Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended a key facility that allows members to remove incorrect Member IDs (MIDs) linked to their Universal Account Number (UAN). The move is aimed at helping employees fix errors where multiple or wrong member IDs were created, sometimes without their knowledge.
In a circular dated April 13, 2026, EPFO said the updated rule will also cover cases where contributions have already been made under such incorrect MIDs.
Earlier, the facility to delink Member IDs was limited to specific situations. Now, EPFO has widened its scope to include cases where wrong MIDs exist even if contributions are present in them.
However, EPFO has also set limits. Member IDs will not be allowed to be delinked if claims have already been processed, settled, or are pending. The same restriction applies if contributions have been received more than six times in that Member ID.
The organisation said separate instructions will be issued later regarding how the balances in such delinked accounts will be handled, including possible transfer to Suspense Reserve Funds.
The process begins on the EPFO member portal. An employee can log in using their UAN and password and check their service history, where all linked Member IDs are visible.
If a member finds an incorrect or unwanted Member ID, they can raise a delinking request through the portal. This request is then sent to the employer for approval.
If the employer agrees, and contributions have been received not more than twice in that Member ID, the delinking is processed at the employer level itself.
If the employer rejects the request or does not respond within two weeks, the case is escalated to the Regional Office. This also applies in cases where contributions have been received more than two times and up to six times.
The Regional Office then examines the case in detail. After review, it is sent to senior officials for approval or rejection, along with proper reasons recorded for the decision.
The Universal Account Number, or UAN, is a 12-digit number issued by EPFO to every salaried employee. It helps link multiple provident fund accounts from different jobs under one umbrella.
Member IDs are assigned by individual employers when an employee joins an organisation. Sometimes, multiple IDs can get linked to a single UAN due to job changes or administrative errors.
The updated system is expected to reduce confusion caused by duplicate or incorrect provident fund accounts. It also gives employees better control over their PF records and helps ensure that contributions are correctly mapped to their active employment history.
EPFO has said further guidelines will be issued soon on how balances from delinked accounts will be transferred or managed.