All About the Employee PF Number

The Employee PF Number can be defined as an account number which is used by the employees to check the status of their EPF and EPF account balance.  Employees’ PF Account Numbers are also required during EPF withdrawal process. 

Along with the registration and allotment of the EPF number to each of the employees, the employer is also responsible for ensuring timely EPF contributions. Therefore, the employer plays an important role in the EPF scheme and it is vital that they ensure the employees receive their EPF account number.

However, at times, employees might not be aware of their EPFO number or EPF balance check number at times when they have not kept track of their monthly contributions to the program.  However, there are certain other ways through which the employees can know their EPF number if the employer doesnot inform them about the same. 

Here we have talked about all the processes through which an employee can know their EPF number.

Format of the EPF Account Number

The EPF Account Number consists of both numbers and alphabets. It includes information about the EPF office that oversees all of the employee’s EPF account activities and the organization’s code. 

An example of the format of an EPF account number and the various information contained in the number is given below-

• The first two alphabets represent the State. For example, KA for Karnataka, or UP for Uttar Pradesh.
• The next three letters state the regional office.
• The first seven numbers represent an establishment ID. 
• The next three numbers represent the extension code of the very same establishment ID.
• The last seven numbers are the actual EPF account number and are employee-specific.

How to Know the EPF Number?

If an employee cannot get the number from the employer, there are other ways an employee can get their number. 

• EPFO Office Visit

Employees can get their EPF account number by going to the EPFO’s office. To collect the account number, the employee must have all of the necessary personal information. The employee must have proof of identity on them at all times, as well as fill out the application form.

• UAN Portal

Employees who know their UAN can easily obtain their EPF account number via the EPFO site. Employees can view all PF information by logging into the EPFO server.

• Salary Slip

On the employee’s pay sheet, most employers would have the EPF account figure.

• Through Phone Number

If your phone number was linked to your PF account, you would receive regular notifications anytime a contribution was made. Additionally, your PF and UAN accounts should be accessible through SMS alert.

• Through Company Name

Follow these procedures to locate your PF number by using the name of your company.

• Visit https://unifiedportal-epfo.epfindia.gov.in/publicPortal/no-auth/misReport/home/loadEstSearchHome for more information.
• Enter the name of your company.
• After that, input the Captcha code.
• Then press the search button.
• Various branches of your firm will appear; select the branch for which you work. This should help you to locate the company code.
• Finally, try to figure out your number by contacting former employees who joined with you or after you.

• Through PAN

To use this approach, your PAN card must be linked to your PF account.

• Step 1: If you want to know how to find a PF number using a PAN card, go to the EPF portal.
• Step 2: Enter your PAN, name, DOB, mobile number, and Captcha code.
• Step 3: Next, click the 'Get Authorisation PIN' button.
• Step 4: Next, click 'I Agree' and enter the OTP you should have received through email.
• Step 5: Finally, press the 'Validate OTP and Get UAN' option.

The UAN would be sent to your registered mobile number. That's how you use a PAN card to find your PF number.

Importance of PF Account Number

Previously, the EPF account number was the most critical aspect of an EPF plan. Employees would not be allowed to borrow funds from their 401(k) or move funds from their former Member ID to their new one until they have an EPF number. 

However, with the implementation of the UAN, the UAN now handles the majority of EPF scheme operations. Employees must understand that the EPF Account Number is the primary identifier of the EPF account, while the UAN serves as the secondary identifier.

Uses of Provident Fund Account Number

• Easy to find the UAN 
• Necessary for the withdrawal of the provident fund
• Transfer of amount to new member IDs
• Essential to check EPF balance

EPFO Customer Care Number

Individuals can contact  EPFO Toll-Free No. 1800 118 005 regarding UAN and KYC queries.