Advisory from EPFO Regarding PF Services and Member Experience

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Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation recently circulated an advisory dated 18th August 2025 to streamline PF services and enhance the overall member experience. The advisory highlights several critical measures that require the cooperation and active participation of all establishments.

As part of this initiative, employers are requested to ensure the following actions are completed for all employees. This is just a refresher circular:

  • Consolidation of PF Accounts:
    • Guide current employees to use the online facility for transferring and consolidating their previous PF accounts under a single Universal Account Number.
    • Assist former employees in correcting basic details through a Joint Declaration to enable consolidation.
  • E-Nominations:
    • Ensure all employees file their e-nominations. This is crucial for enabling legal heirs/nominees to access PF, Pension, and EDLI benefits without delay in case of a member’s demise.
  • UAN Activation:
    • For UANs generated in a given month, ensure activation by the 15th of the following month.
    • Guide employees to activate their UAN login and update their Aadhaar-linked mobile number, bank account, and PAN details.
  • KYC Seeding:
    • Bank KYC: Employees with newly generated UANs must link an active bank account by the 15th of the following month to enable claim filing.
    • PAN KYC: Employees must link their PAN to ensure any applicable TDS is deducted at a lower rate and correctly mapped.
  • Form 5A – Return of Ownership:
    • File and digitally sign Form 5A accurately, as it is a statutory requirement for all registered establishments.
    • Update Form 5A whenever there is a change in ownership or a new branch is opened.
    • Only the owners listed in Form 5A can certify the authorized signatory.
  • Marking Date of Exit:
    • Ensure timely marking of the date of exit for all employees leaving the organization.
    • This enables smooth processing of transfer claims and ensures data accuracy with EPFO.
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):
    • Maintain and regularly update a valid DSC/E-Sign with EPFO.
    • A valid DSC is required for digital signing of Form 5A and for accessing other online services.