The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a series of digital and process reforms to make Provident Fund (PF) services faster, simpler and more member-friendly. One of the most important changes is the launch of self-generation of Universal Account Number (UAN) using Face Authentication Technology (FAT).
What Is Face-ID For PF?
Earlier, generating a UAN depended heavily on employers. After that, members had to activate the UAN separately. This process often caused delays, errors and confusion. To fix this, EPFO introduced self-UAN generation through Face Authentication Technology (FAT) on Apr. 8, 2025.
Under this system, a member can generate and activate their UAN on their own by verifying their identity using face authentication. This eliminates the need for employer involvement at the first stage and makes the process quicker and more secure.
Why Was This Reform Needed?
Before FAT was introduced, EPFO members faced several problems:
UAN generation required employer action, followed by a separate activation step by the member.
In many cases, incorrect Member IDs were linked to UANs, making it difficult to access PF accounts.
Correcting personal details such as name, date of birth or gender was a long and complicated process.
These issues caused delays in claims, transfers and withdrawals.
Impact
The impact of Face-ID and related reforms has been significant:
Nearly 50 lakh new UANs were generated using Face Authentication Technology by the end of 2025.
2.59 lakh Member IDs were successfully de-linked by members themselves.
Over 32 lakh profile corrections were completed by Dec. 2025.
Other EPFO Reforms
PF withdrawal rules have been simplified into a single provision.
Members can now withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance under liberalised rules.
Auto-processing of advance claims for illness, housing, marriage and education has been expanded, with the limit increased up to Rs 5 lakh.
Nearly half of all PF claims are now settled automatically without human intervention.
PF accounts are transferred automatically during job changes from Jan. 2025, without any action required from members or employers.
Bank account verification can now be done without employer approval, reducing delays.
Submission of scanned cheque leaves for online claims is no longer required.
Passbook Lite is available directly on the member portal for easy access to PF balance and details.
A Centralised Pension Payment System allows pension to be credited to any bank, anywhere in India
Interest for the 2024-25 financial year was credited to almost all member accounts by Jul. 2025.
Bulk UAN generation has helped members from previously exempted establishments get their PF accounts linked.
Pensioners can submit Digital Life Certificates from home with doorstep support from India Post Payments Bank.
Transfer details are now available online, allowing members to track PF transfers easily.
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