Starting a new job usually comes with a long checklist, i.e., updating documents, completing paperwork and settling into a new workplace. Until now, employees also had to submit a separate request to transfer their provident fund (PF) balance from their previous employer.
That process is now becoming much simpler.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation () has under which eligible employees will no longer have to submit a separate PF transfer request after changing jobs. If the Universal Account Number (UAN) is linked with Aadhaar and other conditions are met, the PF balance will be transferred automatically when the employee joins a new employer.
Earlier, employees had to apply separately to transfer their PF balance from the previous employer’s PF account to the new one. The request had to be processed by EPFO and, in some cases, verified by the employer as well.
With the new system, EPFO will automatically transfer eligible PF balances for members whose Aadhaar-authenticated UAN is linked correctly. This removes the need to file a separate online or offline transfer application.
The change has been introduced after EPFO shifted to its Centralised IT Enabled Services (CITES) platform, which is designed to bring member records and services onto a single centralised system.
A Universal Account Number (UAN) remains the same throughout an employee’s working life. However, every time an employee joins a new organisation, a fresh PF member ID is created.
Under the new system, EPFO can automatically connect these member IDs under the same UAN and transfer the eligible PF balance without requiring a separate request from the employee.
Many employees change jobs several times during their careers. As a result, they often end up with multiple PF member IDs linked to the same UAN.
Bringing these accounts together makes it easier to keep track of retirement savings. It also helps maintain a continuous employment record and allows employees to see their PF balance in one place instead of across multiple accounts.
The move is expected to reduce paperwork, speed up the transfer process and make job changes less stressful for employees.
Employees can view their employment records by logging into the EPFO Unified Member Portal using their UAN.
After completing OTP verification, members can open the ‘Service History’ section to check details of their previous and current employment. This can also help ensure that all member IDs are correctly linked under the same UAN.
Here, it must be mentioned that the automatic PF transfer facility is one of several changes introduced after EPFO’s migration to the CITES platform.
In recent months, EPFO has also rolled out centralised claim processing, a centralised payment system and the ‘any office’ service model. This allows members to access EPFO services from any EPFO office, instead of being limited to the office where their account is maintained.
Together, these changes are aimed at making PF services faster, simpler and more convenient for millions of employees across the country.