EPFO: How To Generate & Activate UAN Using Aadhaar Face Authentication On UMANG App

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) remains one of the most valued retirement savings options for private sector employees in India. Offering a secure, government-backed corpus, the scheme ensures that salaried individuals can plan for their post-retirement years with confidence. The latest update from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to make things even smoother for account holders. Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology, integrated into the UMANG app, now allows employees to generate or activate their Universal Account Number (UAN) faster and more securely.

EPF And Its Importance

The EPF scheme is designed to encourage long-term savings by requiring contributions from both the employer and the employee. Typically, each party contributes 12% of the employee’s basic salary plus dearness allowance. These funds earn interest, currently fixed at 8.25% for the financial year 2024–25, which compounds over time to create a substantial retirement corpus. This scheme has been a crucial part of India’s social security framework for decades.

What Is A UAN And Why It Matters

The Universal Account Number is a unique identifier assigned to every EPF member. It serves as a single point of access for various EPF-related services, eliminating the hassle of dealing with multiple account numbers across different employers. With an active UAN, members can check their passbook, file withdrawal claims, update their KYC details, and manage other account activities from anywhere.

UMANG App And The New Face Authentication Feature

The UMANG app, a government-developed digital platform, now offers an Aadhaar-based face verification option for EPF members who need to activate their UAN. The process also applies to individuals generating a new UAN for the first time. By integrating facial recognition with Aadhaar authentication, the EPFO aims to strengthen security while making the activation process more convenient.

Step-By-Step UAN Activation Using Aadhaar Face Verification

To activate a UAN through this new method, users first need to have both the UMANG app and the Aadhaar Face RD app installed on their smartphones. Once ready, they can follow these steps:

1. Open the UMANG app and go to the “UAN Allotment and Activation” section.
   
   
   
2. Enter the Aadhaar number and registered mobile number, and provide consent for Aadhaar verification.
   
   
   
3. Receive and enter the one-time password sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
   
   
   
4. If a UAN is not yet allotted, give consent for face authentication.

Use the Aadhaar Face RD app to perform a face scan.

Once verification is successful, the UAN will be generated or activated and shared via SMS.

Who Can Use This Method

This process is intended for employees who have not yet activated their UAN or are applying for one for the first time. However, certain exceptions exist. International workers, along with citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, must continue generating their UAN through their employer, as their verification process differs.

Advantages Of Aadhaar Face Authentication

One of the key benefits of this update is that both UAN generation and activation happen simultaneously, removing the need for separate steps. It also reduces the dependency on physical documents and in-person verification. Moreover, the face authentication process is secure, relying on Aadhaar’s biometric database to ensure the right person is accessing the account.

Services Accessible With An Active UAN

Once the UAN is active, EPF members can use it to:

• Check their passbook balance online
  
  
  
• File and track withdrawal or transfer claims
  
  
  
• Update personal and KYC details
  
  
  
• Access account information through the UMANG app or EPFO portal
  
  
  

By enabling these services digitally, the EPFO reduces paperwork, shortens processing times, and offers a more user-friendly experience for employees.

A Step Towards Fully Digital EPF Services

The integration of Aadhaar-based face authentication into EPF’s digital framework highlights the organisation’s commitment to modernising its services. It is a step towards making retirement fund management more accessible and secure, in line with the government’s broader vision of digital governance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. EPF members should verify official instructions and eligibility on the EPFO portal or UMANG app before proceeding with UAN activation.