×

Simplification of Joint Declaration Process - EPFO Circular

Simplification of Joint Declaration Process - EPFO Circular

Simplification of Joint Declaration Process

Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

Government of India • Ministry of Labour & Employment

Circular No: WSU/JointDeclaration/E-54018/2024-25/006
Date Issued: 16th January 2025
Updated: 26th December 2025
Issued By: G. R. Suchindranath, ACC (WSU)
Download PDF from EPFO Official Website Reference: WSU/JointDeclaration/E-54018/2024-25/006

Overview

The EPFO has simplified the Joint Declaration (JD) process to make it more efficient and member-friendly. This circular supersedes the Joint Declaration SOP Version 3.0 issued on 31-July-2024 and introduces streamlined procedures for updating member records.

📌 Key Objective

The simplification is based on member classification and aims to reduce processing time while ensuring proper document verification for changes in member details like Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Nationality, and marital status.

Member Classification Categories

The process is simplified based on the following classification of members:

Category A

Aadhaar-Linked Members (Online)

Eligibility: Member Id linked with UAN generated based on Aadhaar from 1st October 2017

Filing Mode: Online Request

Processing: Self-service capability with minimal approval levels

Category B

Aadhaar-Validated Prior Members (Online)

Eligibility: Member Id linked with UAN generated prior to 1st Oct 2017, with Name, DOB & Gender validated by UIDAI

Filing Mode: Online Request

Processing: Requires approval at ER and DA levels

Category C

Other Members (Physical/Physical)

Eligibility: Members with UAN but not Aadhaar validated, without UAN, or deceased members

Filing Mode: Physical Mode

Processing: Requires approval at DA and AO levels

Key Simplifications Introduced

  • Digilocker Integration: Members can submit documents through Digilocker (facility to be introduced shortly)
  • Document Requirements: Minimum 2 documents for most parameters; only 1 if submitted via Digilocker
  • Employer Support: Employers can file JD requests online for members, including deceased members
  • Closed Establishments: Physical JD requests can be submitted to PRO with proper attestation
  • Deceased Members: JD format can be signed by eligible claimants; Aadhaar matching not required
  • Transgender Recognition: Transgender Identity Certificate/Card from National Portal accepted as valid proof
🔔 Important Update: The Competent Authority has decided to accept Transgender Identity Certificate/Card issued through the National Portal for Transgender Person (https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/) as valid proof for effecting changes in Name and Gender in EPFO records.

Approval Authority by Member Type

Legend: EE = Employee | ER = Employer/PRO | DA = Dealing Assistant | AO = Accounts Officer | APFC = Assistant PF Commissioner

Parameter Category A (Aadhaar-Linked) Category B (Validated Prior) Category C (Physical/Other)
Name EE EE > ER ER > DA > AO
Date of Birth EE EE > ER ER > DA > AO
Gender EE EE > ER ER > DA > AO
Nationality EE EE ER > DA > AO
Father/Mother/Spouse Name EE EE > ER ER > DA > AO
Marital Status EE EE ER > DA > AO
Date of Joining/Leaving EE EE > ER ER > DA > AO/APFC

Acceptable Documents for Verification

Name & Gender Changes

Passport
Birth Certificate
Driving Licence
Service Photo ID Card (Central/State/UT Govt/PSU/Banks)
School Certificates (SLC/TC/SSC)
Bank Passbook with Photo
PAN Card / e-PAN
Voter ID / e-Voter ID
Pension Photo Card
CGHS/ECHS/Medical Insurance Card
ST/SC/OBC Certificate with Photo
Gazette Notification (for Full Name change)
Freedom Fighter Card
PIO/OCI Card
Tibetan Refugee Card
Transgender Identity Certificate

Date of Birth Verification

Birth Certificate (Registrar of Births and Deaths)
School Certificates (SLC/TC/SSC)
Service Records Certificate (Central/State Govt)
Medical Certificate with Affidavit (if above unavailable)
Passport
PAN by IT Department
Pension Payment Order
CGHS/ECHS/ESIC Card with Photo & DOB
Domicile Certificate
Voter ID Card

Family Details (Father, Mother, Spouse)

Passport of Member
Ration Card / PDS Card
CGHS/ECHS/Medical Insurance Card
Pension Card
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate (for Spouse)
School Certificates
PAN Card
Driving License
Certificate from MLA/MP/Sarpanch

Acceptable Documents - Marital Status

Document Type Details
Marriage Certificate Issued by Government/Municipality/Gram Panchayat
Divorce Decree Court order for divorce/separation
Death Certificate For widowed/widow status (Registrar issued)
Passport Containing marital status information
Affidavit Sworn statement duly notarized
Ration Card / Voter ID Containing marital status
Employer Certificate Family Member Certificate on company letterhead
Medical Insurance Card State Government / ECHS / ESIC / CGHS

Important Guidelines

For Category A Members (Aadhaar-Linked)

  • Maximum self-service capability available
  • Can directly update most personal details
  • Faster processing time
  • No document upload required in cases where EE can effect change

For Category B Members (Prior to Aadhaar)

  • Requires approval from Employer/PRO for most changes
  • Can file requests online
  • Minimum 2 documents required for verification
  • Medium processing time

For Category C Members (Physical Mode)

  • Requires approval from multiple levels (DA and AO)
  • Physical documentation must be submitted
  • Longer processing time
  • Suitable for deceased members and special cases
📋 Document Upload Note: For each parameter change, a minimum of 2 documents need to be uploaded. However, if submitting through Digilocker (when facility is available), only 1 document will be required. All documents must be submitted as a single PDF where applicable.

EPFO Office Details

Employees Provident Fund Organisation

Head Office: Plate A, Ground Floor, Block II, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi-110023

Official Website: www.epfindia.gov.in

Alternate Website: www.epfindia.nic.in

Issued By: G. R. Suchindranath, Additional CPFC (WSU)

Approval: Chief Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC)

Are you a Central Government Employee?

Don’t stay in the dark! Vital updates on Service Rules, Pension policies, and your career are happening right now.

Logo Add as Preferred Source on Google

Follow us to ensure our latest exclusive reports appear first in your Google Search and Discover feed.

Comments