In a major digital overhaul aimed at improving security and streamlining services, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has shifted Universal Account Number (UAN) activation and new UAN generation exclusively to the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app.

The move means that these services are no longer available through the EPFO's official website. Subscribers will now have to use the UMANG app and complete Aadhaar-based Face Authentication to activate or generate their UAN.

According to EPFO, the change follows a comprehensive database consolidation and software upgrade designed to make online services faster, more secure and user-friendly.

Face Authentication Becomes Mandatory

As part of the revised process, subscribers must complete Aadhaar-based Face Authentication using the UMANG app. The additional verification layer has been introduced to strengthen identity validation and reduce the risk of fraud or unauthorized access to EPF accounts.

The new system is expected to simplify digital onboarding while ensuring higher levels of security for millions of EPFO members.

How to Check UAN Activation Status

Subscribers can verify whether their UAN has already been activated by following these steps:

• Open the UMANG App.

• Select 'UAN Services Through Face Auth'.

• Click on 'UAN Allotment and Activation'.

• Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number and registered mobile number.

• Tick the consent checkbox.

• Click 'Send OTP'.

• Complete the OTP verification and Face Authentication process.

If the UAN has already been activated, the system will display the message:

"The UAN entered is already activated."

EPF Interest Rate Remains at 8.25%

Separately, the Ministry of Finance has approved an 8.25% annual interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for FY 2025-26.

This marks the third consecutive financial year in which EPF subscribers will receive an 8.25% interest rate, providing stable returns on retirement savings.

Withdrawal Rules Remain Unchanged

EPFO has also reiterated the existing withdrawal guidelines.

Subscribers are required to maintain at least 25% of their EPF balance in their account while they remain employed. Consequently, they can withdraw up to 75% of the available balance as a partial withdrawal, subject to applicable eligibility conditions.

For example, if an EPF account has a total balance of ₹2 lakh, a subscriber can withdraw a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh, while ₹50,000 must remain in the account. Complete settlement is generally permitted only after leaving employment and fulfilling the prescribed conditions.

Why the Change Matters

The migration of UAN-related services to the UMANG platform reflects EPFO's broader digital transformation strategy. By integrating Aadhaar-based Face Authentication, the organisation aims to reduce fraudulent activities, enhance cybersecurity and deliver faster digital services to its growing subscriber base.

The transition also reinforces the government's focus on secure, app-based citizen services while encouraging EPF members to manage their accounts through a unified digital platform.