The Provident Fund (PF) is a crucial financial tool for salaried employees, ensuring long-term savings for retirement. Managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the PF scheme mandates contributions from both employees and employers, creating a secure financial cushion. However, changing jobs is a part of every professional’s journey, whether for better opportunities, higher salaries, or career growth. But while job-hopping has its perks, it often leaves you with one thing to manage—multiple Provident Fund (PF) accounts.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in India provides an easy way to combine these accounts under a single Universal Account Number (UAN). This process helps you manage your retirement savings better, ensures continuous interest earnings, and simplifies withdrawals.
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why merging your PF accounts is important. When you change jobs, your new employer creates a new PF account linked to your Universal Account Number (UAN). If you don’t transfer the balance from your previous PF account to the new one, you’ll have multiple accounts, and this can cause several problems.
1. Why Merge PF Accounts?
When you switch jobs, your new employer creates a new PF account linked to your UAN. However, the funds from your old PF account do not automatically get transferred to the new one. This can lead to multiple PF accounts, which can cause problems like:
Difficult to Track: Managing multiple accounts means keeping track of different account numbers, login details, and balances, which can be confusing.
Loss of Interest: Funds in old PF accounts may stop earning interest after a certain period if not merged, reducing your retirement savings.
Lower Advance Limit: Advance from the PF account can be claimed as per the guidelines prescribed. E.g., if advances are required for marriage or post-matriculation education of children, the advance can be taken up to 50% of the employee's share with Interest. If PF accounts are not merged, only the latest employment share shall be considered for such advances.
E.g. Employee Share in EPF Account:
Employment 1: 2,00,000;
Employment 2: 5,00,000;
Employment 3: 1,00,000
Eligible Advance: INR 50,000 (If PF Accounts are not merged) and INR 4,00,000 (if PF Accounts are merged)
Tax Issues: For tax-free withdrawals, you need 5 years of continuous service. Merging accounts ensures your employment history is recorded as continuous, avoiding tax deductions on withdrawals.
Easier Withdrawals: A single account simplifies the withdrawal process, reducing paperwork and delays when you need funds for emergencies or retirement.
Financial Transparency: Combining accounts into one makes it easier to monitor your savings and file income tax returns.
Merging your PF accounts under one UAN solves these issues, making it easier to manage your retirement funds and ensuring you get the full benefits of the EPF scheme.
2. What is UAN?
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique number assigned to every EPF member by the EPFO. It acts like a central hub, linking all your PF accounts from different employers. With a UAN, you can:
Track all your PF contributions in one place.
Transfer funds between PF accounts easily.
Avoid the need for signatures by linking your Aadhaar to the UAN for withdrawals or transfers.
Having one UAN with all PF accounts linked to it simplifies management and ensures your savings grow without interruptions.
3. Things you need before you can combine your PF accounts.
Before you start the process of merging PF accounts, make sure you have the following ready:
Activated UAN: Your UAN must be activated on the EPFO portal. If it’s not activated, you can do so by visiting the EPFO website, entering your UAN, Aadhar, Name, Date of Birth, and Mobile Number, and verifying the same with OTP received on the Aadhar-linked phone number.
KYC Compliance: Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process by linking and verifying your Aadhaar, PAN, bank account details, and registered mobile number on the EPFO portal.
Details of Old PF Accounts: Have the account numbers or Member IDs of the PF accounts you want to merge. You may also need your previous employers’ details.
Employer Approval: Your current or previous employer may need to attest or approve the merger request. It’s faster to choose your current employer for attestation.
If you’ve recently activated your UAN, wait at least three days before starting the merger process.
Note: If you have multiple UANs (which is against EPFO rules), you’ll need to deactivate the old ones. You can do this by emailing [email protected] with details of your current and previous UANs.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Merge PF Accounts Online
Here’s a simple guide to merge your PF accounts online using the EPFO portal:
Step 2: Log In. Sign in using your UAN and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it using the “Forgot Password” option by verifying your identity with an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 3: Go to Online Services. Once logged in, find the “Online Services” tab on your dashboard. Click on it and select the “One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)” option. This will open a new window for merging accounts.
Step 4: Enter Personal Details. You’ll see a form where you need to enter your personal details, such as your name, UAN, and registered mobile number. Double-check that these details match your KYC information.
Step 5: Generate OTP. Click on the “Generate OTP” button. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP in the provided field and click “Verify OTP” to proceed.
Step 6: Provide Old PF Account Details. A pop-up window will appear asking for details of the old PF account(s) you want to merge. Enter the PF account number or Member ID of the old account. You may also need to provide your previous employer’s details.
Step 7: Choose an Employer for Attestation. Select whether your current or previous employer will attest to the merger request. Choosing your current employer is usually faster.
Step 8: Submit the Request. Check the declaration box to confirm that all details are correct. Then, click the “Submit” button. Your request will be sent to the EPFO and your employer for approval.
Step 9: Employer Approval. Your employer (current or previous, depending on your choice) will need to approve the merger request. They may verify the details and attest the form digitally.
Step 10: Track the Status. The merger process usually takes about 20–30 days. You can check the status on the EPFO portal under the “Track Claim Status” option or through the UMANG app.
5. Merging PF Accounts via Email
If the online process doesn’t work or you have multiple UANs, you can merge accounts by emailing [email protected]. Include the following details in your email:
Your current (active) UAN.
The old UAN(s) or PF account numbers you want to merge.
Your name, mobile number, and other KYC details.
The EPFO will verify your request, deactivate the old UAN(s), and link the funds to your current UAN. You may need to submit Form 13 to transfer the funds after deactivation. This form requires employer verification and can be downloaded from the EPFO website.
6. What to Do After Merging PF Accounts
Once your PF accounts are merged, follow these steps to ensure everything is in order:
Verify Details: Check that all your personal and KYC details (Aadhaar, PAN, bank account) are correct on the EPFO portal. Update them if needed.
Monitor Your Balance: Regularly check your PF balance on the EPFO portal or the UMANG app to ensure all funds have been transferred correctly.
Update Contact Information: Ensure your mobile number and email are up-to-date for OTPs and notifications.
Secure Your Account: Keep your UAN and password safe to prevent unauthorized access.
CA Kavit Vijay
Kavit Vijay, partner in the firm has 15 year’s experience in Audit and Assurance. He heads Audit and Assurance division of firm. He is specialized in:
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