Digital life certificate: Pensioners can now submit their Digital Life Certificate (DLC) using just their smartphone . Using Aadhaar-based face authentication, this has significantly simplified online access for senior citizens. Pensioners between the ages of 60 and 80 must submit their life certificates by November 30, 2025, either from home or by visiting their nearest bank/common service center. Failure to do so could result in their pension being stopped. Let’s learn how to submit a life certificate using your smartphone.
EPFO new update
The EPFO said pensioners can submit their DLC directly from their phones using face authentication, without visiting a bank or government office. The EPFO said on X (formerly Twitter) that it can be completed in just a few simple steps.
Download the required app
To submit a life certificate, you need to download two apps: Jeevan Pramaan Face and AadhaarFaceRD (Early Access). The second app performs background authentication.
Operator Authentication
After installing the app, the user (or operator – who can also be the pensioner himself) performs a one-time authentication.
In this, Aadhar number, mobile number, email have to be filled and face has to be scanned once through FaceRD app.
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Pensioner details and OTP
The Jeevan Pramaan app then asks the pensioner for their name, Aadhaar number, pension type, and payment authority. At this step, an OTP is sent to the pensioner’s mobile number or email address, which is entered to proceed with the process.
Face scan and certificate issuance
Once permission is granted, the app scans the pensioner’s face using the phone’s front camera. Sitting in good light and blinking a few times is considered helpful for a better scan.
Upon completion of the confirmation, a digital life certificate is issued. The pensioner receives a PDF download link via SMS, and the proof ID is displayed on the screen.
Validity of the certificate
The validity of the DLC depends on the pension disbursing authority, which is usually for one year. Once the validity period expires, the process will need to be repeated.
Who can do face authentication?
Certain things are required to use the Aadhaar-based authentication feature.
The Aadhaar number of the pensioner should be registered with his/her bank/post office or pension disbursing institution.
An Android smartphone with internet access. A front camera with at least a 5MP is recommended.
Mobile number should be linked to Aadhaar so that OTP can be received.
Security and Vigilance
Face authentication is easy, but it also poses the risk of cyber fraud. Cybersecurity units in several states have warned that fraudsters are trying to gain access to pensioners’ bank accounts by asking for their Aadhaar, PPO number, and OTP.
Authorities have advised pensioners to provide information only on the official app and not share OTP on any unknown call.
Alternatives to Face Authentication
Those who do not wish to use face authentication can still submit life certificate through other methods:
India Post Gramin Dak Sevaks
Doorstep Banking by Public Sector Banks
Video KYC
Biometric fingerprint or iris scanning
