
Introduction
EPF (Employee Provident Fund Number) is the account number given to every salaried person to check in their Provident Fund Acc transactions count. Both the employer and employee contribute equally to this account. Many salaried people are unaware of its existence. The employer must make their employees familiar with the EPF number.
The Importance of the EPF (Employee Provident Fund) Number:
The EPF number is important owing to the following reasons:
- Any withdrawal or deposits cannot be made in this account unless the EPF number is known.
- If a person knows the EPF number, it becomes easy to locate the UAN (Universal Account Number).
- To check the balance in the account one must know their EPF number.
- If a person changes jobs, then the EPF account number is needed for shifting it to the new member ID account. A new PF number is allotted when a person changes jobs, whereas the UAN is the same.
How to Know Your PF Account Number?
The EPF(Employee Provident Fund Number) number is of utmost importance. This number may not be known to the person concerned as the employer may have yet to give it. The person may need to be made aware of the monthly contribution to this account. Chances are that a person memorizes this number but, when needed, may forget it. It is also possible that this EPF number is written somewhere, and the person cannot remember where it was written. In such a situation, a person should know where else this number can be found and also the ways of finding it.Since the UAN (Universal Account Number) was introduced, procuring the EPF number has been simplified. All the EFP accounts of a person are linked to this UAN, which remains the same throughout a person's lifespan. So, if the UAN is known to the person, then all member IDs of this person will be known. Also Read : How To Get Your UAN Number and Check PF Balance Easily
The Different Ways to Find Out the EPF Account Number
The employer plays a significant role in the EPF (Employee Provident Fund Number). It is their responsibility to register the new employee and allot the EPF number to this employee. Furthermore, the employer has to ensure that monthly EPF is deposited on time. The employer is supposed to share the EPF account number with the employee. If the number is not provided to the concerned person, other ways exist to find the EPF number. These are as follows:
- Check on the salary slip: Most companies print the employee designated EPF number on the salary slip. The amount deposited into this account is also mentioned on the salary slip. It may not be in the initial days of joining, but it will be printed on the salary slip.Some offices need to follow the system of getting the EPF number printed on the employee's salary slip. Employers of such offices usually give the EPF number directly to their employees. If the EPF number is not printed on the salary slip nor given by the employer, then there are other ways to find the EPF number.
- Ask the HR Department of the Company: Most of the big companies have an HR (Human Resources) department. They are responsible for assigning an EPF number to the company's employees. The employee can directly contact the HR department, and they can help them out.In a small company with an absent HR department, the employee can ask the employer for the EPF number.
- Visiting or contacting the Provident Fund (EPFO) office: One of the most reliable ways of getting the EPF number is by going to the EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organization) office. Here some personal details have to be furnished along with documents supporting it. The person should carry valid ID proof, and the application form has to be filled out. This way of obtaining the EPF number should be the last resort, as there are easier ways of receiving it.
- Using UAN portal: If the employee knows the UAN number, then it becomes easy to know the EPF number along with the relevant information regarding this number. To know the EPF number online, follow the steps given below:
Other Ways of Finding the EPF Number
- Login to http://unifiedportal-epfo.epfindia.gov.in/publicPortalno-auth/misReport/home/loadEstSearchHome.
- Enter the company’s name and then enter the CAPTCHA code.
- After this, click on ‘Search’.
- The names of the various branches of the firm will appear on the screen. Select the office branch (the company code will help locate it).
- Finally, see the list and search for the EPF account number. Help from people who joined that time can be taken.
- Login to the EPF portal.
- Enter the PAN number, name, date of birth, mobile number and then the CAPTCHA code.
- After this, click ‘Get Authorization Pin’.
- Finally, click ‘I Agree’ and enter the One-time password(OTP). This OTP will be received through email an on the mobile number registered with the PAN card.
- Lastly, click on ‘Validate OTP and Get UAN’.
- Through mobile (register number): If the mobile number is registered and linked to the PF account , the person will receive regular messages(notifications) whenever the stipulated amount gets deposited.
- Through UMANG App: The Government launched the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-Age Governance) App to make it easier for salaried people to check their EFP accounts. The function of this app is the same as the website, just that it can be used on smartphones. This can be done after the app is downloaded from the Play Store. People can log in with their mobile numbers and activate their accounts. The account setting has to be set to ‘know your PF number’ if one wishes to know the PF account number.
- Through Company Name: This can be done online by visiting the UAN portal.
- Through PAN number: This can only be used if the PAN card is linked to the PF account. The steps to be followed are:
- The UAN will be sent to the mobile number through sms.
Also Read : Follow These Simple Steps to Generate, Register, and Activate Your UAN
EPF Account Number Format
EPR account number is an alpha-numerical number. It contains the details of the EPF office under which this account is opened. The code of the organisation is also mentioned in the EPF account number.An example of the detailing format of the EPF account number is as follows:
- The first two alphabets represent the State. For instance, Karnataka will be KA, Maharashtra will be MA, etc.
- The following three letters state the regional office.
- The first seven numbers represent the Establishment ID where the employee works.
- The following three numbers represent the extension code of the establishment where the employee works.
- The last seven numbers are the actual EPF account numbers and are different for everyone.
Conclusion:
Previously, that is, before UAN was introduced, the EFP account number was an essential aspect of the EPF scheme. Employees were allowed to move funds from one member ID to another if they had their EPF number. Besides this, they were not allowed to borrow loans or withdraw funds from their 40 Since UAN was introduced, all EPF accounts have come under the umbrella of UAN.Having said this, one remembers mind that the EPF account is the primary identifier, and UAN is the secondary identifier. For any queries related to UAN and EPF accounts, customers can call the toll-free number of EPFO 1800 118 005.
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there any benefits to becoming a member of EPF ?
After joining the membership of EPF, the employee is eligible for Pension and Employee’s Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme. These schemes apply only to those EPF members with a monthly wage of Rs. 15,000 or less.
What is the maximum time that the employee can continue with the EPF membership ?
There is no limit to membership. The person continues to be a member even after retirement. However, interest will not be available on the account after three years if no deposits are made to the EPF account.
Is there any age restriction on becoming a member of EPF ?
There is no age limit to becoming a member of EPF. However, a person above the age of 58 is not eligible to become a member of EPF.
Can an employee join EPF directly ?
The only way an employee can join is through the employer. This establishment should be covered under the EPF and MP Act 1952.
Is it necessary to register to the Member Portal to transfer a claim online ?
Yes, to transfer a claim online, the member is supposed to register to the Member Portal.
The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.

.gif)




.webp)



