Duplicate UAN - Here is how to resolve it

UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12 digits unique identification number which is alloted by EPFO to its members. This single UAN no will be the linked to multiple EPF accounts of a member. When a member changes job his/her EPF account changes but his UAN number remains same. In case of job change member is required to provide his UAN number to his new employer.

Why does multiple UAN gets allocated ?

Multiple UAN gets allocated due to below reasons -

Reason 1 : Past employer did not furnish the ‘date of exit’ details
When you leave your company, your employer has to furnish the "Date of Exit" in the ECR (Electronic Challan cum Return). If they do not provide such information on time,  then the new company where you will join, will automatically generate new UAN.

Reason 2 : Member did not disclose old UAN number to new employer
At the time of joining, employees does not disclose about their past employment to new employer. Hence a new UAN is generated by the new employer for the employee.

How to merge or deactivate duplicate UAN numbers ?

Guidelines has been provided by the EPFO [1] to resolve the issue of multiple UAN's.

Here is the step by step solution to resolve multiple UAN problem.

Step 1 : Apply for PF transfer from old EPF/UAN account to new EPF/UAN account.

Step 2 : The EPFO’s system would then automatically identify such cases on periodic basis where the PF transfer has been effected from one EPF account to another, and both having different UANs attached to these EPF accounts of the same EPF member (employee).

Step 3 : All such identified UANs (old UANs), from which PF transfer has been effected to PF account having different UANs (new UANs), would be deactivated. So, the old UAN numbers will cease to exist and are blocked for further use. Mobile number would be released by the system for use by the member.

Step 4 : Your previous member ID (old EPF account) would henceforth be linked to your new UAN.

Step 5 : You will be informed of the deactivated status of your previous UAN by SMS to the registered mobile number. You would be requested to activate the new UAN (if not done) to get the updated status of your EPF account.

Step 6 : There are chances that you may have to receive some PF arrears from your employer, in such cases, since the system knows the new UAN against the deactivated UAN, the system would automatically populate the new UAN in the ECR (on punching of previous UAN or member ID by the employer) and the statutory contribution by the employer against the arrears can be remitted against new UAN only.


Related Links
- How to withdraw EPF online using UAN Portal
- How to transfer your EPF online using UAN portal
- EPF Auto Transfer: Composite Declaration Form (Form - 11) w.e.f Sep 2017
- Understanding Employee Pension Scheme, EPS
- How much Pension will you get on your Retirement from EPS

References
[1] Merger of UANs