All pensioners are required to submit a 'life certificate' or Jeevan Pramaan Patra every year to pension disbursing authorities (PDAs) such as banks and post offices to receive their monthly pensions. The window for super senior pensioners, those aged 80 and above, opened on October 1, while the process for senior citizens will start on November 1.

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A life certificate is produced by a trusted entity to confirm that an individual is alive at the time of its creation. Failing to submit this could result in the suspension of their pensions. With approximately 69.76 lakh central government pensioners and countless more from state governments and other institutions, it is crucial to confirm that pensioners are still alive. Instances of pensions being claimed on behalf of deceased individuals have underscored the necessity for stringent monitoring.

To make this process more accessible, here are five ways for pensioners to submit their life certificates without the need to visit a bank:

Via face authentication

The government provides face authentication technology, allowing pensioners to submit their certificates conveniently using an Android smartphone. Pensioners can download the Aadhaar Face RD app from the Google Play Store and the Jeevan Pramaan application. Here are the steps to do so:

Step 1: Pensioners can download "Aadhaar Face RD (Early Access)" from the Google Play Store and install it on their Android smartphones. They are also required to download the "Jeevan Pramaan" application.

Step 2: Further, they should open the "Jeevan Pramaan" application and go to the "Operator Authentication" screen. Here, they can provide personal details, including Aadhaar Number, Mobile Number, and Email Address.

Step 3: After entering the information, pensions are required to submit the One Time Password (OTP) sent to the mobile number and email address.

Step 4: The app will now direct pensioners to a screen where they are required to enter the Aadhaar Number and Name, check the box, and select "Scan." The should now authorise the Face Scan, and proceed by clicking "Yes."

Step 5: The app will provide guidelines for the face scan, and users must select the "I am aware of this" checkbox to continue. The app will then capture a picture of their face.

Step 6: After Operator Authentication, a screen for Pensioner Authentication will appear, where pensioners must provide their Aadhaar Number, Mobile Number, and optionally Email Address.

Step 7: Now, users can provide additional information such as Full Name, Type of Pension, Sanctioning Authority, Disbursing Agency, PPO Number, and Account Number. Further, they must confirm the declarations and submit the information.

Step 8: After this, users can provide consent and permission for the face scan. The scanning process will commence, and upon completion, pensioners will receive a Pramaan ID and PPO number on their mobile screen.

Through the postman

Pensioners can request a postman to submit their digital life certificate through the India Post Payment Bank website. This doorstep service, initiated in 2020, ensures that the postman comes to pensioners' homes to collect and submit the life certificate.

By a designated officer

The Central Pension Accounting Office allows pensioners who prefer not to visit the Pension Disbursing Agency to submit their life certificates. The certificate must be signed by a designated official as listed by the CPAO.

Via Jeevan Pramaan portal

Pensioners can submit their life certificates through the Jeevan Praman portal. This method involves downloading the Jeevan Pramaan app and submitting fingerprints using UIDAI-mandated devices.

Via doorstep banking

Pensioners who can't go to the bank can opt for doorstep banking services. Bank officials visit the pensioner's home to verify proof of survival, particularly benefiting those with mobility challenges. The service is available for senior citizens above 70 and disabled individuals with complete KYC.

It's important to note that some banks may charge a fee for services, including life certificate submission, which varies from bank to bank. However, some banks do offer limited free doorstep banking services for senior citizens. By choosing the most suitable method from these five options, pensioners can ensure a hassle-free submission of their life certificates, safeguarding their essential source of income.

(Edited by : Amrita)

First Published:Oct 26, 2023 10:50 AM IST