What is PPO Number? Full Form, Search, EPFO & How to Find It
01 July 2025 · Sachin Gadekar
Confused about your pension PPO number? Ultra explains what is PPO number, how to find it by name or Aadhaar, what PPO means in EPFO, and why it matters.

What Is PPO Number?
Introduction
After retirement, every government employee or pensioner often hears about a PPO Number but many don’t know exactly what it means or how to find it.
So, what is PPO number and why is it so important for pensioners in India? Whether you want to check your EPFO PPO number, know your PPO number by name, or search it using your Aadhaar card — this guide by Ultra will help you understand it all.
PPO Number Full Form
The full form of PPO is Pension Payment Order.
When a government employee retires, the pension sanctioning authority issues a unique PPO number. It acts as a reference number for pensioners to get their pension credited every month.
What is PPO Number? Meaning & Why It Matters
A Pension Payment Order (PPO) Number is a unique 12-digit number issued to every pensioner by the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Railways, Defence, or any other government pension disbursing authority.
Why is the PPO Number important?
It’s required to get your pension credited in your bank account.
It helps banks and the EPFO track your pension disbursement status.
It is needed for pension-related services like life certificate submission, grievance redressal, and status checks.
For family pension or transfer, PPO is the key reference.
Where is the PPO Number Mentioned?
Your PPO Number is printed on your Pension Payment Order document. It is also recorded in your pension passbook and mentioned in any official pension communication you receive.
If you are unable to find your PPO, you can check it online using the EPFO portal, pension department websites, or your bank.
How to Get PPO Number?
If you are a new pensioner, your employer’s pension department will generate your PPO number at the time of retirement. This is then shared with your bank where your pension account is maintained.
However, if you have lost it, here’s how to get your PPO number:
Through EPFO Portal:
Visit EPFO Pension Payment Enquiry. Enter your bank account or old PPO details to retrieve your PPO number.
Through ‘Know Your PPO’ Portal:
Visit Know Your PPO. Enter your pensioner name, bank account, or Aadhaar to find it.
Bank Branch:
Your pension paying bank can help you trace your PPO using your pension account details.
Through Aadhaar:
Many government portals allow you to search PPO number by Aadhaar card. Keep your Aadhaar linked to your pension account for smooth tracking.
EPFO PPO Number
EPFO PPO Number is specifically issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation for pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).
How to find PPO number in EPFO?
Go to EPFO’s pension enquiry portal.
Use your EPF account number or UAN to retrieve your PPO details.
You can also check it via UMANG app under the ‘Employee Centric Services’.
PPO Number Search by Name
If you don’t have your PPO details handy, you can use online tools to do a PPO number search by name:
Visit the DOT Pension Portal.
Enter your pensioner name, date of birth, and other asked details.
You’ll get your PPO number instantly if the data matches.
PPO Number Search by Aadhaar Card
You can also know your PPO number using Aadhaar:
Some portals allow pensioners to link Aadhaar to PPO.
Banks and EPFO may ask for Aadhaar while verifying your pension account.
If linked properly, you can check your PPO number online by entering your Aadhaar.
How is PPO Number Structured?
A typical PPO number is a 12-digit unique code.
Example: 1234XXXX5678
The first few digits may represent the pension office code.
The middle digits can denote the type of pensioner (like civil or defence).
The last numbers are the unique pensioner identity.
This helps distinguish between millions of pensioners across the country.
Why Should You Keep Your PPO Number Safe?
Losing your PPO number can cause delays in receiving pensions, problems while transferring pension accounts, or claiming family pension.
Always:
Keep a copy of your PPO order with your important documents.
Note your PPO number in your bank passbook.
Share it with your family to ensure smooth pension transfers if required.
Common Mistakes Pensioners Make
Not linking PPO with Aadhaar, causing delays.
Not updating bank details when changing pension account.
Not submitting life certificate yearly, which can stop pension flow.
Forgetting to update nominee or family pension details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is PPO Number in EPFO? Answer: It’s a unique Pension Payment Order number given by EPFO to each pensioner under the Employee Pension Scheme.
Q2: What is the full form of PPO? Answer: PPO stands for Pension Payment Order.
Q3: How to search PPO number by name? Answer: Use online portals like DOT or EPFO’s Pension Payment Enquiry to find your PPO number by name and other details.
Q4: Can I get PPO number using Aadhaar? Answer: Yes, if your Aadhaar is linked with your pension account, you can search PPO by Aadhaar on portals like DOT’s Know Your PPO.
Q5: What happens if I lose my PPO number? Answer: Contact your pension paying bank, employer, or use the online tools to retrieve it quickly.
Conclusion
Your PPO number is the backbone of your pension life. Understanding what is PPO number, knowing how to find it in EPFO, and keeping it safe ensures hassle-free pension payments for you and your family.
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