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Does Your UAN Number Change When You Join a New Company? A Comprehensive Guide

does uan number change with new company

Introduction

Switching jobs is a common milestone in any professional’s journey. Whether you’re chasing better opportunities or exploring new industries, one question often pops up: Does your UAN number change with a new company? For employees in India, the Universal Account Number (UAN) is a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes down to managing their provident fund (PF) accounts. At Vishaal Consultancy Services, we understand the confusion surrounding this topic and are here to provide clarity. In this blog, we’ll answer this question in detail, explain the significance of the UAN, and guide you through the process of UAN linking with a new employer. Let’s get started!

What is a UAN Number?

Before addressing whether your UAN number changes in a new company, let’s first understand what a UAN is.

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to every employee contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in India. It is issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), and the UAN acts as a single identifier for all your PF accounts, regardless of how many employers you work for over the years.

You can think of the UAN as your lifelong PF companion. It consolidates all your PF contributions under one umbrella, making it much easier to track, transfer, or withdraw your funds. This brings us to the heart of the matter: Does the UAN number change with new company?

does uan number change with new company

Does Your UAN Number Change with New Company?

The short and clear answer is no! Your UAN number does not change when you switch to a different company. The UAN is unique to you as an individual and remains the same throughout your career, regardless of how many employers you work for. This is one of the key advantages of the UAN system introduced by the EPFO. Unlike the earlier system where each job change resulted in a new PF account number, the UAN ensures continuity.

When you join a new company, your new employer will link your existing UAN to their PF account setup. This process of UAN linking with a new employer ensures that your PF contributions from the new job are credited to the same UAN. This not only eliminates the hassle of managing multiple PF accounts but also simplifies processes like PF transfers or withdrawals.
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Why Doesn’t the UAN Change?

The UAN is designed to be a permanent identifier, much like your Aadhaar number or PAN. The logic behind this is simple: to streamline the PF management for employees and reduce the administrative complexities. By keeping the UAN unchanged the EPFO ensures that:
  • All your PF contributions, past and present, are linked to a single account.
  • You can easily transfer PF balances from one employer to another.
  • You have seamless access to PF services like checking balances, updating KYC, or withdrawing funds through the EPFO portal or UMANG app.
uan number change in new company

How Does UAN Linking with a New Employer Work?

When you join a new company, your employer will ask for your UAN to link it with their PF account. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how UAN linking with a new employer works:
  1. Share Your UAN: Provide your existing UAN to your new employer. If you don’t have a UAN (e.g., if this is your first job), your employer will generate one for you through the EPFO portal. It is typically mentioned in your salary slip.
  2. KYC Verification: Ensure your UAN is linked to your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account. This is mandatory for seamless PF contributions and withdrawals. If your KYC is incomplete, update it on the EPFO portal.
  3. Employer’s Role: Your new employer will use your UAN to link with your existing PF account number (also called a Member ID) under their establishment code.
  4. PF Contributions: Once linked, your PF contributions from the new job will reflect under your UAN. You can check this on the EPFO portal or the UMANG app.
  5. Transfer (Optional): If you have PF balances from previous employers, you can request a PF transfer to consolidate all funds under the new employer’s PF account. This is optional but recommended for better management.

Important Note for UAN Linking with New Employer

It is crucial to make sure that the employee’s name appears exactly the same on their Aadhar, PAN, and bank account. Names with initials in one ID proof cannot have a name with the entire surname in another, and spelling must remain the same. This is the most common reason why PF claims are denied, and it might take months or even years for the PF Department to make the necessary changes. Ensuring that the new hires have the same names on all of their ID proofs and then registering on the EPFO Portal should be a standard practice to avoid any issues later.

At Vishaal Consultancy Services, we assist employers in ensuring smooth UAN linking with new employers. Our team can guide you through KYC updates, PF transfers, and resolving any discrepancies in your UAN records.
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What Happens if You Don’t Share Your UAN?

If you fail to share your UAN with your new employer, they may generate a new UAN for you. This can lead to duplicate UANs, causing confusion and complications when accessing or withdrawing your PF funds. To avoid this:
  • Always share your existing UAN with your new employer.
  • If you suspect multiple UANs have been created, contact the EPFO or consult experts to merge them.

Why is the UAN Important?

The UAN is more than just a number, it’s the key to managing your hard-earned savings. Here’s why it matters:
  • Unified PF Management: Tracks all your PF contributions under one account, regardless of job changes.
  • Ease of Access: Allows you to check PF balances, update KYC, or withdraw funds online.
  • Transparency: Ensures your employer’s PF contributions are credited correctly.
  • Future Security: Your PF savings are a crucial part of your retirement planning.
By understanding that your UAN number does not change in a new company, you can confidently navigate job transitions without worrying about losing track of your PF savings.
does uan number change with new company
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Common Myths About UAN Number Changes

Now that we have addressed the key question ‘does UAN number change with new company‘, now let’s debunk some common misconceptions:
  • Myth: A new UAN is created for every new job.
Fact: Your UAN remains the same with the PF account number with all employers.
  • Myth: You need to close your old PF account when switching jobs.
Fact: You can transfer your PF balance to the new employer’s account or leave it as is, linked to your UAN.
  • Myth: UAN linking is complicated.
Fact: With proper KYC and employer coordination, linking is straightforward. Vishaal Consultancy Services can make it even easier!

Tips for Managing Your UAN

To ensure a hassle-free experience with your UAN:
  • Keep your UAN details handy and share them with every new employer.
  • Regularly check your PF balance on the EPFO portal or UMANG app.
  • Update your KYC (Aadhaar, PAN, bank account) to avoid delays in PF services.
  • Organisations can seek professional help from Vishaal Consultancy Services for complex issues like UAN merging or PF disputes.

Conclusion

So, does UAN number change with new company? No, it’s a lifelong identifier that simplifies PF management and ensures your savings are secure, no matter how many career shifts you make. By understanding the process of UAN linking with a new employer, employees can take control of their PF contributions and plan for a financially secure future.

At Vishaal Consultancy Services, our team of experts is committed to empowering employees and employers with clear, actionable guidance from PF-related matters to streamlining payroll processing. Contact us today, and let’s make your PF journey smooth and stress-free!

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