Life Certificate: Like every year, November is one of the most crucial months for pensioners. This is the time when pensioners must prove they are alive. Submitting a life certificate is essential for this verification. If this certificate is not submitted on time, the pension is temporarily suspended. Pension is only restored after submitting the life certificate.
Previously, people had to visit banks or post offices for this purpose. Long lines formed, creating significant difficulties for senior citizens. However, to address this issue, the government has introduced the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) facility. Now, pensioners can obtain a life certificate from the comfort of their homes—using their mobile phones or laptops—in just a few minutes.
Why is life certificate necessary?
The government initiated this process to prevent fraud in the pension system. Sometimes, pensions were withdrawn in a person’s name even after their death. To prevent this, it was made mandatory to provide proof of the pensioner’s survival every year. The government has extended the deadline for this process from November 1st to November 30th. However, senior citizens over the age of 80 are now permitted to submit life certificates starting October 1st.
Which documents will be required?
To obtain a life certificate, a pensioner needs to provide some basic information: Aadhaar number, mobile number linked to Aadhaar, Pension Payment Order (PPO), bank account details, and biometric verification (fingerprint or iris).
How to make life certificate sitting at home?
Now, digital life certificates are generated instantly through both the Jeevan Pramaan portal (jeevanpramaan.gov.in) and the UMANG app. Simply connect your laptop or mobile phone to a biometric scanner, open the portal or app, enter your Aadhaar and PPO numbers, and perform the biometric scan. Within seconds, your e-certificate is generated and sent directly to your bank or relevant department.
Easier than the UMANG app
Open the UMANG app on your smartphone, select the Jeevan Pramaan service, enter the required information, and perform a biometric scan. The system handles the rest.
Offline method
Pensioners who are not comfortable with the online process can visit their nearest bank, post office, or CSC center. Simply bring your Aadhaar card, PPO number, and bank passbook. An employee will take your biometrics and generate the life certificate on the spot.
How to find the nearest CSC center?
A locator is available at jeevanpramaan.gov.in. Alternatively, you can send an SMS “JPL <PINCODE>” to 7738299899 to instantly locate the nearest center.