How to Merge Two UANs

If you have changed jobs and discovered that you have more than one Universal Account Number (UAN), then this issue needs to be addressed. Duplicate UANs are not uncommon and usually occur when a new employer generates a fresh UAN instead of linking to your existing one.

Since EPFO allows only one active UAN throughout an employee's career, it is important to transfer your EPF balance and get the duplicate UAN deactivated. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is a UAN?

A Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number allotted by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to every EPF member.

Your UAN remains the same even when you switch jobs. All PF accounts created under different employers are meant to be linked to this single UAN.

Also Read - Link Your UAN to Aadahr for Managing PF

How to Find Your UAN

You can find your UAN through any of the following methods:

• Check your salary slip, where many employers mention the UAN.
• Contact your HR department.
• Use the Know Your UAN facility on the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal.
• Retrieve it using your Aadhaar, PAN, EPF Member ID, or registered mobile number.

Why Do Employees End Up With Two UANs?

Duplicate UANs are usually created when:

• You do not share your existing UAN with a new employer.
• Your previous employer does not update your date of exit on the EPFO portal.
• A new employer creates a fresh UAN instead of linking your existing one.

Why Is It Important to Merge Two UANs?

Keeping multiple UANs can lead to:

• Difficulty tracking your PF balance.
• Delays in PF transfer or withdrawal claims.
• Incomplete employment records.
• Issues in pension calculations.
• Non-compliance with EPFO's one-UAN rule.

How to Merge Two UANs Online

The easiest way to merge two UANs is by transferring your PF balance from the old account to the account linked to your active UAN.

Before You Begin

Ensure your active UAN has:

• Aadhaar linked and verified
• PAN linked
• Bank account details updated
• Aadhaar-linked mobile number active

Also Read - How to Generate UAN Through UMANG App

Steps to Merge Two UANs

1. Identify the UAN you want to keep active. Usually, this is the UAN linked to your current employer.
2. Log in to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal using your active UAN and password.
3. Go to Online Services > One Member - One EPF Account (Transfer Request).
4. Verify the personal details displayed on the screen.
5. Enter your previous Member ID or old UAN and click Get Details.
6. Select the PF account that you want to transfer.
7. Click Get OTP and verify the request using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
8. Submit the transfer request and save the tracking ID.
9. Wait for employer verification, if required.
10. EPFO will process the transfer and move the PF balance to the active account.
11. Once the transfer is completed, the duplicate UAN is generally deactivated automatically.
12. Check your EPF passbook to confirm that the balance has been transferred successfully.

Alternative Ways to Resolve Duplicate UANs

If you are unable to submit an online transfer request, you can:

• Inform your current employer about the duplicate UAN.
• Raise a complaint through the EPFO grievance portal.
• Send an email to EPFO mentioning both UANs and supporting details. After verification, EPFO may deactivate the duplicate UAN and guide you through the transfer process.

What Is Form 13?

Form 13 is used to transfer PF balances from an old PF account to a new PF account. However, it is important to note that,Form 13 does not directly merge two UANs.It only facilitates the transfer of PF funds. After the transfer is completed, EPFO generally identifies and deactivates the duplicate UAN.

Your service history and EPF records continue under the active UAN.

Things to Remember Before Merging UANs

• Aadhaar details should match across both UANs.
• Verify that your name and date of birth are correct.
• Transfer PF balances as soon as you identify a duplicate UAN.
• Keep your mobile number active for OTP verification.
• Check your EPF passbook after the transfer is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have two UANs active at the same time?

No. EPFO allows only one active UAN per employee. Any duplicate UAN must eventually be deactivated.

Will I lose my PF balance from the old UAN after merging?

No. The entire PF balance is transferred to the active UAN. Your funds are not lost.

What if my old UAN was never activated?

You can still transfer the PF balance through your active UAN or approach EPFO for assistance if the online process does not work.

Does merging UANs affect my pension eligibility?

No. In fact, merging UANs helps maintain a continuous service record, which is important for pension calculations under EPS.

Is there any fee for merging two UANs?

No. The EPFO transfer process and grievance mechanism are completely free of cost.