UAN Epfo

The Universal Account Number or UAN is a 12-digit unique number assigned to every employee contributing to the EPF. It is generated and alloted by the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and authenticated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. The UAN of an employee remains the same throughout his life irrespective of the number of jobs he/she changes.

Every time an employee switches his/her job, EPFO allots a new member identification number or EPF Account (ID), which is linked to the UAN. As an employee, one can put in a request for a new member ID by submitting the UAN to the new employer. Once the member ID is created, it gets linked to the UAN of the employee. Hence, the UAN will act as an umbrella for the multiple Member Ids allotted to the employee by different employers.

The UAN remains same and portable throughout the life of an employee. The employee shall have a different member ID when switching between jobs. All such member IDs are linked to the employee’s UAN to ease the process of EPF transfers and withdrawals.

How to know your UAN

a. Through Employer

Generally, you are allotted a Universal Account Number by your employer as per the EPFO. Some employers print the UAN number in the salary slips too.

b. Through UAN Portal using PF number/member ID

If you are unable to get your Universal Account Number from the employer, you can obtain it through the UAN portal also. You need to follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go the UAN Portal https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
Step 2: Click on the tab ‘Know your UAN Status’. The following page will appear.

UAN

Step 3: Select your state and EPFO office from the dropdown menu and enter your PF number/member ID along with the other details such as name, date of birth, mobile no, and captcha code. You can get the PF number/member ID from your salary slip. Enter the tab ‘Get Authorization Pin’.
Step 4: You will receive a PIN on your mobile number. Enter the PIN and click on the ‘Validate OTP and get UAN’ button.
Step 5: Your Universal Account Number will be sent to your mobile number.

How to activate and login to the EPFO website using UAN?

To activate UAN, you must have your Universal Account Number and PF member ID with you.

Given below are the steps to activate UAN on the EPFO portal:Step 1: Go to the EPFO homepage and click on ‘For Employees’ under ‘Our Services’ on the dashboard.

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Step 2: Click on ‘Member UAN/Online services’ in the services section. You will reach the UAN portal.

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Step 3: 

  • Enter your Universal Account Number, mobile number and PF member ID. Enter the captcha characters. Click on the ‘Get authorization PIN’ button. You will receive the PIN on your registered mobile number.
  • Click on ‘I Agree’ under the disclaimer checkbox and enter the OTP that you receive on your mobile number and click on ‘Validate OTP and Activate UAN’.
  • On UAN activation, you will receive a password on your registered mobile number to access your account.
UAN

Features & benefits of UAN

  • The UAN helps to centralise employee data in the country.
  • One of the most significant uses of this unique number is that it brings down the burden of employee verification from companies and employers by EPF organisation.
  • This account made it possible for EPFO to extract the bank account details and KYC of the member and KYC without the help of the employers.
  • It is useful for EPFO to track multiple job switches of the employee.
  • Untimely and early EPF withdrawals have reduced considerably with the introduction of UAN

Advantages of UAN to employees

  • Every new PF account with a new job will come under the umbrella of a single unified account.
  • It is easier to withdraw (fully or partially) PF online with this number.
  • The employees themselves can transfer PF balance from old to new using this unique account number.
  • Any time you want a PF statement (visa purpose, loan security, etc.), you can download one instantly – either by logging in using the member ID or UAN or by sending an SMS.
  • There is no need for new employers to validate your profile if the UAN is already Aadhaar and KYC-verified.
  • UAN ensures that employers cannot access or withhold the PF money of their employees.
  • It is easier for employees to ensure that his/her employer is regularly depositing their contribution in the PF account.

Documents required to open UAN

If you have just joined your first registered company for a job, you need the following documents to get your Unique Account Number.

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  • Bank account info: Account number, IFSC code, and branch name.
  • ID proof: Any photo-affixed and national identity cards like driving license, passport, voter ID, Aadhaar, and SSLC Book
  • Address proof: A recent utility bill in your name, rental/lease agreement, ration card or any of the ID proof mentioned above if it has your current address.
  • PAN card: Your PAN should be linked to the UAN.
  • Aadhaar card: Since Aadhaar is linked to the bank account and mobile number, it is mandatory. .
  • ESIC card

 

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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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