In a major step towards digitisation and user convenience, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched facial recognition-based UAN allotment and activation through the UMANG app. Powered by Aadhaar’s Face Authentication Technology (FAT), this new facility enables EPF members to generate, activate, or update their Universal Account Number (UAN) without visiting any EPFO office or contacting employers. The entire process can be done using just a smartphone.

Here's a detailed look at the new feature and how EPFO subscribers can make use of it.

How to use Face Authentication Technology (FAT)

To use FAT for UAN-related services, users must install two apps on their smartphones:

  • UMANG app: Available on Google Play Store, this is the official platform that hosts a wide range of government services, including EPFO services.
  • Aadhaar face RD app: This is UIDAI’s face recognition app that facilitates biometric authentication via facial scan.

Once both apps are installed and permissions are granted (like camera access), users can proceed to generate or activate their UAN directly on their device.

Benefits of Face Authentication Technology

The integration of FAT offers several advantages to EPF members:

  • Instant UAN activation: No need for multiple steps—UAN is activated immediately upon generation.
  • No manual data entry: All data is pulled directly from Aadhaar, ensuring accuracy and eliminating errors.
  • Secure identity verification: Biometric authentication minimises the chances of identity theft or fraud.
  • Self-service access: Subscribers can handle UAN activation or updates on their own, without depending on employers or EPFO staff.
  • Immediate access to services: Once activated, users can access EPFO services like passbook, KYC update, and claim submissions instantly.

Prerequisites for using FAT

Before starting the process, EPFO members should ensure:

  • They have a valid Aadhaar number.
  • The mobile number linked to Aadhaar is active to receive OTP.
  • The UMANG and Aadhaar Face RD apps are installed on their phone.
  • Internet connectivity and camera access are available on the smartphone.

3 new facilities for UAN allotment and activation in UMANG

The three services newly added to the UMANG app using FAT are:

  1. Direct UAN allotment and activation: For users who are new to EPF and do not have a UAN.
  2. Activation of existing UANs: For members who already have a UAN but haven’t activated it yet.
  3. Face authentication for activated UANs: To update EPFO records or reverify Aadhaar-linked details securely.

Detailed steps for UAN activation through FAT

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for each service:

UAN allotment and activation (For new EPF members)

This option is for users who do not yet have a UAN.

  • Step 1: Open the UMANG app and go to ‘UAN Allotment and Activation’.
  • Step 2: Enter your Aadhaar number and mobile number. Tick the checkbox to give consent for Aadhaar authentication.
  • Step 3: Tap ‘Send OTP’. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
  • Step 4: If prompted, install the Aadhaar Face RD App. Complete the OTP verification process.
  • Step 5: The system will check if there’s an existing UAN linked to your Aadhaar. If not, it will proceed to face authentication.
  • Step 6: Tick the consent box and tap ‘Face Authentication’. Position your face in front of the camera for scanning.
  • Step 7: Once verified, the system generates a new UAN and sends it to your mobile number via SMS.

UAN activation (For users with an unactivated UAN)

This service is for members who already have a UAN but haven’t activated it.

  • Step 1: Open UMANG and select ‘UAN Activation’.
  • Step 2: Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number. Tick the checkbox to give consent.
  • Step 3: Tap ‘Send OTP’. Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked number.
  • Step 4: Proceed with face authentication via the Aadhaar Face RD App.
  • Step 5: Once the biometric verification is successful, your UAN is activated. You will receive a confirmation SMS with the UAN and a temporary password.

Face authentication for already activated UANs

This option allows users with an already activated UAN to verify their identity again or update EPFO records.

  • Step 1: In UMANG, go to ‘Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs’.
  • Step 2: Tick the consent box and proceed with face authentication.
  • Step 3: The system will fetch and verify your UAN, Aadhaar details, and registered mobile number via UIDAI’s database.
  • Step 4: Your EPFO records will be updated automatically with the verified biometric data.

EPFO services available after UAN activation via FAT

Once you’ve completed the UAN activation using FAT, you can immediately access the following services:

  • Download EPF passbook
  • Update KYC documents
  • Submit EPF claims
  • Download e-UAN Card (PDF) for submitting to your employer
  • Track claim status and view personal EPF profile

This initiative is part of EPFO’s broader push towards contactless, paperless service delivery, leveraging biometric technology to enhance security and convenience. With FAT-enabled services now available in UMANG, EPF subscribers have one more powerful tool to manage their retirement savings on the go.