The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) provides an online and offline facility for members to update their mobile numbers. EPFO’s user-friendly portal, Unified Member Portal, allows employees to access and monitor their Provident Fund (PF) details such as UAN-linked account status, balance, and withdrawal updates. However, ensuring your accurate mobile number is linked with your PF account is crucial for receiving notifications and using benefits. Changing your mobile number in EPFO records requires specific documents and adherence to certain procedures.
In this article, we will explore the documents required to change your mobile number registered with EPFO. Let us first understand the importance of updating your mobile number, followed by the documents you need to keep handy for this update.
Importance of EPFO Mobile Number Change
The mobile number registered in your EPFO account serves as a point of contact for receiving OTPs, important notifications regarding your Provident Fund account, and updates on withdrawals or transfers. If you lose access to the number or decide to switch to a new number, you should update it immediately. Missing important messages or authentication OTPs can delay essential PF-related processes.
Documents Required for EPFO Mobile Number Change
To update your mobile number in the EPFO portal, you will need the following documents:
Aadhar Card
An Aadhar card is a mandatory document for authentication and verification purposes. Since the linking of your Aadhar to your UAN (Universal Account Number) has been made compulsory by EPFO, your mobile number update will also require your Aadhaar details. The name, DOB, and gender in your Aadhar should match the data in your UAN for seamless verification.
PAN Card
Although PAN card details are generally linked to your EPFO account, it can also be used as a supporting document in some cases. PAN card details help EPFO verify your employment history and identity while making updates to critical aspects of your account.
Active Mobile Number
You must provide the new mobile number that you wish to link with your PF account. Ensure that the new mobile number is active, and you can receive OTPs on it. The mobile number will also be used for future correspondence from EPFO.
UAN Details
Your UAN, a 12-digit unique number assigned to each EPFO member, is essential for initiating a mobile number update request. You will need your UAN credentials to access the Unified Member Portal or notify your employer about the change.
Employee ID or PF Number
In certain cases, EPFO may ask for your PF number for verification or troubleshooting issues.
Identity Proof (if Required)
Although most cases of mobile number updating do not require additional identity proofs, you may keep an alternate document such as a Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport handy in case discrepancies arise.
Old Mobile Number (If Remaining Operational)
If your old mobile number is still operational, it may speed up the verification process as some notifications or authentication steps might involve the previous number. For example, EPFO sends OTPs to the old number during the process.
Steps for EPFO Mobile Number Change
Here are the steps you can follow for epfo mobile number change:
Step 1: Login to the Unified Member Portal
Go to the EPFO Unified Member Portal. Log in using your UAN and password. In case you don’t remember your password, you can reset it using your registered mobile number.
Step 2: Access the ‘Manage’ Section
Once logged in, navigate to the “Manage” section and click on “Contact Details Update.”
Step 3: Input Updated Mobile Number
Enter the new mobile number in the designated field. Verify the number to ensure there are no typing errors.
Step 4: OTP Verification
You will receive an OTP on the new mobile number you provided. Enter the OTP in the portal for verification. If your old mobile number is operational, you might receive a confirmation OTP on it as well, depending on your UAN status.
Step 5: Confirmation and Save Changes
After successful OTP verification, confirm the request to update your mobile number. The new contact details will now be linked to your UAN profile.
Offline Procedure (Through Employer/EPFO Office)
If you are unable to update your mobile number online, you can opt for the offline procedure. Here’s how it works:
- Fill Out Form: Obtain Form 11 from your employer or download it from the EPFO portal. Fill out the details, including your new mobile number.
- Submit to HR Team: Submit the duly filled and signed form to your employer’s HR department, along with necessary documents such as Aadhar Card and PAN Card.
- HR Submission to EPFO Office: Your employer will process the request and submit it to the EPFO regional office.
- Notification: Once approved, you will receive a confirmation message on your new mobile number.
- Charges: There is no fee for updating a mobile number or details on EPFO.
Documents Checklist for Offline Procedure
For offline mode, it is advisable to carry both originals and photocopies of required documents to avoid any last-minute discrepancies. You may need to submit self-attested copies of the following:
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- UAN Details
- Form 11
- Employer Authorization or NOC (if applicable)
Common Errors in EPFO Mobile Number Update
While the process is straightforward, users often encounter errors. Below are some examples:
- Mismatch in Details: A common issue is discrepancies in the name, date of birth, or gender between UAN and Aadhar database. Such mismatches can halt the update process.
- Inactive Old Number: If the old number is no longer active, the process might require additional verification from the employer or EPFO office.
- Incorrect UAN Credentials: Users must enter the correct UAN and password to log in to the Unified Member Portal.
Example Case: Cost of Mobile Number Update Delay
If you delay updating your mobile number, it might lead to complications in accessing your EPFO account. For example, if your employer deposits ₹10,000 in your PF account monthly and you are unable to gain access for six months, it would mean ₹60,000 is accumulated but inaccessible due to a mobile number error. This delay might affect your financial planning.
Conclusion
Updating your mobile number in the EPFO records is critical to ensure unhindered access to your PF details, balance inquiries, and other services. Keep the required documents handy, and ensure that all your details are accurate in your UAN account to avoid errors during the update process.
Summary:
Changing your registered mobile number in your EPFO account is crucial for receiving updates and accessing benefits such as withdrawal confirmation, transfer messages, and notifications regarding your UAN-linked Provident Fund (PF) account. To update your mobile number via the online EPFO Unified Member Portal, you need your Aadhar Card, PAN Card, active mobile number, and UAN details. Offline processes require additional documents such as Form 11 and employer consent. Ensure there is no mismatch in your personal details across the documents as it might delay the update process.
Efficient mobile number management helps avoid delaying Provident Fund services and allows you to stay informed about your finances. Investors must evaluate all aspects, including routine updates to EPFO details, to ensure seamless monitoring of their PF accounts.
Disclaimer: This article aims to provide general information only. Investors and subscribers are advised to independently verify the details and make decisions after gauging all pros and cons.