PF Update! EPF Members Can Now Use Digilocker To Submit Joint Declaration Requests For Profile Related Changes

The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has released a circular detailing a streamlined process for filing JD requests in supersession of the guidelines found in the Joint Declaration (JD) SOP Version 3.0, released on July 31, 2024.

 

The EPFO plans to reduce paperwork and enable digital submissions through Digilocker to improve processing speed and accuracy. The updated procedure will guarantee that even members in unique situations, such those who have passed away or belong to closed organizations, can complete their statements on paper.

 

According to the EPF circular July 31, 2024, “Joint Declaration is a joint request of Employees duly authenticated by the Employer for the modification/addition of the members` basic profile parameters.”

The changes according to the EPF circular issued on January 16, 2025, are as follows: 

Category A: UAN linked to Aadhaar (generated after 1-Oct-2017) – JD requests are led online. Category B: UAN linked to Aadhaar (generated before 1-Oct-2017, with validated Name, DOB, and Gender by UIDAI) – JD requests are led online. Category C: Members without Aadhaar validation, without UAN, or deceased members – JD requests are led physically by the member/claimant.

The level at which change can be executed has been revised as per Annexure I.

a) Members may submit documents as a single PDF or, wherever feasible, send them via Digilocker. The facility for uploading via Digilocker will be available shortly. b) Uploading at least two documents is necessary, but using Digilocker requires just one document. c) Employees don't need to upload any documents if they can carry out the desired change on their own.

Should members be unable to submit their JD requests online, employers may do so by duly uploading the physical JD, even in the case of deceased members.

Physical JD requests in the specified format, attested by the designated authorities, along with relevant documentation can be submitted to the PRO.

In the case of deceased members, any eligible claimant may sign the Physical JD requests. In this instance, Aadhaar matching information is not necessary.