As November 30 approaches, pensioners are reminded to submit their annual Life Certificate to ensure uninterrupted pension payments. This crucial document, also known as the Jeevan Pramaan Patra, serves as proof that a pensioner is alive and eligible to continue receiving their pension. With just a few days remaining, it's imperative that all retired state and central government employees take the necessary steps to submit their Life Certificate to the authorized pension disbursing agencies, such as banks and post offices.
The Life Certificate must be submitted annually, with its validity lasting for one year from the date of submission. To streamline the process, the central government has been actively promoting the use of Digital Life Certificates (DLCs).
How to Submit Your Life Certificate
Pensioners have multiple options for submitting their Life Certificate:
- In-Person Submission: Visit your Pension Disbursing Authority (PDA), which could be a bank, post office, or another designated government office, to submit the Life Certificate in person.
- Digital Life Certificate (DLC): This Aadhaar-based online method eliminates the need for physical visits..
- Doorstep Banking: Some banks and the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) offer doorstep collection of Life Certificates, particularly beneficial for senior citizens with mobility issues.
Key Information Required
Regardless of the submission method, pensioners must have the following information ready:
- Pension Payment Order (PPO) number
- Aadhaar number
- Bank account details (where the pension is deposited)
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number
Submitting a Digital Life Certificate via Face Authentication
Pensioners can conveniently submit their DLC from home using face authentication. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Ensure your Aadhaar number is registered with your Pension Disbursing Authority.
- Download and install the "AadhaarFaceRD" app and the "Jeevan Pramaan Face App" from the Google Play Store on your Android smartphone. Ensure your phone has a front camera with at least 5MP resolution.
- Open the Jeevan Pramaan Face App and complete the operator authentication. The pensioner can act as the operator.
- Enter the pensioner's details in the app.
- Capture a clear photo of the pensioner's face using the phone's front camera and submit.
- You will receive an SMS with a link to download the Jeevan Pramaan.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the November 30 deadline can lead to a temporary suspension of your pension. However, your pension will be restored, and any arrears for the withheld months will be released once you submit your Life Certificate, even after the deadline. To ensure timely disbursement, submit the LC to the Central Pension Processing Centers (CPPC) in case of delay.
Government Initiatives
The government is actively assisting pensioners in submitting their DLCs through various initiatives. The DLC campaign 3.0 involves setting up camps across numerous cities and towns to provide convenient submission options. Additionally, a central government campaign is being conducted in collaboration with 19 pension disbursing banks across 2,000 districts to aid pensioners. These banks are also arranging home visits and hospital visits for elderly, disabled, or sick pensioners.
Act Now
With the deadline fast approaching, pensioners are encouraged to take immediate action and submit their Life Certificates through their preferred method. This will ensure the continued and timely receipt of their pension benefits.
