EPFO UAN — PF Withdrawal, Transfer and Claim Online Guide

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique number assigned to every EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) member — allowing them to manage all their PF accounts from different employers under one portal. From PF balance check to withdrawal and transfer — the EPFO member portal handles everything online. Here is the complete guide.

UAN Activation and Setup

• UAN is allotted by EPFO when you first join a PF-covered employer
• Activate UAN at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in using your UAN, mobile number (linked by employer) and date of birth
• After activation: Link Aadhaar, PAN and bank account on the member portal (KYC completion)
• Aadhaar KYC must be employer-approved for online withdrawal claims to work

Checking PF Balance

• Login to EPFO member portal → View → Passbook
• SMS service: Send EPFOHO UAN to 7738299899
• Missed call: Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile
• UMANG app: Link UAN and view balance/passbook anytime

PF Withdrawal — Forms

• Form 19 (PF full settlement): Full EPF balance withdrawal after leaving employment. Taxable if service is less than 5 years (TDS under Section 192A applies). Can be filed online after 2 months of leaving.
• Form 10C (EPS pension withdrawal): Withdrawal of Employees' Pension Scheme amount for those with less than 10 years of pensionable service. No TDS on EPS withdrawal.
• Form 10D (Pension commencement): For those with 10+ years of service — apply for monthly pension from EPFO
• Partial withdrawal (advance): Available for specific purposes — housing purchase (Form 31), medical emergency, marriage, education — with prescribed conditions and limits

PF Transfer When Changing Jobs

• File Form 13 online on the EPFO portal (or through the new employer) to transfer PF from old employer's account to new employer's PF account
• Service continuity is maintained for the 5-year TDS exemption purpose
• Transfer takes 3-5 working days typically
• Do NOT withdraw PF when changing jobs — transfer to preserve tax-free status and compounding

Conclusion

EPFO's online portal makes PF management straightforward — from balance checking to transfer and withdrawal — but careful attention to the 5-year rule and KYC completion is essential. SPOTON helps employers and employees with PF compliance, UAN management and EPFO return filing across Kerala. Contact us for expert PF compliance services.