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That sinking feeling when you realize you’ve misplaced your Universal Account Number (UAN) or no longer have access to the mobile number linked to your Provident Fund (PF) account can be unsettling. It might feel like a major roadblock in accessing your hard-earned savings. But take a deep breath, fellow claimant! While these are crucial pieces of the puzzle, losing them doesn’t mean your PF withdrawal is impossible. Consider this your recovery mission guide, outlining the steps you can take to retrieve your UAN or update your mobile number, ultimately paving your way to a successful PF withdrawal.

Reclaiming Your Identity: Finding Your Lost UAN

Think of your UAN as your master key to your PF world. If it’s gone astray, here’s how you can try to find it:

The SMS Savior (If Mobile Number is Still Active): If you still have access to the mobile number that was originally registered with your PF account, you can get your UAN via SMS. Send an SMS in the format EPFOHO UAN <ENG> (replace <ENG> with your preferred language code) to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number. You should receive a message with your UAN details.

The Salary Slip Clue: Your UAN is often printed on your salary slips, especially those issued after your PF contributions started. Dig through your past payslips – it might be hiding in plain sight.  

The Employer Connection: Your employer is one of the primary sources of your UAN. Reach out to your HR department or a relevant contact at your previous (or current, if applicable) workplace. They should be able to provide it to you.  

The EPFO’s Digital Footprint: “Know Your UAN Status” Portal: The EPFO website offers a dedicated service to find your UAN online, even if you don’t remember it.

Visit the official EPFO member portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/

Look for the “Important Links” section and click on “Know Your UAN Status”.

You’ll be directed to a new page where you’ll need to provide details like your PF Member ID, Name, Date of Birth, and Registered Mobile Number (if you remember it).

Enter the required information and follow the prompts. The portal may ask for an OTP to your registered mobile number for verification. If successful, your UAN will be displayed.

Re-establishing Contact: Updating Your Lost Mobile Number

Your registered mobile number is crucial for receiving OTPs during online PF withdrawals. If you’ve lost access to it, here’s how to update it:

• The UAN Portal’s “Forgot Password” Pathway: Even if you don’t remember your UAN password, the “Forgot Password” option can help you update your mobile number.
  1. Visit the EPFO member portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/
  2. Click on “Forgot Password” on the login page.
  3. Enter your UAN (if you’ve managed to retrieve it through the methods above) and the captcha.
  4. Click on “Verify”.
  5. You’ll be asked to verify your details (Name, Date of Birth).
  6. You’ll then have the option to update your mobile number. You’ll need to provide your Aadhaar number for authentication and generate an OTP to your new mobile number. Follow the subsequent steps to update your mobile number and set a new password.
• The Offline Assistance Route: If you’re unable to update your mobile number online, you might need to take the offline route:
  1. Download the “Change of Mobile Number” form from the EPFO website.
  2. Fill out the form with your correct details and your new mobile number.
  3. You’ll need to get this form attested by your employer.
  4. Submit the attested form along with self-attested copies of your ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.) to the nearest EPFO office.
  5. The EPFO will then update your mobile number in their records.

Bridging the Gap: Withdrawing PF After Recovery

Once you’ve successfully retrieved your UAN and updated your mobile number (if necessary), you can proceed with the online PF withdrawal process through the UAN portal as usual. Ensure your KYC details (Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account) are linked and verified for a smooth online experience.

✨ Final Thoughts

Losing your UAN or registered mobile number can feel like a setback, but it’s not an insurmountable obstacle to accessing your PF. By utilizing the EPFO’s online tools and, if needed, taking the offline route, you can reclaim your digital identity and update your contact information. Remember, your PF is your right, and there are mechanisms in place to ensure you can access it, even if you’ve misplaced some crucial details along the way.

“Lost details are not lost hope. Utilize the available pathways to reconnect and access your rightful funds.”