Good news for employees! The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has made it much easier to create and activate your Universal Account Number (UAN).
EPFO has introduced Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT), allowing employees to generate and activate their UAN without any help from their employer.
Earlier, Employers Handled UAN Creation
Previously, UANs were mostly created by employers or companies. This process often led to errors in personal details like the employee’s father’s name or mobile number.
In some cases, employers didn’t even share the UAN with employees, making it difficult to use EPFO services.
Out of 1.26 crore UANs issued in FY 2024-25, only 35% were activated due to these issues.
New Digital Process by EPFO
Now, EPFO has made the entire process digital and hassle-free. Employees can use the UMANG app along with the AadhaarFaceRD app to generate and activate their UAN using face verification linked to Aadhaar and mobile number.
Steps to Generate and Activate UAN
Download the UMANG and AadhaarFaceRD apps on your phone.
Open the UMANG app and select the UAN Allotment and Activation option.
Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
Verify using the OTP sent to your mobile.
Complete face verification by clicking a photo.
Once your face matches the Aadhaar record, your UAN will be generated and sent via SMS.
Your UAN will be automatically activated, and you can immediately download your e-UAN card.
Key Benefits of the New Process
100% identity verification through face authentication.
No need for employer involvement.
Instant mobile number and UAN verification.
Quick access to EPFO services like passbook, KYC, and claim submission.
Reduced errors and delays.
Support for Existing Users and Pensioners
Employees who already have a UAN but haven’t activated it can now use face authentication via the UMANG app to activate it.
Soon, pensioners will also benefit from face authentication. EPFO plans to allow them to submit their Digital Life Certificate (DLC) from home.
Young volunteers from the My Bharat initiative will help pensioners with this process at their doorstep.
This move by EPFO is a big step towards Digital India, offering a secure and user-friendly experience for both employees and pensioners.
