First, Why Does This Even Matter?
Ever tried withdrawing your PF money and hit a wall? Or switched jobs and had no clue how to transfer your old PF account? That’s usually where this mysterious little thing called your PF Account Number comes in.
It’s not just a number. It’s your identity in the EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) system. Without it, you’re basically locked out of your own retirement savings.
And yet — most people have no idea what their PF number is, where to find it, or why they have more than one.
Let’s fix that.
What Is a PF Account Number?
Your PF account number is a unique ID created when your employer registers you under the EPF scheme. It keeps track of all your provident fund contributions made during that job.
Here’s the twist: every time you switch jobs, you get a new PF number. That’s why many people have multiple PF accounts over time.
Thankfully, there’s also something called a UAN (Universal Account Number) that ties all of them together — but more on that in a bit.
What Does a PF Account Number Look Like?
PF numbers are usually formatted like this:
MH/BAN/1234567/0001234
Let’s decode it:
PF Number vs UAN: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | PF Account Number | UAN (Universal Account Number) |
| Assigned by | Employer / EPFO office | EPFO |
| Changes with job? | Yes | No |
| Purpose | Job-specific PF tracking | Master ID linking all PF accounts |
| Can you have multiple? | Yes | No |
Think of it this way:
Your PF number is your account for one job.
Your UAN is the key that links all your PF numbers together.
How to Find Your PF Account Number (Step-by-Step)
If you’re wondering where this number lives, here are all the ways to track it down:
1. Check Your Salary Slip
Many companies include the PF number in the monthly payslip under deductions or contributions. Just scroll down and scan for it.
2. Login to the UAN Portal
If you’ve activated your UAN, this is the easiest method.
Here’s how:
- Visit https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/
- Log in with your UAN and password
- Go to View → Service History
- You’ll see all PF numbers linked to your UAN
3. Use the UMANG App
If you’re more of a phone person:
- Download the UMANG app
- Go to EPFO → Employee-Centric Services
- Login using UAN
- View your passbook and PF details in seconds
4. Ask Your HR or Payroll Team
Old-school, but effective. HR usually has this info on record, especially if you’re still employed there.
What If You Don’t Know Your UAN?
Don’t worry — you can find it too.
Use EPFO’s “Know Your UAN” Tool:
- Go to: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
- Click on “Know Your UAN”
- Enter your mobile number and Aadhaar or PAN
- Verify with OTP
- Your UAN will be sent to your registered number
Once you’ve got your UAN, finding your PF numbers is super easy.
How to Check PF Balance Using Your PF Account Number
Here are three quick ways to do it:
1. EPFO Passbook Portal
- Visit https://passbook.epfindia.gov.in/MemberPassBook/
- Log in using your UAN and password
- Select the PF account you want to view
2. Missed Call
- Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered number
- You’ll receive your PF balance via SMS
3. SMS
- Send EPFOHO UAN to 7738299899
- Get balance details in the language of your choice (e.g., EPFOHO UAN ENG)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring your PF number after job change – Leads to unlinked PF accounts and stuck money
- Having multiple UANs – Not allowed, and can mess up your records
- Not updating KYC – Results in delays or rejection of claims
- Never checking your balance – You might miss errors or missed deposits
Final Tip: Don’t Just Know It. Use It.
Your PF number isn’t just for HR files. It’s your gateway to years of savings, tax-free interest, and emergency withdrawals.
If you’ve worked for multiple employers, make sure all your PF numbers are:
- Linked to your UAN
- Transferred properly
- KYC is updated
Because when you finally need that money — whether for a house, emergency, or retirement — you’ll be glad you figured this out in advance.
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