR department. If you have any further questions or complications, contacting the EPFO or your previous employer for assistance can provide additional support.