How can I know my EPF UAN number?

Procedure to know the EPF number

The registration of the new employee, allotment of the EPF number, and ensuring that EPF contributions are made in a timely manner are handled by the employer. Therefore, the employer plays an important role in the EPF scheme and it is vital that they ensure the employees receive their EPF account number. In case the employer does not inform the employee of his/her EPF number, the employee can follow one of the below-mentioned steps to get the EPF number:

By visiting the EPFO office: Employees will be able to get their EPF account number by visiting the EPFO office. The employee must provide all the required personal details in order to receive the account number. It is vital that proof of identity is carried by the employee and the application form must be filled as well.

By using the UAN portal: In case employees know their UAN number, it is very easy to get their EPF account number on the EPFO portal. Employees can log in to the EPFO portal and will be able to access all PF details.

By asking the employer: Employees can contact the Human Resource (HR) department of their employers in order to get the PF account number.

By checking the salary slip: Most employers will mention the EPF account number on the salary slip of the employee.

Steps to fill EPF Account Number

In order to avail various facilities on the EPFO portal, employees will need to fill in their EPF account number. In case employees wish to know their UAN number, the EPF number can be used. The procedure to fill the account number in order to get the UAN is mentioned below:

  • First, employees must visit the page on the EPFO portal where the details to find the UAN must be filled (https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/no-auth/uanActivation/activationForm?_HDIV_STATE_=12-7-A8866D65A63637671C01A234F6CCB97D).
  • Choose the EPF state: Next, the individual must enter the state where the EPF account has been opened. Various states would be available from the down-down menu which the employee can choose from. The first two alphabets of the EPF account number denotes the name of the state.
  • Select the EPF office: The next step would be to choose the appropriate EPF office. Once the employee chooses the EPF state, various options will appear under the drop-down menu of the EPF office. The three alphabets that follow the name of the state, denote the name of the EPF office. Once the EPF office has been selected, the relevant code automatically comes up.
  • Establishment code must be entered: The next step would be to enter the relevant establishment code in the respective box. The first seven digits of the EPF account number will represent the establishment code.
  • Extension code (if any) must be entered: The next step would be to enter the extension code. The three digits that follow the establishment code represent the extension code. Many establishments may not have an extension code. In such cases, the box can be left blank. This is the only box that can be left blank. All other boxes must be filled.
  • Enter the Member ID: The next step would be to enter the Member ID. The last seven digits of the EPF account number represents the Member ID. The Member ID can be a maximum of 7 digits.
  • Once all the above details are entered, the employee must enter his/her name, date of birth, mobile number, and captcha details.
  • On the completion of the above step, the employee must click on ‘Get Authorization Pin’.
  • The employee will receive an OTP on his/her registered mobile number. Once the OTP is entered, the employee will receive the UAN on the registered mobile number via SMS.

Format of EPF Account Number

The EPF Account Number consists of both numbers and alphabets. Details of the EPF office that handles all operations of the employee’s EPF account as well as the code of the organisation is mentioned on the EPF account number as well. Given below is an example of the format of the EPF account number and the various details present in the number:

PF Account Number: TN MAS 054110 000 0054321

  • The state is represented by the first two alphabets (TN). In the above example, the state is Tamil Nadu.
  • The next three alphabets (MAS) represents the regional office. In the above example, the regional office is Chennai.
  • The first seven numbers represent the establishment ID. The establishment ID can be a maximum of 7 numbers.
  • The next three numbers represent the extension code of the establishment ID. Big establishments do have an extension code. Therefore, an establishment ID will be present. However, for most employees, no establishment ID will be present.
  • The last seven digits is the actual EPF account number and it is employee specific. It can be a maximum of seven digits as well.

Role that is played by EPF Account Number

Given below is the role that is played by the EPF Account Number:

  • It is easy to find the UAN with the help of the EPF account number.
  • In case employees wish to withdraw their EPF amount, the EPF account number is necessary.
  • Employees will not be able to transfer their EPF amount from their previous Member ID to the current one without the EPF account number.
  • The PF account number is necessary for employees to check their EPF balance.

Importance of EPF account number

Earlier, the EPF account number played the most important role in an EPF scheme. Employees would not be able to EPF withdraw amount or transfer the EPF amount from their previous Member ID to the current one without the help of the EPF number. However, since the introduction of the UAN, most EPF scheme functions are handled by the UAN. It is vital that employees know that the EPF Account Number is the main identity of the EPF account and the UAN acts as the secondary number.

EPFO Customer Care Number

Individuals can contact regarding UAN and Know Your Customer (KYC) queries, call EPFO Toll Free No. 1800 118 005.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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