EPFO Launches New Feature to Connect Old Provident Fund Accounts with UAN

New Initiative by EPFO

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to introduce a new feature aimed at assisting members in locating, tracking, activating, and linking their old provident fund accounts to their current Universal Account Number (UAN). Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced this development on Wednesday, emphasizing its importance for employees who started their careers prior to the UAN system's implementation. This initiative is anticipated to provide significant support to numerous workers who have faced challenges in maintaining a continuous employment record while submitting claims.

Many individuals have worked for various organizations over the years, complicating the process of consolidating their past contributions into a single account. The 12-digit Universal Account Number, introduced in 2014, acts as a centralized identifier for employees’ provident fund accounts. It allows for the consolidation of multiple member IDs from different employers, enabling individuals to manage all their PF contributions more efficiently. This system has simplified the tracking of balances, fund transfers, and online service access.

Despite these benefits, millions of older accounts remain unlinked due to missing records or lack of awareness, posing challenges for members trying to access their savings. Mandaviya stated, "The E-PRAAPTI portal (EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts) will offer a streamlined Aadhaar-based authentication process, allowing members to securely access their old EPF accounts that may not be linked to a UAN and initiate updates to their member profiles, followed by easy UAN linking and activation." This new portal aims to facilitate access to dormant or unlinked accounts through Aadhaar verification, enabling users to update their information and integrate older accounts into their current UAN with ease.

Future Expansion and Technological Advancements

Reports have previously indicated that EPFO is also looking into advanced technologies to verify historical employment records. This would aid in authenticating incomplete or damaged data, making it simpler to merge multiple accounts and settle inactive balances with less manual intervention. Initially, this service will assist members who can recall their old member IDs. Mandaviya mentioned, "In the future, we plan to expand E-PRAAPTI to include members who may not remember or have access to their old IDs." Government statistics reveal that by the end of FY24, approximately 20.3 crore UANs had been issued, with total member accounts surpassing 30 crore. Out of these, around 7.3 crore accounts are actively contributing. Mandaviya also highlighted that EPFO processed 8.3 crore claims in 2025-26, including 5.5 crore advance or partial withdrawals, showcasing enhanced accessibility and flexibility for members managing their retirement savings.