EPFO Update: Changing jobs does not necessarily mean that an employee has to create or change their PF account. Employees can continue using their existing Universal Account Number (UAN), which can remain linked to PF accounts from different employers.
However, employees should regularly check their PF records after changing jobs. If an incorrect PF member ID or an employer that they never worked for appears under their UAN, it should not be ignored. An incorrect entry can create problems with PF records and may cause difficulties during future transfers or withdrawals.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) provides an online facility through which eligible incorrect member IDs can be delinked.
How to Identify an Incorrect PF Member ID
Employees can log in to the EPFO portal using their UAN and password and check the ‘Service Details’ or ‘Service History’ section.
The information displayed there should be compared with the employee’s actual employment records. Details such as the employer’s name, employment period and PF member ID should be checked carefully.
If a company or member ID appears against the UAN despite the employee never having worked for that employer, it may be an incorrect linkage.
However, employees should not delink a genuine PF account simply because they have left that employer. A PF account connected to a legitimate previous job remains part of the employee’s employment record.
How to Delink an Incorrect Member ID
After identifying an incorrect member ID, an eligible employee can select the option to delink it through the EPFO portal.
The employee must provide a reason for requesting the delinking. For example, a reason may be selected stating that employment was offered by the company but the employee never actually joined or worked there.
The employee must then accept the required declaration and authenticate the request using an Aadhaar-based OTP. The OTP is sent to the mobile number registered with the UAN. Once authentication is completed, the request is processed according to the applicable EPFO rules.
What If PF Contribution Has Already Been Deposited?
EPFO simplified the delinking facility in April, allowing eligible requests to be submitted even when a contribution has already been deposited against an incorrect member ID.
However, such cases may require intervention from the employer or the concerned EPFO office.
Immediate online delinking is not available in every situation. Member IDs connected with claims that have already been processed, settled or are pending may fall outside the facility under the applicable rules.
There are also limits on online requests where more than six contributions have been made against an incorrect member ID.
Keep Employment Documents Safe
If an incorrect member ID cannot be removed through the online process, employees should keep supporting documents readily available. These may include the appointment letter, salary slips, PF settlement records and correspondence or other communication with the employer.
Such documents may be required by the employer or EPFO if additional verification is needed.
Employees should regularly review their PF service history through their UAN and ensure that the member IDs linked to their account correspond with their actual employment records. Checking these details periodically can help identify incorrect entries before they create difficulties during future PF-related transactions.