UAN activation, Aadhaar linking deadline for ELI scheme extended to January 15: Check details

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recently extended the deadline for Universal Account Number (UAN) activation and linking Aadhaar with bank accounts to avail the benefits of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme to January 15.

The original deadline was November 30, after which the EPFO extended it to December 15.

The retirement fund body issued a circular on December 20 announcing the extension for Aadhaar seeding (linking) and UAN activation.

What is the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme?

The ELI scheme was proposed keeping job creation in mind. It is aimed at generating two crore jobs over the next two years in the formal sector. The three schemes launched under the Employment Linked Incentive during the Union Budget 2024 are a part of PM Modi’s set of schemes planned to provide employment and develop skills in four crore youth with an investment of ₹2 lakh crore.

UAN activation is the process of activating the universal account number to access services provided by the EPFO like withdrawing EPF online, updating contact details and checking their EPF balance. Additionally, linking Aadhaar with a mobile number must be done so that the EPF money can directly be transferred to the linked bank account. To access EPFO services like direct benefit transfer (DBT), among others, and to be eligible for ELI, individuals must complete UAN activation and seed their Aadhaars.

How to activate UAN online?

New EPF members can complete their UAN activation online through the EPFO Member Sewa portal. Here are the steps:

Direct access to PF claims

Recently, the EPFO has revealed plans to make it easier for employees to access their provident fund (PF) claims by allowing direct transfers to e-wallets. Currently, employees need to use the EPFO portal to claim their PF funds online. Once the claim is settled, the funds are then transferred to the linked bank account in seven to ten days. Individuals can withdraw funds from their ATMs or banks after this process is completed.