EPFO Announces Exemption From Aadhaar Linking For Certain Workers

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced that some workers don't have to link their Aadhaar to their Universal Account Number (UAN) to get their claims processed. This exemption was explained in a notice dated November 29, 2024.

Workers who have finished their jobs in India but don't have Aadhaar are among those who are exempt. Indian workers who have moved permanently to another country and got citizenship there without Aadhaar are also included. In addition, citizens of Nepal and Bhutan who work under the EPF&MP Act but live outside India without Aadhaar are also in this group.

Verification Process for Exempted Workers

For these cases, claims will be processed after checking the worker's identity using other documents like passports for workers from other countries or citizenship certificates for workers from Nepal and Bhutan. Officials will also check the worker's PAN, bank account, and other details to make sure they are eligible.

The EPFO said that it's important to be careful in these cases. Details of the verification process must be written down, and permission should be asked from the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) using an e-office file. For claims over ₹5 lakh, employers might be asked to confirm the worker's identity.

Settlement Process and Requirements

Claims will be paid through NEFT. The notice explained that while it's still necessary to have a UAN, linking Aadhaar is not required for these workers because they cannot get the unique ID.

This decision shows that the EPFO is trying to help workers in different situations while making sure that claims are processed safely and quickly. By allowing other ways to verify a worker's identity, the EPFO wants to make the process easier for those who can't link their Aadhaar to their UAN.

Step-by-Step Guide to Link Aadhaar to UAN

Linking your Aadhaar number to your Universal Account Number (UAN) is essential for seamless access to various services provided by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

• Visit the EPFO's official website.
• Navigate to the 'For Employees' section.
• Click on 'Member UAN/EPF Balance'.
• Log in using your UAN and password.
• Look for the 'KYC' option in the menu.
• Add your Aadhaar number.
• Click on 'Save'.
• Confirm the details in the pop-up that appears.
• Your request will be sent for approval.
• Check the status after a few days.
• Ensure Aadhaar details match those of your UAN for a smooth linking process.