(Image source from: Sakshipost.com)
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced an important feature that allows members to delete wrong Member IDs (MIDs) associated with their Universal Account Number (UAN). This change is intended to assist employees in correcting mistakes where multiple or incorrect Member IDs were generated, often without their awareness.
In a notice dated April 13, 2026, EPFO mentioned that the revised rule will also address instances where contributions have been made under these incorrect MIDs. Previously, the option to separate Member IDs was restricted to certain circumstances. Now, EPFO has expanded its applicability to include situations where incorrect MIDs exist, even when contributions are recorded in them. Nevertheless, EPFO has imposed some restrictions. Member IDs cannot be delinked if claims have already been handled, resolved, or are still in process. The same limitation is in place if contributions have been made to that Member ID more than six times. The organization indicated that further instructions will be provided later on how to manage balances in those delinked accounts, including the potential transfer to Suspense Reserve Funds.
The procedure starts on the EPFO member portal. An employee can log in using their UAN and password to view their service record, which displays all linked Member IDs. If a member spots an incorrect or unnecessary Member ID, they can submit a delinking request via the portal. This request is forwarded to the employer for consent. If the employer approves and contributions have been made no more than twice to that Member ID, the delinking is completed at the employer's level. If the employer denies the request or does not reply within two weeks, the matter is escalated to the Regional Office. This also applies when contributions have been made between three and six times. The Regional Office will then look into the case thoroughly. After this review, it will be sent to higher officials for approval or denial, with valid reasons noted for the decision. The Universal Account Number, or UAN, is a 12-digit number provided by EPFO to each salaried worker. It facilitates the connection of various provident fund accounts from different jobs under one reference.
Member IDs are created by individual employers when a worker starts at a company. Occasionally, several IDs might be connected to a single UAN due to job changes or administrative mistakes. The new system aims to minimize confusion caused by duplicate or incorrect provident fund accounts. It also offers employees better oversight of their PF records and ensures that contributions are accurately aligned with their job history. EPFO has stated that additional guidelines will be released soon regarding how balances from delinked accounts will be transferred or managed.
