EPFO

UAN Activation Deadline For Employers

Organisations must complete the activation process for all employees hired in the current financial year by 30th November 2024, starting with the most recent joiners. Subsequently, employers are required to ensure UAN activation for all their remaining employees. Meeting these deadlines is crucial, not only to comply with government regulations but also to help employees benefit from the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme introduced in the Union Budget 2024–25.

How To Complete UAN Activation Using Aadhaar-Based OTP

The process of UAN activation through Aadhaar-based OTP has been designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. By following these steps, employers can ensure that their workforce is registered and ready to access the full range of EPFO’s digital services:

1. Accessing the EPFO Member Portal
   Start by visiting the EPFO Member Portal. This serves as the central platform for all UAN-related services. Employers must guide their employees to this portal to initiate the activation process.
2. Navigating to the UAN Activation Section
   On the homepage, employees need to locate the “Activate UAN” link under the “Important Links” section. Clicking this will direct them to the activation page.
3. Providing Key Details
   Employees will be required to enter essential details, including:
   • Universal Account Number (UAN)
   • Aadhaar number
   • Full name (as per Aadhaar records)
   • Date of birth (as per Aadhaar)
   • Aadhaar-linked mobile number
4. Verifying Through Aadhaar OTP
   After entering these details, employees must opt for Aadhaar OTP verification. An OTP will be sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number provided. Employees must enter this OTP to complete the verification step.
5. Completion and Password Generation
   Once the OTP is validated, the system will confirm successful activation and a system-generated password will be sent to the registered mobile number. Employees can use this password to log in to their account for the first time and change it to a password of their choice.

Upcoming Biometric Authentication Feature

While the Aadhaar OTP method is currently being implemented, the Ministry has announced plans to integrate state-of-the-art biometric authentication using face-recognition technology. This feature will further enhance security and make the activation process even more seamless. Employers should stay updated about this new development to ensure compliance when it is introduced.

Benefits Of UAN Activation For Employers And Employees

UAN activation through Aadhaar-based OTP brings significant advantages for both employers and employees, going beyond compliance with government regulations. It simplifies processes, enhances transparency, and ensures seamless access to benefits under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) framework.

Benefits For Employers

1. Regulatory Compliance
   Ensuring UAN activation by the set deadline helps employers avoid potential penalties for non-compliance. It also aligns businesses with the government’s digitisation initiatives and fosters a transparent work environment.
2. Streamlined Processes
   With activated UANs, employers can streamline administrative tasks like updating employee details, processing Provident Fund (PF) contributions, and addressing withdrawal or transfer requests. This reduces manual paperwork and speeds up operations.
3. Access to Incentive Schemes
   Compliance with UAN activation directly ties into the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme introduced in the 2024–25 Union Budget. By activating UANs for their employees, organisations enable their workforce to benefit from central government subsidies and incentives.
4. Enhanced Employer Branding
   Organisations that actively support their employees in accessing financial entitlements are perceived as responsible and employee-focused. This fosters goodwill among the workforce and improves overall employer branding.

Benefits For Employees

1. Easy Access to PF Accounts
   UAN activation provides employees with 24/7 access to EPFO’s digital services. They can check their PF balance, view/download passbooks, initiate claims for withdrawals or advances, and update personal information, all online.
2. Simplified Job Transitions
   Employees can seamlessly transfer their PF accounts across employers by linking their UAN to new contributions. This ensures continuity in PF savings and eliminates the hassle of managing multiple accounts.
3. Secure Digital Transactions
   Aadhaar-based OTP verification ensures that all transactions related to UAN and PF accounts are secure, reducing the risk of fraud or errors.
4. Access to Government Welfare Schemes
   With an activated UAN linked to Aadhaar, employees are eligible for various government welfare schemes. This ensures financial inclusion and timely disbursal of benefits directly into their accounts.
5. Time and Effort Savings
   The ability to manage PF-related activities online eliminates the need for employees to visit EPFO offices. This not only saves time but also makes the process more efficient.

How AuthBridge Simplifies UAN And Aadhaar Verification for Employers

Managing UAN activation and Aadhaar verification across an organisation can be challenging, especially when dealing with large workforces. AuthBridge, an industry leader in digital verification solutions for nearly two decades, offers state-of-the-art tools to help employers meet compliance requirements efficiently and securely. By leveraging AuthBridge’s services, organisations can streamline these processes, reduce manual effort and TAT, and ensure timely adherence to government mandates.

AuthBridge’s UAN Verification Services

AuthBridge’s UAN Verification tool is designed to validate and activate UANs seamlessly. This service ensures that employee details are accurately captured and linked to their EPFO accounts, helping employers meet the 30th November 2024 deadline without errors or delays. Key features of this service include:

1. Bulk Upload and Verification
   AuthBridge enables employers to handle UAN activation for large groups of employees simultaneously, saving time and resources.
2. Error Reduction
   The platform’s robust validation algorithms, with over 99.9% accuracy, minimise errors in employee data entry, ensuring that activation requests are processed smoothly by EPFO.
3. Real-Time Status Updates
   Employers can track the status of each UAN activation request in real-time, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
4. Seamless Integration
   AuthBridge’s UAN verification solution APis (Application Programming Interfaces) can be integrated into existing HR and payroll systems, making it easy for employers to adopt without overhauling their workflows.

AuthBridge’s Aadhaar Verification Services

Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is at the core of the UAN activation process. AuthBridge’s Aadhaar Verification solution offers a secure and paperless way to authenticate employee identities. This service simplifies the Aadhaar verification process and ensures compliance with the government’s mandate for Aadhaar-linked services.

Key Features of Aadhaar Verification:

1. Paperless Authentication
   AuthBridge’s digital platform enables employers to complete Aadhaar verification without requiring physical documents, significantly reducing administrative burden.
2. Fast and Secure OTP Validation
   With real-time OTP-based authentication, the system ensures that only Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers are used, enhancing security.
3. Scalability for Large Teams
   Whether for a handful of employees or thousands, AuthBridge’s Aadhaar Verification service is designed to handle large-scale requirements effortlessly.
4. Compliance with Regulatory Standards
   The service adheres to all government guidelines, ensuring that employers remain compliant with regulations while accessing a reliable verification solution.

How AuthBridge Empowers Employers

By partnering with AuthBridge, organisations can:

• Save time and resources with automated and scalable verification tools.
• Ensure error-free UAN activation and Aadhaar linking for all employees.
• Meet compliance deadlines confidently, avoiding potential penalties.
• Foster trust and transparency with their workforce by facilitating smooth access to financial benefits.

Conclusion

The Aadhaar-based UAN activation initiative is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s an opportunity for employers to empower their workforce and streamline processes. By meeting the 30th November 2024 deadline, organisations can ensure employees access essential benefits seamlessly while fostering compliance and efficiency.