Introduction

In India, many employees change jobs throughout their careers, often leading to the creation of multiple Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) accounts. Managing several EPF accounts can be cumbersome and may result in untracked contributions or settlement delays. To ensure seamless benefits and hassle-free claim processing, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified the process of merging multiple EPF accounts through the Universal Account Number (UAN). Employees can now consolidate all past EPF accounts under a single UAN to maintain service continuity and track retirement savings efficiently.

Understanding the Need for Merging EPF Accounts
When an employee joins a new organization, the employer typically opens a new EPF account. If the employee does not transfer the old EPF balance, multiple accounts exist under different member IDs. Merging avoids duplication, helps track contributions in one place, and ensures pensionable service continuity under EPS.

Pre-Requisites Before Merging EPF Accounts
Before initiating the merging process, the employee must ensure certain preconditions are met. These include activating the UAN, verifying Aadhaar and PAN details, and linking the mobile number with the EPFO portal. Both the old and new employers must have uploaded the employee’s KYC documents and approved them digitally.

Steps to Merge EPF Accounts Using UAN
The EPFO has enabled online merging of EPF accounts through the ‘One Employee – One EPF Account’ facility. Here’s how to initiate the process:

1. Visit the EPFO Unified Portal
   
2. Login using your UAN, password, and captcha.
   
3. Go to the ‘One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)’ option under the ‘Online Services’ tab.
   
4. Verify your personal details and present employer information.
   
5. Provide the old EPF account/member ID to be merged.
   
6. Choose either the previous employer or the current employer to verify the request.
   
7. Submit the request with OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
   
8. The selected employer will digitally approve the request.
   

Merging EPF Accounts Offline through Form 13
Employees can also merge EPF accounts manually by submitting Form 13 to their new employer. This form requests the transfer of funds from the old EPF account to the current one. Once the employer attests the form, EPFO processes the request after verifying the employment records.

Tracking the Status of the EPF Account Merger
After submission, employees can track the status of the account transfer request by logging into the EPFO portal. The ‘Track Claim Status’ option under the ‘Online Services’ tab shows real-time updates regarding approval, rejection, or processing status of the transfer.

Verifying EPF Passbook Post-Merger
Once the account transfer is complete, the merged amount will reflect in the EPF passbook under the active UAN. Employees can download the updated passbook to verify the transferred balance, interest, and date of transfer from the old account.

Common Errors During Merging Process
Merging can fail if there is a mismatch in personal details like name, date of birth, or Aadhaar number between the old and current EPF accounts. Employees should rectify such discrepancies by submitting joint declaration forms through their employers.

Grievance Redressal for Merge Issues
In case of issues during merging, employees can raise a complaint on the EPFO’s grievance portal  . They must attach all necessary proofs including old and new member IDs, UAN, and employer details to help expedite resolution.

Benefits of Merging Multiple EPF Accounts
Merging helps maintain a single passbook for easier tracking, enables faster claims during retirement or job change, and ensures uninterrupted EPS pensionable service. It also eliminates the need to deal with multiple employers or regional EPFO offices.

Conclusion
Merging multiple EPF accounts simplifies employee retirement fund management and ensures service continuity under EPS. The process, whether online through UAN or offline via Form 13, is user-friendly and secure. Employees should actively consolidate their EPF accounts to avoid administrative delays and ensure a smooth retirement benefits experience. Keeping records updated and KYC-compliant is key to successful mergers.

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