EPFO issues new process for EPF accounts updation to correct name, Aadhaar, date of birth, 8 other details As per the new process, an EPF member can correct 11 details in her profile. The new circular has put the restrictions on number of times these 11 details can be corrected or updated
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPF) has issued a new circular to standardise the process of correcting or updating details of Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) members. The new circular has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) to correct details of EPF members such as name, date of birth, gender and so on. The new process will lead to easier updation of EPF member profile details, avoid rejection while processing claims as well as avoid frauds due to data mismatches.As per the circular EPFO circular issued on August 23, 2023, "It is also observed that unregulated and non-standardization of processes has led to tinkering with member identities in certain cases leading to impersonation and fraud."
The new SOP will allow the EPF member to update 11 profile-related parameters. These are - i) Name, ii) Gender, iii) Date of birth, iv) Father name, v) Relationship, vi) Martial status, vii) Date of joining, viii) Reason for leaving, ix) Date of leaving, x) Nationality and xi) Aadhaar number.
What changes can be made to the EPF account?
The changes in the 11 parameters are classified as minor and major changes. However, documentary proof is required irrespective of whether it is a minor or major change in the EPF account holder profile.
For minor changes, at least two documents from the prescribed list must be submitted. In case of major changes, three documents will be needed.
Types of changes
As mentioned above, the correction made in the EPF account can either be minor or major. Here is how EPFO has classified the correction as minor or major.
Major changes in the EPF account details
Parameters
Description of correction/change
Name
-If more than 2 alphabets change and the name also gets changed phonetically -If less than 2 alphabets change and the name also gets changed phonetically -If expanding the name Date of birth
If the change exceeds more than three years
Father’s name
-If more than 2 alphabets change and the name also gets changed phonetically -If inserting the name for the first time -If expanding the name Marital status
Change after the death of the EPF member
Date of joining
Any change after the death of the EPF member
Reason for leaving
Any change after the death of the EPF member
Date of leaving
Any change after the death of the EPF member
Nationality
Non-SSA to SSA country
Aadhaar
All types of changes or updation related to Aadhaar
Minor changes in the EPF account
Parameters
Description of correction/change
Name
-If 2 or less than alphabets get changed but the name does not get changed phonetically -If adding surname after marriage in case female -Removing salutations like Shri, Dr, Mrs etc. Gender
Male/Female/Others change
Date of birth
If the change is less or does not exceed three years
Father’s name
-If 2 or less than 2 alphabets change, and the name is not changing phonetically, -Removing salutations like Shri, Dr, Mrs etc. Relationship
Father/Mother change
Marital status
Any change when EPF member is alive
Date of joining
Any change when EPF member is alive
Reason for leaving
Any change when EPF member is alive
Date of leaving
Any change when EPF member is alive
Nationality
-Non-SSA to non-SSA country -SSA to SSA country change -SSA to non-SSA country change SSA country refers to countries with which India as Social Security Agreement
Limit on the number of times correction can be made
The new circular has put restrictions on the number of times a correction can be made in the EPF account holder profile.
Parameter
Number of times changes allowed
Name
1
Gender
1
Date of birth
1
Father/Mother name
1
Relationship
1
Marital status
2
Date of joining
1
Date of leaving
1
Reason for leaving
1
Nationality
1
Aadhaar number
1
As per the circular, an EPF member may be allowed to correct or update up to five out of the 11 parameters normally, even if multiple applications are submitted s. However, if more than five changes are made, then special attention must be given before the application is processed to avoid fraud in the future.
Time limit to process the updation request
The minor request for updation in EPF profile shall be processed within T+7 days from the date of receipt to FO interface login of the Dealing Assistant.
The major request shall be processed within T+15 days from the date of receipt to FO interface login of the Dealing Assistant. An SMS and email will be sent to the mobile number linked to the Aadhaar at every stage of the process.
How to apply for changes in the EPF account?
The latest EPFO circular has asked the EPF account holder to submit the application to correct the profile details via Member Sewa portal. The required documents will also be uploaded on the Member Sewa portal and kept on the server for future reference.
Here it is important to note that the changes made by the EPF member to his/her account will also need to be validated by the employer. As per the EPFO circular, "The request submitted by the EPF account holder will also be reflected in the employer's login. Further, an automatic email will be sent to the employers' registered email ID. EPF member can only get the data corrected for those member accounts which are generated by the present employer. No employer will have any modification rights for member accounts belonging to other/previous establishments."
Step by Step guide to apply for changes in the EPF account
Step 1: Visit Member Sewa portal and login using your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
Step 2: Once logged in, click on 'Joint Declaration (JD)' tab. A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to the UIDAI-linked mobile number.
Step 3: Enter the OTP and a joint declaration form will appear on the screen.
Step 4: Submit the required details along with the supporting documents as mentioned in the prescribed list.
Once the EPF account holder submits the request, the employer will also be required to verify it. The employer will check the information with their records. If it matches, then the joint declaration application will be forwarded to the EFPO office for updation. If any information is missing or lacking, the application will be sent back to the EPF member. It will be reflected on the EPF member's EPFO account.
Documents' list for making changes in EPF account
The EPFO has issued the list of documents that must be uploaded along with the application form to correct the login details.
For instance, to correct name and gender, Aadhaar is mandatorily required to be submitted. For minor updation, along with Aadhaar one more document such as passport, PAN card, voter card etc, has to be uploaded. If the EPF member has died, then the death certificate would have to be submitted by the legal heirs for name correction. For major correction, two more documents along with Aadhaar will be required to be submitted.
Similarly, to correct the date of birth in the EPF account, the birth certificate, passport and Aadhaar can be submitted by the EPF member, depending on the type of correction.
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This story originally appeared on: India Times - Author:Faqs of Insurances
