The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has expanded its de-linking facility to cover more cases of incorrect Member IDs (MIDs). The move includes accounts created without a member’s knowledge, even when contributions have already been deposited.
EPFO earlier allowed users to remove incorrect MIDs linked to their Universal Account Number (UAN), based on a January 17, 2025, circular. The updated rule now covers cases in which such IDs were created without consent and still include contributions.
The change targets a common issue where duplicate or incorrect accounts appear in a member’s UAN without a clear resolution.
A member must raise a de-linking request through the EPFO Member Portal. The request then goes to the employer for approval.
Employers can approve and remove the MID if contributions were made only up to two times.
If the employer rejects the request or does not respond within two weeks, EPFO sends the case to the Regional Office. Cases with contributions between three and six instances also move to this level.
Officials review the request step by step. A compliance officer examines it first. The file then moves to the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner (RPFC), who makes the final decision.
EPFO has excluded certain cases from this facility. Members cannot request de-linking if claims from that MID are already settled, pending, or if contributions exceed six instances.
EPFO said it will issue separate instructions on transferring funds from de-linked accounts to valid ones.
The update gives members a clear path to fix errors they did not create. It also improves EPFO’s grievance handling and reduces confusion around duplicate accounts.