COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL REPORT
EPF Rules Explained: How to Delink a Wrong PF Member ID from Your UAN
Wrong PF IDs can disrupt service history, but EPFO offers a correction process
Step-by-step guide ensures smooth transfers, withdrawals, and compliance for employees
By Our Business Reporter
New Delhi: December 15, 2025:
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is one of the most important social security schemes in India, providing retirement savings and financial security to millions of employees. Each worker is assigned a Universal Account Number (UAN), which links all their PF accounts across different employers.
However, errors sometimes occur when a wrong PF member ID gets linked to a UAN. This can create confusion in service history, disrupt transfers, and delay withdrawals. To address this, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a process to delink incorrect PF member IDs.
Why Wrong PF IDs Are a Problem
- Service history mismatch: Incorrect linking can show wrong employment records.
- Transfer delays: PF balances may not transfer correctly between employers.
- Withdrawal issues: Employees may face rejection of claims due to mismatched records.
- Compliance risks: Employers may face queries during audits.
PF Rules in This Context
According to EPFO guidelines:
- Each employee must have one UAN linked to multiple PF member IDs.
- If a wrong PF ID is linked, employees can request delinking.
- Employers must verify and approve the request.
- EPFO requires OTP verification through Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers.
- Correct service history must be maintained for smooth transfers and withdrawals.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Delink a Wrong PF Member ID
1. Login to EPFO Unified Portal
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- Visit https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
- Enter UAN, password, and captcha.
- Verify with OTP sent to registered mobile.
2. Access Service History
- Navigate to the ‘View’ menu.
- Select ‘Service History’.
- Check all PF member IDs linked to your UAN.
3. Identify Wrong PF ID
- Review employer details and dates.
- If an incorrect PF ID is listed, click ‘Delink’.
4. Submit Delinking Request
- Provide employment status and consent.
- Employer must confirm the request.
- OTP verification is required for final submission.
5. Follow Up with Employer and EPFO
- Employers must approve the delinking request.
- EPFO processes the correction.
- Updated service history reflects only valid PF IDs.
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Wrong Employer Linked
An employee worked at Company A, but Company B’s PF ID was mistakenly linked. By filing a delinking request, the wrong ID was removed, ensuring accurate service history.
Scenario 2: Duplicate PF IDs
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An employee had two PF IDs linked to the same UAN due to job changes. Delinking helped remove the duplicate, allowing smooth transfer of funds.
Scenario 3: Withdrawal Rejection
A withdrawal claim was rejected because of a wrong PF ID. After delinking, the claim was processed successfully.
Impact of Delinking Rules
- Employees: Ensures accurate records, smooth transfers, and timely withdrawals.
- Employers: Reduces compliance risks and audit issues.
- EPFO: Improves transparency and reduces disputes.
Expert Opinions
- Tax consultants say delinking improves accuracy in retirement savings.
- HR professionals note that employees must regularly check service history.
- Legal experts emphasize that EPFO’s OTP-based system ensures security.
Challenges Ahead
- Awareness gap: Many employees are unaware of the delinking process.
- Employer delays: Requests may be delayed if employers do not act promptly.
- Technical issues: Portal glitches can slow down corrections.
Conclusion
The EPFO’s rules for delinking wrong PF member IDs from UAN provide a structured way to correct errors that could otherwise disrupt retirement savings. By following the step-by-step process—logging in, checking service history, submitting a delinking request, and verifying with OTP—employees can ensure their PF records remain accurate.
This reform strengthens trust in the EPF system, ensuring that employees’ hard-earned savings are protected and accessible when needed.
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Sources: (Moneycontrol, EPFO Circulars, News18 Hindi)
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