UAN activation and Aadhaar bank account seeding deadline extended for ELI scheme

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has once again extended the deadline for Universal Account Number (UAN) activation and Aadhaar seeding to June 30, 2025. UAN activation and linking Aadhaar with bank accounts are essential for availing of the benefits under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme.

“Please refer to the circulars mentioned under references. In this connection, the competent authority has granted an extension of timeline for UAN Activation and AADHAAR seeding in Bank Account till 30th JUNE, 2025,” the EPFO said in a circular dated May 30.

The original deadline for completing this was November 30, 2024. The PF organisation has extended the deadline multiple times since November.

What is UAN and why is activating it necessary?

Universal Account Number is a 12-digit unique number assigned to beneficiaries which allows them to manage their PF accounts across different employers. Through the UAN, employees can track and manage their EPF contributions, check their account details, transfer funds and claim withdrawals, all under one umbrella.

Activating UAN is essential to access online services provided by the EPFO like withdrawing funds online, checking balance and updating contact details. Further, to directly transfer the EPF money to the linked bank account, Aadhaar seeding is needed.

What is the ELI scheme?

The Employment Linked Incentive was announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 by the central government to boost employment in the country. Under ELI, the centre offers financial incentives to employers and employees and encourages more individuals to enter the formal sector. The government announced three schemes under ELI with an outlay of ₹2 lakh crore, aimed at benefitting over four crore youth.

How to activate UAN online?

EPFO beneficiaries can activate their UAN online through the EPFO Member Sewa portal by following these steps:

EPFO 3.0

The EPFO is expected to launch its updated platform, EPFO 3.0, this month. The new version will offer many advanced features including ATM PF withdrawals, faster claim processing and many other digital services.

“EPFO will soon implement Version 3.0 with the help of a robust IT platform to provide seamless and simplified services, including auto-claim settlements, digital corrections, and ATM-based fund withdrawals,” the minister was reported as saying by news agency PTI in April.

The EPFO is also working on enhancing its grievance mechanism and introducing an enhanced version of the grievance portal under EPFO 3.0.