EPFO (Image Source: iStock)
Changing jobs often brings better pay and fresh career opportunities, but it can also result in multiple Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) accounts. Ideally, your Universal Account Number (UAN), a unique 12-digit identifier for your PF account, should remain constant throughout your career. However, frequent job changes can sometimes lead to multiple UANs being created, making it challenging to manage your accounts efficiently and potentially affecting your retirement savings.
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has now introduced a straightforward solution to consolidate your old EPF accounts into a single, active UAN, simplifying fund management and tracking.
How To Merge PF Accounts Online
Employees can merge accounts conveniently via the EPFO portal. Start by logging in at the EPFO Member Portal
using your PAN and password.
Under the Online Services tab, select “One Member—One EPF Account.”
Your personal information, including name, bank details, and mobile number, will appear—ensure it matches your Aadhaar.
After selecting your current or previous employer for verification, submit the transfer request.
Once submitted, you will receive a tracking ID to monitor the progress of your transfer.
Merging PF Accounts via Email
Alternatively, employees can request consolidation by sending an email to uanepf@epfindia.gov.in.
Include details of your old PF accounts in the email. After verification, EPFO will deactivate your older UANs, allowing you to submit a claim to transfer the funds from previous PF accounts to your active account.
Tracking and Processing Time
Once the transfer request is submitted, it can be monitored in the “Track Claim Status” section on the EPFO website. Typically, the process takes 10 to 15 working days for funds to be moved from old accounts to your active UAN.
This consolidation not only makes managing your retirement savings easier but also ensures all your funds are under a single account, providing better transparency and security for your EPF balance.