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The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out several major changes to simplify and digitize its services. In a move that will benefit millions of salaried employees and employers, EPFO has relaxed Aadhaar requirements, introduced facial authentication, and revised Form-13 to make PF transfers easier and faster.

Let’s break down what’s new and how these changes can make PF-related processes smoother than ever before.

🆕 Now Generate UAN Without Aadhaar

In a significant step towards flexibility and inclusion, EPFO has announced that Aadhaar is no longer mandatory for generating a Universal Account Number (UAN) in certain special cases.

Employers can now create UANs for employees who may not have an Aadhaar number at the time of joining. This move is especially helpful for workers in the unorganized sector, rural areas, or those waiting for Aadhaar documentation.

👤 Face Authentication via UMANG App

EPFO has also integrated face authentication technology into the UMANG mobile app, offering a completely digital and instant method to generate and activate UANs.

This eliminates the dependency on biometrics like fingerprints or OTPs, making UAN activation accessible for those who may face technical challenges with traditional verification methods. The use of Face ID ensures a faster, contactless, and secure experience for both new and existing employees.

🔁 Form-13 Updated: PF Transfers Now More Transparent

The revised Form-13 has been redesigned to simplify PF account transfers when employees switch jobs.

What’s New in Form-13?

• Clearly distinguishes between taxable and non-taxable interest portions in the PF account.

• Enhances tax transparency and reduces errors during income tax filings.

• Helps employees track their exact PF balance and tax liabilities more accurately.

This change is a big relief for employees who often find it confusing to understand how much of their PF interest is subject to tax.

🏦 Bank Account Linking Made Easier

Another employee-friendly update is the simplification of bank account linking:

• If your bank account is already linked with your UAN and verified through NPCI, you no longer need to upload a scanned copy of a cheque or passbook while filing PF claims.

• Employer approval is no longer mandatory for adding or updating a bank account.

These changes will speed up the claim process and reduce the chances of claim rejection due to documentation errors.

💡 What These Changes Mean for You

Whether you're a new employee, a freelancer joining the workforce, or someone switching jobs, these updates by EPFO are designed to make your PF journey:

• Faster: No delays due to Aadhaar issues or employer dependency.

• Smarter: Face authentication is efficient and convenient.

• Transparent: New Form-13 helps with better financial planning.

• Paperless: Minimal document uploads required now.

🔍 Final Takeaway

The EPFO is clearly on a mission to make its platform more user-friendly and digitally advanced. By removing Aadhaar dependency, introducing biometric tech, and streamlining claim procedures, the organisation is making Provident Fund management easier, quicker, and more transparent.

All EPF members and employers are encouraged to update their systems, download the UMANG app, and take advantage of these new features for a smoother experience.

Stay tuned for more updates as EPFO continues its digital transformation journey.