Every young Indian explores multiple avenues to secure their finances for retirement. After all, after working for decades, every professional deserves to enjoy financial stability during their golden years. The Universal Account Number (UAN) helps Indians plan their retirement. Let’s better understand UAN and how working Indians can use it to secure their financial future.
What is a UAN Number?
The UAN or Universal Account Number is a unique 12-digit numeric code assigned to employees contributing to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) introduced the UAN to streamline the EPF management process. With a UAN number, individuals can seamlessly transfer their EPF funds whenever they switch jobs. Additionally, they can access various online services offered by the EPFO.
How to Generate a UAN Number?
Individuals who have just joined the workforce or registered for the EPF can ask their employers to generate a UAN. Employers must follow these steps to generate the UAN number:
- Log into the EPF Employer Portal
- Visit the Member section and select the Register Individual tab
- Enter the employee’s details, including their date of birth, PAN, Aadhaar number, and bank details
- Approve the details in the Approval section
- Link the newly generated UAN to the employee’s PF account
How to Check a UAN Number
Once your employer generates your UAN, you can check it by following these steps:
- Visit the EPF portal
- Select the Our Services menu and choose the For Employees option
- Click the Member UAN/Online Service (OCS/OTCP) link
- Select the Know your UAN option under Important Links
- Enter your registered mobile number and the Captcha to request an OTP
- Verify your number with the OTP to view your UAN number on the screen
How to Activate a UAN Number
Activating your UAN is the final step in gaining complete control over your EPF account. Follow these steps:
- Visit the EPF portal
- Select the Our Services menu and choose the For Employees option
- Click the Member UAN/Online Service (OCS/OTCP) link
- Select the Activate UAN option under Important Links
- Fill in the required details such as name, date of birth, email ID, and Captcha
- Click ‘Get Authorization Pin’ and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile
- Create a password for your UAN portal login
- Your UAN number is now activated, and you can start exploring the various services offered by the EPFO
Understanding and activating your UAN number empowers you to manage your EPF contributions. It helps you understand your finances and plan for a secure future. You can supplement your EPF corpus through NPS investments.
Considering the NPS
The National Pension System (NPS) is another valuable tool for comprehensive retirement planning. Individuals can use the NPS to build a retirement corpus through systematic contributions.
Key benefits of the NPS include:
1. Flexible Contributions
NPS allows individuals to contribute regularly and build a retirement corpus according to their financial capacity.
2. Tax Benefits
Contributions made towards NPS are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act. Individuals can claim an additional deduction of Rs. 50,000 over the limit of Rs. 1,50,000 per year.
3. Professional Fund Management
Professional fund managers manage investments, ensuring optimal returns.
4. Choice of Investment Options
NPS provides the flexibility to choose between equity, fixed deposits, and government bonds. Individuals can invest based on their risk appetite.
Visit the HDFC Pension website to register for the NPS and invest in your future today.
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