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The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation will implement new rules from August 1 this year.
UAN allotment and activation will then be possible directly.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made it compulsory to use Face Authentication Technology (FAT) through the UMANG app for allotting and activating Universal Account Numbers (UAN) from August 1 this year. This new process aims to make UAN generation error-free and more secure.
In a circular issued on August 1, EPFO said, “To ensure error-free generation of UAN, it has been decided that w.e.f. 1st August, 2025, the allotment/generation of UAN will be done only through the Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) in the UMANG App.”
The UAN is essential for EPFO members to use services like checking account balances, updating details, withdrawing EPF funds, and availing benefits under schemes such as the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI). Without activating the UAN, members cannot access these online services.
What is the UMANG App?
Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) is a government app that provides access to multiple e-governance services on one platform. Developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), it enables citizens to use services from central, state, and local government bodies.
Through UMANG, EPFO members can now generate or activate their UAN, update biometric records, and even download their e-UAN card directly from their smartphones without visiting an EPFO office.
Who is Exempt from the Rule?
The existing process of generating a UAN through employers will continue in special cases, such as for international workers and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. For all other employees, Aadhaar-based face authentication via UMANG will be mandatory from August 1.
New Facilities for EPF Members on UMANG
EPFO has introduced three new services on UMANG using Face Authentication Technology:
- – Direct UAN allotment and activation for new members.
- – UAN activation for members who already have a UAN but haven’t activated it.
- – Face authentication for already activated UANs to update EPFO records.
Members only need to install the Aadhaar Face RD app and the UMANG app from the Play Store. Using just their smartphone, they can complete the process and also get a PDF of their e-UAN card, which can be shared with employers for onboarding.
How to Generate and Activate a New UAN via UMANG
If you don’t have a UAN yet, here’s how you can create and activate it:
- Open the UMANG app and go to “UAN Allotment and Activation.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and give consent for Aadhaar validation.
- Tap “Send OTP” and verify the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- If prompted, install the Aadhaar Face RD app.
- If no UAN exists in your name, proceed with face authentication by granting consent and allowing the app to scan your face.
- Once verified, the system generates your UAN and sends it to your mobile via SMS.
How to Activate an Existing UAN via UMANG
For members who already have a UAN but haven’t activated it:
- – Open UMANG and select “UAN Activation.”
- – Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and consent for Aadhaar validation.
- – Tap “Send OTP” and verify the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked number.
- – Proceed with face authentication through the UIDAI API.
- – After successful verification, your UAN gets activated, and you will receive it along with a temporary password via SMS. EPFO records, including your photo and address, will also be updated.
How to Do Face Authentication for an Already Activated UAN
If you already have an active UAN but need to update your records via biometric verification:
Open UMANG and choose “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs.”
Provide consent and proceed with face authentication.
The system will verify your identity through UIDAI’s API and retrieve your UAN, Aadhaar details, and registered mobile number.
EPFO records will be updated automatically with the verified information.
Access to Services After Activation
Once your UAN is generated and activated, you can immediately start using EPFO’s online services. These include downloading your passbook, filing claims, updating KYC details, and downloading your e-UAN card for employer use.
The new face authentication-based system is designed to give members more control, reduce dependency on employers, and ensure greater accuracy in EPFO records.
A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al…Read More
A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al… Read More
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