EPFO Big Update: Many employees are receiving a message from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) asking them to complete Aadhaar Face Authentication (FAT) through the UMANG app.
“Dear Member, your UAN has not been authenticated using Aadhaar Face Authentication (FAT). FAT is mandatory to avail PMVBRY benefits. Please complete the process through the UMANG app immediately.”
The message states that FAT is mandatory to avail benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY).
Up to Rs 15,000 benefit for first-time employees
The scheme offers financial support to first-time employees and incentives to employers to create new jobs in the formal sector.
Under PMVBRY, first-time employees can receive up to Rs 15,000 as a benefit. This amount is provided as a one-month wage subsidy, subject to a maximum of Rs 15,000.
The payment is made in two instalments. The first instalment is credited after completing six months of service. The second instalment is given after 12 months and is transferred to a savings scheme.
The scheme applies to employees who join an EPFO-registered organisation for the first time. The monthly salary should be up to Rs 1,00,000. The benefit is available for jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.
Additional benefits and employer incentives
Apart from the cash benefit, employees also get social security coverage under EPFO. The scheme includes financial literacy programmes and on-the-job training to improve employability.
For employers, the scheme provides a wage subsidy of up to Rs 3,000 per month for each new employee. This support is available for two years in most sectors and up to four years for the manufacturing sector. The aim is to encourage companies to hire more workers and expand their workforce.
The scheme also focuses on formal job creation by increasing employment above a defined baseline. This baseline is calculated based on employment levels between August 2024 and July 2025.
Aadhaar Face Authentication mandatory
To receive these benefits, Aadhaar Face Authentication has been made mandatory. This is a contactless method that verifies identity by matching a live face scan with the photograph stored in the Aadhaar database. Employees can complete this process using the UMANG app.
First, download the UMANG app and the AadhaarFaceRD app from the Google Play Store. After logging into UMANG, search for EPFO services. Select the option for “UAN Allotment and Activation” or “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs”.
Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar. An OTP will be sent for verification. After entering the OTP, select the face authentication option and give consent.
Step-by-step process and tips
The app will then open the AadhaarFaceRD application to scan your face. Ensure that your face is clearly visible and the lighting is adequate. Once the scan is successful, the system will match it with the Aadhaar database.
After successful authentication, your UAN will be activated or updated. A confirmation message will be sent to your registered mobile number. Officials said this process helps update records in the EPFO database and enables users to access scheme benefits.
Users facing issues are advised to check app updates, ensure proper lighting during the scan, and re-enter details if authentication fails. The move is aimed at simplifying verification and ensuring that eligible employees can access benefits under PMVBRY without delays.
