Multiple UAN Numbers Can Block Your PF Money: Here’s How to Merge Them Safely

If you have switched jobs a few times, there’s a high chance you may have unintentionally ended up with more than one Universal Account Number (UAN). While it may not seem like a big issue at first, having multiple UANs can lead to significant trouble in the long run — including loss of interest, tax complications, and delays in PF withdrawal. Since EPFO strictly mandates one employee – one UAN, merging duplicate UANs is essential to safeguard your Provident Fund balance.

In this article, we explain why multiple UANs are created, what risks they pose, and the easiest ways to merge them.

Why Do Employees Have Multiple UANs?

Whenever an employee joins a new company, the employer requests EPFO to generate a UAN — unless the employee shares their existing UAN. In many cases, a new UAN is mistakenly created due to:

• Not informing the new employer about the old UAN

• Previous employer not updating the exit date in EPFO records

• Mismatch in Aadhaar, PAN, name, date of birth, or gender

• Aadhaar not being verified or linked properly

Since EPFO’s system identifies accounts based on personal details, even minor discrepancies can result in a fresh UAN being issued.

Why Is It Important to Merge Multiple UANs?

Keeping more than one active UAN is against EPFO regulations and may cause financial setbacks:

✔ Interest may stop: If your previous PF account remains inactive for over three years, the balance may stop earning interest.
✔ Tax burden may increase: Interest earned on a non-contributory PF account may become taxable.
✔ Withdrawal delays: While claiming PF, EPFO may question continuous service records, as employment history is split across UANs.
✔ KYC conflicts: Updating Aadhaar or PAN may fail if details differ across accounts.

To ensure a smooth PF transfer, proper KYC validation, and continuous earnings, merging all PF accounts under a single UAN is crucial.

Before Merging Your UANs — Check This First

To avoid rejection and delays, confirm:

• Aadhaar number is linked and verified

• PAN details match exactly with EPFO records

• Name, date of birth, and gender are identical on all documents

• Previous employer has updated exit date in the system

These details serve as the primary reference for verification.

How to Merge Multiple UANs

You can merge your UANs using two methods:

1️⃣ Online UAN Merger via EPFO Portal

1. Sign in at the Unified Member Portal

2. Click “Online Services” →
   Select “One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)”

3. Validate your personal and KYC details

4. Enter details of the old UAN or Member ID

5. Choose current or previous employer for attestation

6. Submit the request and track progress using the reference number

🕒 Processing Time: Typically 20–30 days, depending on employer verification.

2️⃣ Email Request to EPFO

If the portal doesn’t work or there are technical issues, send an email to EPFO containing:

• Current UAN

• Old UAN(s)

• Name as per Aadhaar

• Registered mobile number

But note — this method usually takes more time than the online system.

➡ If the previous employer is unresponsive or the company has shut down, file a complaint on EPFiGMS to fast-track the process.

What Happens After UAN Merger?

Once the merger is completed:

✔ Old UAN becomes inactive
✔ All PF balances and service records are mapped to the active UAN
✔ KYC and withdrawal processes become smoother
✔ Interest continues to accrue normally

Final Advice

If you think you may have more than one UAN, take corrective action immediately. Early detection and merging will help prevent:

• Loss of pension benefits

• Taxable income issues

• PF withdrawal delays

Your PF savings play a crucial role in your retirement security — don’t let a technical issue complicate it.