The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified the process of Universal Account Number (UAN) allotment and activation. A circular issued by the retirement fund body stated that by leveraging Face Authentication Technology (FAT) of Aadhaar, three new facilities have been integrated into the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app to offer a seamless experience for employees and EPF members.
Three new facilities for UAN allotment, activation in UMANG App
Newly-joined EPF members can avail the following services on the UMANG app:
Direct UAN Allotment and Activation – This service is for users who do not have a UAN and want to generate and activate it instantly.
UAN Activation for Existing UANs – This is for EPF members who already have a UAN but have not activated it yet.
Face Authentication for Already Activated UANs – For secure identity verification and database updates using facial recognition.
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How to use Face Authentication Technology to get UAN and activate it
The EPFO circular has specified the process that provident fund members can use to instantly get and activate their UAN. It is important to note that UAN is one of the important documents in EPF. Ideally, a single UAN should be issued to an EPF member during his/her lifetime. Different PF account numbers with different companies are linked to a single UAN.
According to the circular, EPF members need to download the UMANG App and the Aadhaar Face RD App from the Play Store. Once installed, users can get and activate their UAN using their smartphones, without any help from EPFO officials or employers.
Additionally, members can also download the e-UAN card in PDF format, which can be shared with employers for easy onboarding with EPFO.
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Key Benefits of Using Face Authentication Technology (FAT)
Using FAT for UAN activation process ensures multiple advantages which are listed below:
Foolproof Aadhaar Validation: User details are directly pulled from the Aadhaar database, ensuring authenticity.
Instant Activation: UAN is activated immediately upon generation—no need to re-initiate the process separately.
Immediate Access to EPFO Services: Once UAN is activated, users can instantly access services like viewing the EPF passbook, updating KYC details, submitting claims, and more.
Reduced Risk of Fraud: The use of biometric face authentication adds a secure layer, minimizing chances of identity theft or data manipulation.
Pre-requisites for instant UAN allotment, activation
To access any UAN-related service on UMANG, ensure you have the following:
A valid Aadhaar number
Access to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification
The Aadhaar Face RD App installed for face authentication
Service 1: UAN Allotment and Activation
For users who don’t have a UAN and wish to generate and activate it.
Step 1: Open the UMANG app and navigate to “UAN Allotment and Activation.”
Step 2: Enter the following details
- Aadhaar number
- Mobile number
- Tick the consent checkbox for Aadhaar validation
Step 3: Tap “Send OTP” and verify using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked number.
Step 4: If prompted, install the Aadhaar Face RD App.
Step 5: If no existing UAN is found, proceed with Face Authentication:
Provide consent and tap “Face Authentication”
A face scan will be performed
Step 6: Once verified, the system generates a UAN and sends it to your mobile via SMS.
Service 2: UAN Activation
For users who already have a UAN but haven’t activated it yet.
Step1 : Open UMANG and go to “UAN Activation”.
Step 2: Enter the following details
UAN
Aadhaar number
Mobile number
Consent for Aadhaar validation
Step 3: Tap “Send OTP” and verify using your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
Step 4: Proceed with Face Authentication using the UIDAI API.
Step 5: After successful verification:
Your UAN gets activated
You receive the UAN and a temporary password via SMS. Your EPFO database is updated with photo and address
Service 3: Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs
For users with an already activated UAN who need to update EPFO records via biometric verification.
Step 1: Open UMANG and tap “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs”.
Step 2: Provide consent and proceed with Face Authentication.
Step 3: The system uses UIDAI API to verify identity and fetches:
- UAN
- Aadhaar details
- Registered mobile number
Step 4: EPFO records are automatically updated with the verified information.
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