The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has implemented mandatory Aadhaar-based face authentication for all UAN activation and new UAN generation services. This security enhancement requires face authentication through the Umang app to strengthen online service security. The EPFO has discontinued UAN activation and generation of new numbers through the portal and shifted both services exclusively to the Umang app with Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT) requirement. According to Bhaskar English, this overhaul follows a major database consolidation and software upgrade aimed at making online services faster and more reliable.
The linking process begins with downloading the Umang app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store and registering with an Aadhaar-linked mobile number. As reported by Mint, subscribers must then set a 4-digit M-PIN for future login and sign in to access EPFO services. The app navigation involves selecting 'EPFO' option and navigating to 'e-KYC Services' before choosing 'Aadhaar Seeding' to enter the UAN details. To check UAN activation status, subscribers can go to 'UAN allotment and activation' option under 'UAN Services Through Face Auth' in the Umang app, where they must enter UAN, Aadhaar number, mobile number, tick consent box, and click 'Send OTP'.
The verification process requires face authentication through the Umang app for complete authentication. According to Bhaskar English, subscribers must enter their UAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number in the activation section, tick the consent box, and click 'Send OTP'. If the process is successful, a message will appear on the screen - 'The UAN entered is already activated'. The face authentication requirement represents a significant security enhancement over the previous OTP-based verification system.
The EPFO has discontinued UAN activation and generation of new numbers through the portal and shifted both services to the Umang app with Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT) requirement. According to Bhaskar English, this step has been taken to make online services faster and more secure after database consolidation and software upgrade. The changes represent a significant modernization of EPFO's digital infrastructure with enhanced security measures for millions of subscribers.
The Ministry of Finance has approved an 8.25% interest rate on EPF for FY2025-26, marking the third consecutive year subscribers are receiving interest at 8.25%. According to EPFO rules, subscribers must maintain a minimum balance of 25% in their EPF account at all times. This means that if you wish to withdraw money partially during employment, you can only withdraw a maximum of 75% of your total funds. Full settlement is only approved upon leaving employment.
