Missed UAN activation? How to still link Aadhaar with bank account; check out last date to claim ELI benefits

EPFO UAN Activation Update:The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) gave a deadline extension for activating UAN and linking Aadhaar with bank accounts for the disbursal of benefits under the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme. The new cut-off date is now June 30, 2025.

The extension was officially communicated through an EPFO circular issued on May 30, 2025. “The competent authority has granted an extension of timeline for UAN Activation and Aadhaar seeding in Bank Account till 30th June, 2025,” the circular stated.

What is Employment Linked Incentive Scheme?

The ELI Scheme was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024 to promote formal employment. Managed by EPFO, the scheme provides financial incentives to eligible employees under three categories ELI-A, ELI-B, and ELI-C.

To qualify for the benefits, employees must ensure their UAN is activated and their bank account is Aadhaar-seeded. Without completing this step, beneficiaries will not be eligible for the incentives under the ELI scheme.

What is UAN?

Think of UAN as your permanent ID for all your EPF (Provident Fund) accounts. Whether you change jobs once or ten times, your UAN stays the same and keeps your PF records in one place. Once activated, UAN gives you access to almost everything EPFO offers online from checking your PF balance and downloading your passbook, to applying for withdrawals, transfers, or even updating your details.

Here’s how you can activate your UAN using Aadhaar OTP:

• Visit the EPFO Member Portal
• Click on “Activate UAN” under “Important Links”
• Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, name, DOB, and Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Give consent and click on “Get Authorisation PIN”
• Enter the OTP you receive on your phone
• You’ll get your login password by SMS once verification is successful

Important: Make sure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar without it, you won’t be able to use EPFO’s online services.

What’s new with EPFO?

Interestingly, this deadline extension also comes ahead of the expected launch of EPFO 3.0, a modern, upgraded platform set to go live in June 2025. With it, you may soon be able to withdraw your PF through ATMs and receive instant payments via UPI.

Why you shouldn’t ignore this

If you don’t activate your UAN or link your Aadhaar by the deadline, you could miss out on ELI scheme benefits. That means no extra financial incentives that you might be eligible for. With the final window open till June 30, 2025, EPFO is encouraging all employees to get it done without delay.