The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the deadline for UAN activation and seeding of Aadhaar with bank account for employees looking to benefit from the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme by another 15 days till December 15, 2024.

Earlier, the EPFO via a circular had asked employees to complete the activation and linking of bank account through Aadhaar before November 30 in order to receive the direct benefit transfer (DBT) of the ELI scheme in their bank accounts.

Now, in a fresh circular issued on December 4, the EPFO said, “…the competent authority has granted an extension of timeline from 30th November, 2024 to 15th December, 2024 for UAN activation and Aadhaar seeding in bank account of all the employees.”

UAN activation provides employees with seamless access to EPFO’s comprehensive online services, enabling them to efficiently manage their Provident Fund (PF) accounts, view and download PF passbooks, submit online claims for withdrawals, advances, or transfers, update personal details, and track claims in real time. This allows employees 24/7 access to EPFO services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to EPFO offices.

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How to activate UAN?

The activation process can be completed using an Aadhaar-based OTP (One-Time Password). Employers should ensure that their employees activate the UAN by following the steps given below:

  • Go to EPFO Member Portal.
  • Click on the “Activate UAN” link under “Important Links”.
  • Enter UAN, Aadhaar number, name, DOB, and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
  • Employees should ensure their mobile number is Aadhaar-linked to access the full range of EPFO’s digital services
  • Agree to Aadhaar OTP verification.
  • Click “Get Authorization PIN” to receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
  • Enter the OTP to complete the activation
  • A password will be sent to your registered mobile number upon successful activation.

What is ELI scheme?

The ELI scheme is designed to facilitate job creation, and provide incentives to employers and employees. The scheme aims to create over 2 crore jobs in the country in a period of 2 years.

Three schemes for ELI were announced in Union Budget 2024-25 as part of Prime Minister’s package of 5 schemes and initiatives to facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over a 5-year period with a central outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore.

Broadly, the ELI scheme encompasses the following:

Scheme A: Targeting first-time employees in the formal sector registered with EPFO, this scheme offers a one-month wage (up to Rs 15,000) in three instalments.

Scheme B: Focusing on job creation in manufacturing, this scheme incentivizes both employees and employers for the additional employment of first-time employees, offering benefits based on their EPFO contributions during the first four years of employment. Employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh will be eligible.

Scheme C: Providing support to employers by reimbursing up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years towards their EPFO contribution for each additional employee with a salary of up to Rs 1 lakh per month.