EPFO Simplifies Aadhaar Linking for PF Accounts

 

New rules aim to cut down paperwork and speed up PF claims, making it easier to correct details and link your accounts.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out new rules to simplify how its 27 crore members link their Aadhaar and Universal Account Number (UAN). The changes are designed to cut through red tape, speed up claims, and make it easier to correct personal details, ensuring quicker access to your provident fund benefits when you need them most.

Faster Linking When Details Match

In a significant move to cut delays, if your name, gender, and date of birth are identical on both your Aadhaar and UAN records, the linking process is now straightforward. You can simply ask your employer to complete the linking (or 'Aadhaar seeding') through their online portal. This update removes the need for additional approval from the EPFO, which previously caused unnecessary delays even for simple, matching cases.

Easier Fixes for Mismatched Information

For situations where details don't match, the EPFO has streamlined the Joint Declaration process. Employers can now submit correction requests online to fix names, dates of birth, or even a wrongly linked Aadhaar number. If your company has closed or the employer is unavailable, you can submit a physical form directly at an EPFO office, where officials will help process it. However, it's important to note that changes to Aadhaar details that have already been verified will not be cleared through this method.

Major Relief for Minor Beneficiaries

In a compassionate update, the EPFO has removed a major hurdle for the minor children of deceased members. Guardianship certificates are no longer required to process claims. Instead, PF benefits, including pension and lump-sum payments, can now be credited directly to the minor’s bank account. EPFO officials have also been instructed to assist families in opening these accounts to ensure a smooth and timely payout.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Linking Your Aadhaar Online

You can easily link your Aadhaar to your UAN yourself using the government's UMANG mobile app. Here’s how:

1. Open the UMANG app and log in with your MPIN or the OTP sent to your phone.
2. Go to the "Services" tab and select the "EPFO" option.
3. Choose "e-KYC services" and then select "Aadhaar Seeding."
4. Enter your UAN, followed by the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Enter your Aadhaar details and verify with the final OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and email.

Once this is done, your Aadhaar will be successfully linked to your UAN. While the linking itself takes just a few minutes, official verification and approval can take between 3 to 15 days to complete.