EPFO Extends Last Date for UAN-Aadhaar Linking – Why It Matters and What You Need to Do

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has once again extended the deadline for linking the Universal Account Number (UAN) with Aadhaar. While this extension gives some breathing room to employees and employers alike, it’s crucial to understand why this linkage is important—especially in the context of availing benefits like the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme.

If you’re a salaried employee in India, this isn’t something to ignore. Failure to link your UAN with Aadhaar could result in denied benefits, stalled claims, and general inconvenience in managing your provident fund account. In this blog, we’ll take you through:

What is UAN and Aadhaar linking?

Why is it mandatory?

What is the EDLI insurance scheme?

Step-by-step guide to link UAN with Aadhaar

Common issues and troubleshooting

The new extended deadline

What happens if you miss the deadline?


What Is UAN and Why Should It Be Linked to Aadhaar?

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit number allotted to every employee contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). This number remains the same throughout the career of an employee, regardless of job changes. Each time an employee switches jobs, a new PF account is opened, which is then linked to the same UAN.

The Aadhaar number, on the other hand, is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Government of India to residents based on their biometric and demographic data.

Why link them?
Linking Aadhaar with UAN helps in the seamless verification of identity and simplifies KYC (Know Your Customer) norms. It ensures that the EPFO database is free of duplicate and fraudulent accounts and enables faster and more efficient processing of claims.


Why Has EPFO Made This Linking Mandatory?

The EPFO has made it mandatory to link UAN with Aadhaar primarily for:

1. Ensuring KYC Compliance: Aadhaar is a key component in validating identity and bank account details. A verified Aadhaar helps in confirming that the person making the claim is indeed the account holder.


2. Curbing Fraud: Linking Aadhaar reduces the possibility of duplicate or fake PF accounts. It ensures that each PF account is uniquely mapped to a real individual.


3. Enabling Direct Benefits: Aadhaar linkage enables the direct transfer of funds to the employee’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).


4. Mandatory for EDLI Benefits: The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme, which provides insurance benefits to the nominee of a deceased employee, now requires UAN-Aadhaar linking as a condition for claim eligibility.



What Is the EDLI Insurance Scheme?

The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI) is a life insurance cover provided to salaried employees who are part of the EPFO. The scheme offers financial protection to the employee’s family in the unfortunate event of death during the service period.

Key Features:

Coverage is provided without any premium being paid by the employee.

The employer contributes 0.5% of the employee’s monthly basic salary (up to ₹15,000) towards the EDLI.

The maximum insurance benefit under EDLI has been increased over time and currently stands at ₹7 lakh.


To avail the benefits under EDLI, linking Aadhaar with UAN is mandatory. Without this, the nominee may face issues or delays in receiving the claim.


What Is the New Extended Deadline?

The EPFO has not specified a final cut-off date yet in the latest announcement, but they have confirmed an extension of the previous deadline to provide more time for compliance. This is particularly beneficial for employers and employees in sectors where digital compliance has been slower.

However, just because the deadline has been extended doesn’t mean one should delay. It’s better to complete the process now and avoid last-minute issues.

Keep checking the official EPFO website or your employer’s communication for the exact deadline, as it may vary or be state/region-specific.


How to Link Your UAN with Aadhaar – Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can easily link your Aadhaar with your UAN through the EPFO portal:

Method 1: Online via EPFO Unified Portal

1. Visit: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/


2. Login using your UAN and password.


3. Click on “Manage” in the top menu and select “KYC”.


4. Under the “Add KYC” section, select Aadhaar.


5. Enter your Aadhaar number and name as per Aadhaar, then click Save.


6. Once you submit, the request will be sent for employer approval and Aadhaar verification via UIDAI.



Method 2: Using UMANG App

1. Download and install the UMANG App.


2. Search for EPFO services.


3. Navigate to “Aadhaar Seeding” and follow the on-screen instructions.



Method 3: Through Employer

You can also request your employer to link your Aadhaar with UAN using their employer portal. Make sure your Aadhaar is updated and your details match across both databases.


Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Here are some common issues users face and their solutions:

1. Name mismatch between Aadhaar and UAN

Solution: Update your details either on the EPFO portal or Aadhaar portal. EPFO allows limited changes to personal details via employer approval.


2. Aadhaar not verified

Solution: Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar. Go to UIDAI website and verify your Aadhaar status.


3. Technical errors during linking

Solution: Try using a different browser or device. If issues persist, visit your nearest EPFO office for assistance.



What Happens If You Don’t Link Aadhaar With UAN?

Failure to link Aadhaar with UAN may result in:

Ineligibility to file online claims such as PF withdrawals or transfer requests.

Rejection of EDLI claims in case of death, leaving the nominee without insurance benefits.

Delayed or denied PF settlements.

Non-credit of EPF contributions in case the employer uses Aadhaar-verified contributions.


This makes it vital not only to link Aadhaar but also to ensure all details are accurate and verified.


Final Thoughts

While deadlines for compliance often get extended, it’s best not to wait till the last moment. Linking your UAN with Aadhaar is a simple but essential step to ensure you have uninterrupted access to EPFO services and benefits like the EDLI insurance scheme.

✅ Summary Checklist:

[ ] Log in to EPFO member portal.

[ ] Verify KYC details.

[ ] Link Aadhaar to UAN.

[ ] Cross-check your details with Aadhaar.

[ ] Inform your employer if needed.


If you’re a working professional in India, especially one covered under EPFO, take this opportunity to ensure your documents are in order. The peace of mind it brings—not just to you but also to your family—is worth the effort.

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Secure your future.

Have questions or need help with Aadhaar linking? Drop them in the comments or contact your HR department or the nearest EPFO office.