EPFO Services You Can Still Avail on Portal: Track Applications, File Death Claims, Retrieve UAN and More

New Delhi: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has revamped its Unified Member Portal, shifting some important services to the UMANG app while continuing to offer several other facilities through its official website.

The changes mean that EPFO members can no longer activate their UAN through the unified member portal. Instead, UAN activation is now available through the UMANG app, where members can complete the process using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication.

However, several important services remain accessible through the EPFO portal, including application-status tracking, UAN retrieval and death-claim filing.

UAN Activation Shifted to UMANG App

One of the major changes introduced by EPFO is the discontinuation of UAN activation through the unified member portal.

Members are now required to use the UMANG app for UAN activation. The process uses Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT), allowing users to verify their identity digitally.

The shift is part of EPFO's broader effort to modernise its services and provide a more secure and streamlined digital experience.

The UMANG app, or Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance, is the government's digital platform for accessing various public services, including several EPFO facilities.

EPFO Services Still Available on the Portal

Despite the changes, EPFO members can continue to use the official portal for several important services.

1. Track Application Status

Members can use the EPFO unified portal to track the status of pension applications on higher wages.

This facility allows applicants to monitor the progress of their applications without having to visit an EPFO office.

2. UAN Allotment for an Existing PF Account

Members who already have a Provident Fund account but do not have a UAN can still obtain a UAN through the EPFO portal.

The process involves verifying the registered mobile number and providing the required member details. Once the information is verified, a UAN can be generated and linked to the existing PF account.

3. UAN Retrieval

If an employee has forgotten or misplaced their UAN, the number can still be retrieved through the EPFO portal.

Members need to enter their registered mobile number and provide the required identity or address proof. An OTP is then sent to the registered mobile number for verification.

After successful verification, the member can retrieve the UAN.

4. Filing EPF Death Claims

The EPFO portal continues to allow nominees or beneficiaries to file death claims, including pension-related claims.

Before submitting a claim, beneficiaries should ensure that the Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active and that the required bank-account information is available.

The documents generally required include:

• Death certificate of the EPF member

• Beneficiary's bank account proof, such as a cancelled cheque or passbook

• Proof of the beneficiary's date of birth

EPFO also specifies technical requirements for uploaded documents. The files must be in PDF format, each file should not exceed 2 MB, and file names should not contain spaces.

Which Services Have Moved to UMANG?

While some services remain on the EPFO portal, several UAN-related facilities have been shifted to UMANG.

According to EPFO's updated service structure, UMANG currently provides facilities including:

• UAN allotment and activation

• UAN activation

• Face authentication for already activated UANs

• EPFO-related FAQs

• Account details through SMS

• Account details through missed calls

The key change for members is that UAN activation is no longer performed through the EPFO unified member portal.

What Is UMANG and Why Is It Important?

The UMANG app is a government-backed mobile platform designed to bring multiple public services together in one place.

For EPFO subscribers, the platform has become increasingly important following the transfer of UAN activation services from the EPFO website.

The use of Aadhaar-based facial authentication is intended to simplify identity verification while reducing dependence on traditional authentication methods.

EPFO Portal vs UMANG App: What Can You Do Where?

The latest changes can be broadly understood as follows:

ServiceEPFO PortalUMANG AppUAN activation❌ No✅ YesUAN allotment✅ For existing PF account✅ AvailableUAN retrieval✅ Yes—Pension application tracking✅ Yes—Death claim filing✅ Yes—Face authentication—✅ YesAccount details through SMS—✅ YesAccount details through missed call—✅ Yes

This division means EPFO members may need to use both the portal and UMANG app, depending on the service they want to access.

Why EPFO Made These Changes

The changes follow an upgrade of EPFO's unified member portal. The organisation has been moving towards greater digital integration and authentication-based services.

The shift of UAN activation to UMANG is particularly significant because face authentication can provide an additional layer of digital identity verification using Aadhaar-linked information.

EPFO had earlier taken its unified member portal offline temporarily as part of a scheduled system upgrade. The revamped platform subsequently returned with changes to the availability and process of several services.

Members Should Know Before Using the Services

EPFO subscribers should ensure that their mobile number is properly linked with Aadhaar where required, particularly when using services involving identity verification.

For death claims, beneficiaries should keep the death certificate, bank-account proof and date-of-birth documentation ready before beginning the online process.

Members should also remember that different EPFO services may now be available through different digital channels. Attempting to activate a UAN through the old portal route may therefore no longer work.

The Bottom Line

The EPFO's latest portal changes do not mean that all services have moved away from the website.

Members can still track pension applications, obtain a UAN for an existing PF account, retrieve a forgotten UAN and file EPF death claims through the EPFO portal.

At the same time, UAN activation has shifted to UMANG, where Aadhaar-based face authentication is used.

For EPFO subscribers, understanding which service belongs to which platform can help avoid confusion and make online provident-fund transactions easier.