The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued an important circular dated 24 November 2025 regarding the verification and defreezing of UANs/MIDs that were earlier blocked due to suspected misuse of benefits under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY). The Head Office has examined the matter and many such UANs have now been de-frozen after verification based on defined parameters.
The circular specifies the categories where the defreezing has been allowed, including:
- UANs where no benefit under ABRY was availed.
- Establishments where post-ABRY PF contribution is equal to or more than ABRY benefit.
- Cases where multiple MID usage was sequential (not simultaneous misuse).
However, the circular also highlights multiple categories not eligible for automatic defreezing, such as:
- UANs flagged as irregular or fraudulent by CAG/FIA.
- UANs where benefit was taken using multiple MIDs improperly.
- Cases where post-ABRY contribution is less than the benefit amount.
EPFO has directed Regional Offices to complete the verification and decision-making on remaining cases within 30 days and to follow the SOP prescribed earlier regarding freezing/defreezing.
Conclusion
This move brings relief to many employers and employees affected by frozen UANs and ensures fair implementation of the ABRY incentive scheme. Businesses should promptly review their cases and respond within the stipulated timeframe.
