What’s Different In EPFO’s New Portal? 5 Things To Know

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) restored its Unified Member Portal after a scheduled upgrade on Friday, July 3. As the upgraded website becomes operational, members returning to the site will find important changes in how some services work. Universal Account Number (UAN) activation and new UAN generation services have shifted to the UMANG app, while mandatory Aadhaar-based face authentication is among the new features.

For EPFO members who will log in to the new EPFO portal, here are the key things to know.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has restored its Unified Member Portal after a scheduled upgrade. But members returning to the site will find important changes in how some services work.

UAN Activation Shifts To UMANG App

Members can no longer activate their UAN directly through their Unified Member Portal. These earlier options have been removed from the portal after the upgrade. To activate a UAN, users must open the UMANG app, select EPFO services and choose 'UAN Activation' under 'UAN Services Through Face Auth'. The process requires Aadhaar-based Face Authentication too.

Users should also keep their Aadhaar-linked mobile number active, as one-time password verification may be needed during related EPFO service flows.

Importance of UAN Activation

UAN activation is one of the first steps before accessing EPF passbooks, updating KYC details or managing provident fund services online. Employers can still generate provident fund records during onboarding, but employees will need it complete activation through the revised digital route.

No New UAN Generation from EPFO Portal

The EPFO has also discontinued direct UAN allotment through the Unified Member Portal. Those who will need a new UAN must now use the UMANG application. They can download and install the UMANG application and select the option of 'UAN allotment and activation' under 'UAN Services Through Face Auth'.

This process also requires Aadhaar-based Face Authentication before the UAN is generated and activated.

Existing EPFO Members Can Activate UAN Through UMANG

The existing EPFO members can activate their UAN. The process remains available, but the channel has changed. Such members need to verify their registered mobile number, provide the required member details and complete authentication. The newly generated UAN can then be linked with the existing PF account.

How UAN Retrieval Works After Portal Upgrade

The restored portal still supports UAN retrieval, and EPFO has introduced a simpler process for members who have forgotten their number. Users need to enter their registered mobile number, upload the required identity or address proof and verify the OTP sent to their phone. Once verified, the UAN can be retrieved through the portal flow.

This service will be useful for employees who have changed jobs, lost old salary documents or are returning to EPF services after a long gap. Since many EPFO services depend on a valid UAN, retrieval can help members regain access without visiting a field office. Members should use the mobile number already registered in EPFO records.

Death Claims Continue on Unified Member Portal

EPFO has retained death claim services on the Unified Member Portal, including pension-related claims. Beneficiaries do not need to shift to UMANG for this service. Before submitting a claim, they should ensure that the Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active and that bank account details are available for verification and payment processing.