Payroll and HR glossary
UAN
Universal Account Number
A UAN is the 12-digit number that EPFO gives each PF member, and it stays the same for life across every job. Each employer's PF account for the employee is linked to it, so their savings and service move with them.
Why it matters to your business
Every PF payment you make is credited against an employee’s UAN. If the UAN is wrong, missing or duplicated, the money reaches the wrong account or sits unlinked, and the employee comes to you when a claim or a loan against PF fails. Getting the UAN right at joining avoids months of correction later.
How it works
As of September 2026:
- EPFO allots one UAN per person, linked to their Aadhaar.
- Each time the person joins an employer covered by PF, a new member ID is created under the same UAN.
- The employee activates the UAN to see their passbook, update details and claim online.
- On a job change, the previous balance and pensionable service under EPS are transferred to the new member ID, often automatically once KYC is complete.
- New UANs are created through Aadhaar face authentication in the UMANG app, which reduces the errors and duplicate accounts that were common earlier.
What to collect when someone joins
- Their existing UAN, if any, from a previous payslip or the UMANG app.
- Aadhaar, PAN and bank details matching the names on those documents.
- Date of joining and wages for the first ECR.
Common mistakes
- Creating a second UAN because the employee did not remember the first one.
- Name or date of birth that does not match Aadhaar, which blocks claims.
- Not marking the date of exit, which stops the employee from transferring or withdrawing the balance.
Questions about UAN
How does a new employee get a UAN?
Since 01-08-2025, a new UAN is generated through Aadhaar face authentication in the UMANG app, by the employee. The employer can still generate one in a few exceptional cases, such as international workers.
What if the employee already has a UAN?
Use the existing one. An employee should have only one UAN in their working life, and every new employer links its PF account to it.
What is the difference between a UAN and a PF member ID?
The member ID is the PF account with one employer. The UAN is the umbrella number that links all the member IDs of one person across employers.
What KYC is needed with a UAN?
Aadhaar, PAN and bank account details. With these seeded, the employee can transfer PF between jobs and claim withdrawals online, usually without the employer's signature.
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