The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has officially extended the deadline for activating the Universal Account Number (UAN) and linking it with Aadhaar to February 15, 2025. This move, communicated through a circular dated February 2, 2025, aims to facilitate employee access to benefits provided under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme.
Understanding the UAN is pivotal for employees. A Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique identifier issued by the EPFO. This number is not only integral for managing Provident Fund (PF) accounts but also streamlines access to various online services. Once activated, employees can withdraw EPF funds, check their balance, and update contact details conveniently through the EPFO member portal.
The ELI Scheme was conceptualized to promote job creation within the formal sector. By providing financial incentives to employers and newly hired employees, the scheme ensures the direct transfer of benefits to those enrolled, contingent upon their UAN and Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The recent circular reiterates this necessity, stating, "Please refer to the circulars mentioned under references. ... till 15th February 2025," as released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
For many employees, activating their UAN online is the first step. The EPFO has devised a straightforward process: users should visit the EPFO Member Sewa portal, select ‘Activate UAN’, and fill out personal information such as their UAN, Aadhaar number, and date of birth. After verifying these details, they can easily complete the process and receive their activation password via their registered mobile number.
Failing to meet the February 15, 2025, deadline brings significant repercussions. Workers who do not activate their UAN and link their bank accounts with Aadhaar risk delays in EPF withdrawals and may find it difficult to access ELI Scheme benefits.
Historically, the deadline has been adjusted multiple times; initially slated for January 15, this extension to February 15 allows employees additional time to complete necessary steps for compliance. The origins of this mandate date back to November 22, 2024, when the EPFO first outlined UAN and Aadhaar requirements to streamline subsidy access under the first-time employment scheme announced during the preceding Union Budget.
By prioritizing UAN activation, employees not only safeguard their personal funds but also gain access to broad EPFO services such as tracking claims, updating personal information, and viewing PF passbooks. This consolidates multiple PF accounts linked to various employers under one administrative umbrella, simplifying fund management.
The significance of this extension should not be understated. It reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing formal job opportunities and ensuring employees can seamlessly access their benefits through the ELI Scheme. This scheme's three segments focus on first-time employment, the manufacturing sector, and providing direct support to employer entities.
Bottom line—employees must act swiftly and efficiently. The EPFO has established necessary steps not just for compliance but for ensuring employees have all the resources and tools at their disposal. Failure to engage now could lead to missed opportunities and prolonged delays, undermining the very aims of improving employment through effective financial incentives.
For more information and assistance on activating your UAN or linking Aadhaar, employees are encouraged to visit the EPFO’s official website and seek guidance through the Member Sewa portal.