There are often cases of multiple Employee Provident Fund Accounts. As per Employee Provident Fund Organisation’s rule, an employee is allowed to have only one UAN throughout his lifetime. When an EPF account is opened, a UAN (Universal Account Number) is assigned to access the account. In case you have been assigned two UANs, you have to get the previous one deactivated. Also, the EPFO offers a facility to its members that allows consolidation or merger of their multiple PF accounts with the current universal account number (UAN).
An EPF account is opened on behalf of the employee by the company/employer. When an employee switches his/her job, there is a probability that a new UAN is allotted to the member employee. Many times, joining employees do not disclose their UAN/EPF details to the new employer. When an employee does not discuss these details, the new employer opens a new UAN and EPF account. Non-furnishing of ‘Date of Exit’ by the previous employer - Many times your previous employer fails to mention the Date of Exit in the Electronic Challan and Return (ECR). When this information is not provided on time, the new employer opens a new UAN and EPF account. In case you have been allotted two UANs, you can get the previous one deactivated and your EPF account transferred to the new UAN. Steps to do the same are as follows
How long will it take to merge two EPF accounts?
The account merging facility is available three days after activation of the UAN. The merger of account will take place within 20 to 30 working days.
How can I withdraw my EPF from two different companies?
You will have to deactivate the previous UAN and transfer the balance to a new UAN. You can only withdraw EPF if you are unemployed or when you retire. 75% of the EPF balance can be withdrawn after one month of unemployment and the remaining 25% can be withdrawn after two months of unemployment. You can make a withdrawal claim by filling the EPF withdrawal form online.
