How to Find the PF Account Number: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

• The UAN( Universal Account Number )  is permanent and serves as an umbrella, uniting all PF accounts from various employers.
   
• Your PF account number may be found on your wage slip, through HR, the UAN site, the UMANG app, or at an EPFO office.
   
• Digital improvements such as UMANG and Face Authentication make PF access easier and more secure.
   
• Keeping your UAN KYC data up to date ensures that claims go smoothly and without delay.

A 22-digit alphanumeric identification number known as a PF account number is used by employees to keep track of their Provident Fund contributions. Consider it your retirement savings' equivalent of a "bank account number."

For instance, Aman, a 28-year-old software engineer, observed that ₹2,500 was taken out of his ₹40,000 monthly income under the heading of "PF Contribution." However, he discovered he didn't know his PF account number when he attempted to check his EPF balance. He decided to learn how to locate it at that point, and this blog follows Aman's quest. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about the PF account number and how to find it.

PF Account Number Kya Hai? 

When you first start working, your employer assigns you a PF account number.  It includes information about your region, employer, and individual member ID. You are unable to withdraw, transfer, or check your PF balance without it.

Aman's monthly income is ₹40,000. ₹2,500 of this is allocated to PF. His contribution was ₹30,000 in a single year. He requires his PF account number to view this amount in his EPF passbook.

Breakdown of PF Number Format

Here’s how a PF number looks: MHMUM00127800000001313
 

So, by just looking at his PF number, Aman can decode his state, office, employer, and personal ID, like a secret code hiding all the details.

Enable Push Notifications on UMANG: Instead of waiting for messages, you can receive instant in-app alerts whenever your PF is credited.

Difference Between PF Number and UAN (Confusion Door Karna)

Many employees get confused between the PF account number and the UAN. Let’s clear it up.

• PF Account Number: Given by each employer. If Aman changes 3 jobs, he will have 3 different PF account numbers.
   
• UAN: A unique 12-digit number, same for life. It links all PF accounts under one umbrella.

Example: If Aman worked at:

• Job 1: PF No. MH/MUM/0012780/1313 (Balance ₹30,000)
   
• Job 2: PF No. DL/DEL/0005678/2929 (Balance ₹25,000)
   
• Job 3: PF No. KA/BGL/0011122/4545 (Balance ₹50,000)

All these PF accounts will be linked to one UAN: 100100100100.

Comparison Table: PF Number vs UAN
 

Now Aman knows, PF account numbers change with jobs, but UAN stays constant like an Aadhaar for his PF.

Snapshot Your Passbooks Periodically: Save a copy after each contribution as it’s a quick offline way to monitor balances or cross-check statements later.

Kaise Pata Karein PF Number? (Easy Methods)

There are multiple ways Aman can find his PF account number. Some require online access, while others can be done offline.

Step-by-step Methods:
 

1. Salary Slip

Most organisations include the PF account number on the employee's monthly salary slip. It is normally included in the "Deductions" or "Contributions" column, along with the PF contribution amount. If it is not clearly mentioned, search for "PF No." or "Member ID."

Example: Aman checks his salary slip for June and sees under deductions:

• PF Contribution: ₹2,500
   
• PF No: MH/BAN/123456/000/0012345
   

2. HR Department

If the PF account number is not included on the salary slip, the easiest solution is to contact HR or the payroll staff. They keep personnel records and can provide you your PF account number (Member ID) directly. Most organisations can also email the information upon request.

Tip: Always ask HR if your UAN (Universal Account Number) is connected to your PF account, since this facilitates online access.

3. UAN Portal (EPFO Member Portal)

If your UAN is active, you can easily check your PF account number online. Here’s how:

1. Visit the official EPFO UAN Member Portal.
    
2. Log in using your UAN, password, and captcha.
    
3. Once logged in, go to "View" -> "Service History."
    
4. You will get a list of all PF accounts associated with your UAN (for current and former jobs).
    
5. Each record will include the Member ID (PF account number), establishment name, and joining and leaving dates.
    
6. Aman signs in and sees his PF account number, MH/PUN/987654/0012345, next to his company name.

Example: Aman logs in and sees his PF account number as MH/PUN/987654/0012345 under his company name.

4. UMANG App

The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app also includes information about PF.

Steps:

1. Download and install the UMANG app (available on the Play Store and App Store).
    
2. Register with your mobile number that is connected to Aadhaar.
    
3. Go to EPFO Services.
    
4. Enter your UAN to connect it.
    
5. Once linked, you may check your passbook and see your PF account number, balance, and transactions.

5. EPFO Office Visit

If you are unable to access your PF details online, you can visit your nearest EPFO regional office.

Steps:

1. Carry a valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN, or Voter ID).
    
2. Submit a written request to know your PF account number.
    
3. The EPFO officials will verify your employment details and provide your PF number.

Aman checked his salary slip and saw: “PF No: MH/MUM/0012780/1313.” That was enough to log into the EPF portal and check his balance of ₹1,20,000 (including employer contribution).

Table of Methods
 

From all these, Aman liked the UAN portal most, it gave him a complete history across jobs.

Customer Care & Support (Jab Help Chahiye Ho)

Sometimes, Aman couldn’t access his PF details due to a locked account. In such cases, EPFO offers multiple support channels

• Toll-Free Number: 1800-118-005 (timings: 9:15 AM – 5:45 PM).
   
• Grievance Portal: Lodge complaints online.
   
• Regional PF Office: Visit physically with ID proof.

Aman called the helpline 1800-118-005, quoted his UAN, and got his PF account number confirmed in 10 minutes.

Support Options Table

What are the support options available, and how does it help?
 

Thanks to customer support, Aman never got stuck; he always had a way out when things didn’t work online.

Why PF Account Number Matters (Importance Samajhiye)

Knowing your PF account number isn’t just a formality; it directly affects your financial control.

• Withdrawals: Without a PF account number, withdrawal forms cannot be processed.
   
• Transfers: When Aman moved from Mumbai to Bangalore, his PF transfer needed account numbers.
   
• Balance Checks: Regular tracking helps employees know their retirement savings.
   
• Loan Eligibility: PF details are sometimes used for housing/education loans.

Aman had ₹2,00,000 in his old PF. Without knowing the PF account number, he couldn’t transfer it to his new employer’s PF account.

Importance Table
 

For Aman, PF account number turned out to be the key to unlock savings, transfers, and claims; without it, his retirement planning was incomplete.

Common Problems While Finding PF Number

It is important to understand the common challenges employees face while locating their PF number. These issues can arise due to missing information, incorrect details, or system updates. The table below summarises the problems and provides practical solutions to ensure smooth access to your PF account.
 

Aman once saw only his new PF account in the UAN portal. After submitting Form 13, his old account balance of ₹1,20,000 also appeared.

Conclusion

From salary slip to UAN portal, Aman discovered multiple ways to find his PF account number. Each method, be it online or offline, made him more confident about his retirement savings. His story shows that knowing your PF account number isn’t just about logging in, it’s about taking control of your future money.

So, the next time you see PF deductions on your payslip, don’t ignore them. Find your PF account number, link it with your UAN, and keep your savings secure, just like Aman did.

FAQs

How can I restore a lost UAN using Aadhaar, PAN, or Member ID?

You may recover your UAN online by using one of the following: Aadhaar number, PAN number, or PF Member ID connected to your phone.

Is it necessary to activate UANs using the UMANG App now?

Yes. As of August 1, 2025, UAN production and activation must be done using the UMANG app and Face Authentication.

Are PF account transfers now possible without Aadhaar?

Yes. Recent improvements enable bulk UAN production and activation without Aadhaar, and Form 13 for EPF transfers has been redesigned for easier processing.

How may mobile alerts assist with PF tracking?

If your cell phone is linked to UAN, you will receive SMS alerts for PF contributions, balance updates, and claim statuses, allowing you to stay informed without checking in.

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About the Author

LoansJagat Team

‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.