Introduction to the Procedure of Merging PF Accounts to a Single UAN

Many individuals find themselves in a situation where their Provident Fund (PF) accounts hold two separate Unique Account Numbers (UANs). This article aims to clarify the process of transferring one UAN to another, making your PF management more streamlined and efficient. This method is faster and can be completed online through the official EPFO portal.

Understanding PF Accounts and UANs

A Provident Fund (PF) account is a type of savings account regulated by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Each account holder is assigned a unique UAN, which is a 12-digit alphanumeric identifier. Due to certain administrative issues, it is possible to have multiple PF accounts under the same UAN. This article will guide you through the process of consolidating these accounts to simplify your PF management.

Why Merging Two UANs is Not Possible

It is important to note that UANs themselves cannot be merged. Instead, Personalized Family (PF) accounts can be merged or transferred. In cases where two PF accounts are created under the same UAN, the EPFO will retain the first UAN created and either club or delete the subsequent UANs associated with the same individual. Recent regulations also require the use of Aadhaar for UAN creation, making it impossible for employers to create two UANs for the same individual.

What to Do If Your Current Employer is Holding Your Account

When your current employer is holding your UAN and you need to transfer funds to a single account, you can take a time-consuming approach or opt for an online method. The faster process is detailed in the following steps:

Option 1: Time-consuming Offline Method

If you choose to follow the traditional method, you can write an email to the Provident Fund Commissioner. In your email, include the following details:

Your current UAN The UAN that needs to be retained The UAN that needs to have its funds transferred to the first account The requirement to block the second account after the transfer

This process can be time-consuming and may take some time to resolve.

Option 2: Faster Online Method

A more efficient solution is to use the official EPFO portal. Here are the steps to follow:

Go to the official EPFO website at Login using your username and password, including the CAPTCHA. Under the claims section, request to transfer your account. Enter the CAPTCHA and obtain the OTP (One-Time Password) if your mobile number is registered. Enter the OTP and submit the application for transfer. The system will automatically transfer the accumulated funds from the second UAN to the first UAN. The second account will be automatically blocked, and you will receive a notification via your registered mobile number.

Conclusion

Moving forward, it is crucial to consolidate your PF accounts to a single UAN for convenience and ease of management. The online method described above is not only faster but also ensures that the process is completed accurately and efficiently. Should you encounter any issues or need further assistance, the EPFO portal offers extensive support and resources to guide you through the process.