This circular outlines a simplified process for submitting Joint Declaration (JD) requests by members of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).

1. Background and Objective: In supersession of the direction contained in the Joint Declarations (JD) SOP Version 3.0 issued on 31-July-2024. The goal is to make it easier for members, employers, and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to correct and update member details.
2. Key Changes:
   1. Three Categories for JD Requests: JD requests are now classified into three types based on the member’s details:

• • • Category A: Members who linked their UAN with Aadhaar after October 1, 2017 (Online process for JD).
    • Category B: Members whose UAN is linked with Aadhaar before October 1, 2017, and validated by UIDAI (Online process).
    • Category C: Members without Aadhaar validation, without a UAN, or deceased members (Physical submission of JD).

Level at which the change can be executed has been revised as per Annexure I.

1. Document Submission: Members can now submit their documents digitally using Digilocker or upload them as a single PDF from the documents listed in Annexure II. In case employee itself can carry out the desired change, no document is required.
2. Employer Role: Employers can file JD requests online if the employee cannot do it including in case of deceased members.
3. For Closed Establishments: If a company is closed, the employer can still submit the JD request physically, with certain authorities’ attestation vide para 10.18 of the MAP Part II-A along with the relevant documents can be submitted to the PRO in the format as laid down in Annexure-III.
4. For Deceased Members: The JD request for deceased members can be signed by a claimant eligible vide para 70 of the EPF Scheme, 1952, without needing Aadhaar verification.

3. Impact:
   1. For Employees: It’s now easier to update their details or fix any errors in their records with fewer documents required.
   2. For Employers: They can submit JD requests for their employees (including deceased ones) through a simpler process.
   3. For EPFO: The changes streamline the entire JD process, reducing the need for physical paperwork and speeding up the resolution of errors.

Essentially, the aim is to make the JD process faster, more digital, and more accessible for members and employers alike.

*Annxure I, Annxure II and Annxure III is available in below-mentioned linked.