How to merge two or more EPFO accounts

Multiple job changes typically result in multiple Employee Provident Fund (EPF) accounts being opened, one with each employer. With the introduction of the UAN (Universal Account Number), it is possible to consolidate multiple accounts into one single account for each EPFO member. Retirement fund body EPFO offers a facility to its members that allows consolidation or merger of their multiple PF accounts with the current universal account number (UAN).

UAN activation
Each EPFO member is allotted a UAN which is usually specified on the salary slip. To activate UAN, the member should visit the EPFO unified member portal at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/and click on the tab “Activate UAN”. By entering UAN, name, date of birth and mobile number, an authorisation pin is generated. The UAN gets activated once this pin is entered and authenticated.


Merging accounts
To merge two existing EPFO accounts, the member must visit the EPFO website and under the “Services” tab, click on “One employee - One EPF account” button.

Details
On clicking the link, a form will open for consolidating multiple EPF accounts. The member must enter his mobile number registered on the UAN portal. Next, UAN and current member ID must be entered. On submission of these details, an OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number for authentication.

Merging of accounts
On entering the OTP, the page for entering old PF account details for merger will be displayed. Once the old PF account number is entered and the declaration is accepted and submitted, the request for merger of that account to the existing PF account will be sent to EPFO.

Points to note

• The account merging facility is available on three days after activation of the UAN.
• To take benefit of this service, the member needs to have his KYC and Aadhaar details updated and registered with the EPFO.

Content courtesy: Centre for Investment Education and Learning (CIEL).
Contributions by Girija Gadre, Arti Bhargava and Labdhi Mehta.