New Delhi. The month of November is highly significant for millions of pensioners across the country. If you are a recipient of a government pension, ensure that you submit your ‘Life Certificate’ in a timely manner. It is mandatory for eligible pensioners to submit this certificate every year to ensure the continued disbursement of their pension. The deadline for this year is November 30. Failure to submit the Life Certificate by the stipulated date may result in the suspension of pension payments starting from December. However, the withheld pension can be released in accordance with the rules once the certificate is submitted and updated.
Why is it necessary to submit a Life Certificate?
A Life Certificate serves as proof that the pension recipient is alive. Banks, post offices, and other pension-disbursing agencies require this certificate annually to ensure that the pension is paid to the rightful beneficiary.
Previously, elderly pensioners had to visit banks or relevant offices in person to submit their Life Certificates. Now, thanks to digital facilities, this process can be completed from the comfort of one’s home.
Generate a Digital Life Certificate from home using the UMANG app
Pensioners can generate a Digital Life Certificate through the Government of India’s UMANG app by following the steps below:
First, download and install the UMANG app on your smartphone via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app and register using your mobile number, or log in if you already have an account.
Complete the verification of your mobile number using the OTP sent to your device.
Enter ‘Jeevan Pramaan’ or ‘Life Certificate’ in the search box and select the relevant service.
Provide the required details, including your Aadhaar number, mobile number, Pension Payment Order (PPO) number, pension-disbursing agency, and bank information.
Verify your identity using Aadhaar-based face authentication or other available biometric options.
Once the verification is complete, your Digital Life Certificate will be generated.
Upon completion of the process, the pensioner will receive a ‘Pramaan ID’. It is important to keep this ID safe. The digital certificate reaches the relevant pension disbursing agency automatically; therefore, there is no need to carry a printed copy to the bank.
Alternative ways to submit the certificate without visiting a bank:
For pensioners who prefer not to use a smartphone or the online process, several other options are available:
IPPB Doorstep Service: You can request a postman to visit your home through the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to generate a digital life certificate. A prescribed fee may apply for this service.
Bank Facilities: Many public and private sector banks offer the facility to submit a life certificate from your home.
Common Service Centre (CSC): You can also get your life certificate generated by visiting a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC).
EPFO Office: Eligible EPFO pensioners can complete this process by visiting their respective EPFO office.
What happens if the certificate is not submitted by November 30?
If a pensioner fails to submit their life certificate by November 30, the payment of their pension may be temporarily suspended starting from December. However, once the certificate is submitted and updated, the withheld pension can be released along with any arrears, in accordance with the rules.
Therefore, pensioners are advised to submit their life certificate well in time—without waiting for the final deadline—to ensure there is no disruption in receiving their monthly pension.
