The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a crucial saving scheme that helps salaried employees accumulate a corpus for their retirement. Managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the EPF system assigns each employee a Universal Account Number (UAN), which remains constant throughout their employment tenure, regardless of the number of Provident Fund (PF) accounts they possess. However, many employees often wonder how to know their PF number linked with their current UAN. This article outlines the steps to determine your PF number, discusses EPFO mobile number change procedures, and provides calculations to help you understand the financial aspects of your PF account.

Understanding UAN and PF Number

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a centralized number assigned to each EPF member. It acts as a unique identifier for all PF accounts used by an individual, even if they switch jobs. On the other hand, a PF number is specific to your employer and is linked to your UAN. For each job you undertake, the employer generates a new PF number under its establishment code while keeping the UAN constant. In case you need to access or update your details, such as performing an EPFO mobile number change, your UAN ensures seamless management of your Provident Fund accounts across employers.

Here’s a quick distinction:

• UAN: Universal and consistent across jobs.
  
• PF number: Unique for every employer under your UAN.
  

Steps to Know Your PF Number Linked With Your Current UAN

If you’re looking to retrieve your PF number linked with your UAN, follow these steps:

1. Using the EPFO Portal

The EPFO’s official website makes it simple to track PF numbers associated with your UAN. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Visit the EPFO member portal
  
• Step 2: Log in using your UAN and password. If you’re logging in for the first time, you will need to activate your UAN.
  
• Step 3: Navigate to the “View” tab on the homepage.
  
• Step 4: Select “Service History” from the drop-down menu. This section lists all PF accounts linked to your UAN, including your PF number, employer details, and establishment code.
  

2. Checking Through Your Payslip

Your payslip can also help you identify your current PF number:

• Look at the section labelled “PF Account Number” or “Provident Fund Number” in your monthly payslip.
  
• Usually, this PF number will match the one listed under your UAN for your current employer.
  

3. Using the UMANG Mobile Application

The government’s UMANG app allows users to access various EPFO services. To check your PF number:

• Download and register on the UMANG app.
  
• Link your UAN and Aadhaar number with the app.
  
• Once logged in, navigate to the “EPFO Services” option and select “Service History” to view all PF numbers linked to your UAN account.
  

4. Contacting Your Employer

Another straightforward way to know your PF number is by reaching out to your employer’s HR department. They can provide you with your PF number under their establishment code.

Understanding EPFO Mobile Number Change

The mobile number linked to your UAN is crucial for accessing EPFO-related information, including updates and OTP-based verification. If you have changed your registered mobile number, follow these steps to update it:

Steps to Change EPFO Mobile Number

1. Login to EPFO Portal: Log in to the EPFO member portal using your UAN and password.
   
2. Go to Profile Settings: Navigate to the “Manage” tab and select “Contact Details.”
   
3. Update Mobile Number: Here, you can enter your new mobile number and save changes. You will receive an OTP on the updated number to verify it.
   

Alternatively, you can update your mobile number using the UMANG app, by visiting an EPFO field office, or by requesting a change through your employer.

Understanding PF Contributions and Balance Using PF Number

Your PF number allows you to access your EPF account details, including contributions and balance. Both employer and employee contribute to the EPF fund, generally 12% of the employee’s basic salary. Here’s how the contribution works:

Assumptions

• Monthly Employee’s Basic Salary: ₹50,000
  
• Employee Contribution (12% of Basic Salary): ₹50,000 x 12% = ₹6,000
  
• Employer Contribution (12% split into two parts):
  
• EPF – 3.67%: ₹50,000 x 3.67% = ₹1,835
  
• EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) – 8.33%: ₹50,000 x 8.33% = ₹4,165
  
• Total Employer Contribution: ₹6,000
  

Total Monthly Contribution to Your EPF Account

Employee Contribution: ₹6,000
Employer Contribution (EPF portion): ₹1,835
Grand Total (credited to your EPF account): ₹7,835 every month.

Calculating Annual Contributions

If you stay employed under the same employer for a year, here’s the calculation:

• Monthly Contribution: ₹7,835
  
• Annual Contribution: ₹7,835 x 12 = ₹94,020
  

This amount doesn’t include the interest earned on the EPF balance, which is compounded annually at an interest rate announced by EPFO (e.g., 8.15% for FY 2022-23).

Points to Keep in Mind While Managing Your PF Account

1. UAN Activation Is Essential: Regular access to the EPFO portal requires activating your UAN, which you can do using Aadhaar and mobile number verification.
   
2. Balance Checks via SMS: You can verify your EPF account balance by sending an SMS from your registered mobile number in the format: “EPFOHO UAN” to 7738299899.
   
3. Multiple PF Numbers Linked to One UAN: If you’ve worked with many employers, all your PF accounts will be linked to your UAN. View your service history to ensure no PF account is lost during job transitions.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many PF numbers can be linked under a single UAN?

There is no limit to the number of PF accounts that can be linked to a UAN. Each employer creates a new PF number, which is mapped under your UAN.

2. What happens if I forget my UAN?

You can retrieve your UAN by visiting the EPFO portal. Click on the “Know Your UAN” service, enter your PF member ID (available on payslips), Aadhaar, or PAN details, and follow the verification steps to access your UAN.

3. Is it possible to withdraw EPF funds without knowing the PF number?

You don’t necessarily need the PF number to initiate withdrawal if your UAN is activated. Withdrawal requests can directly be submitted using your UAN-registered login credentials on the EPFO member portal.

Summary:

The process of identifying your PF number is straightforward if you follow the methods outlined above. You can log into the EPFO portal, check your payslip, use the UMANG app, or contact your employer. If you are wondering how to know PF number, these simple methods will help you easily find and verify the PF number linked to your UAN.

Your PF number is essential for tracking contributions and retirement savings, ensuring you can access details when required. Furthermore, changing the EPFO mobile number is a hassle-free process that secures uninterrupted access to EPF services. The PF contribution calculations demonstrate how both employer and employee contribute amounts in Indian Rupees, and the compounding interest ensures your corpus grows steadily for future financial security.

EPF savings are an integral component of financial planning for most employees, making it important to understand how UAN and PF numbers work. By managing your UAN profile carefully and keeping your mobile number updated, you can maintain seamless access to EPFO services.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is for educational purposes only. Readers are advised to analyze all the pros and cons of managing funds in the Indian financial market and consult a financial advisor or EPFO officer for accurate guidance. Trades, withdrawals, or investments should be made with full knowledge of EPF rules and regulations.