Pensioners Alert: How to Submit Your Life Certificate Easily — Online and Offline Options Explained

Every year, pensioners across India are required to submit a Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan Patra) to ensure uninterrupted pension payments. This certificate serves as proof that the pensioner is alive and eligible to continue receiving pension benefits. With both digital and offline submission methods now available, the process has become easier and more accessible than ever before.

What Is a Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan)?

The Life Certificate, also known as the Digital Life Certificate, is a biometric-enabled document that verifies a pensioner’s existence. The Government of India mandates its submission annually, usually during the months of October and November, to maintain continuous pension disbursement.

Pensioners aged 80 years and above can submit their life certificates between October 1 and November 30, 2025, while others must ensure submission by the end of November.

How Pensioners Can Submit Their Life Certificate

Pensioners can submit their certificates through two main methods — online (digital) or offline (physical). Both methods are designed to be simple and convenient, catering to the needs of elderly citizens and those with limited mobility.

1. Online Submission through Jeevan Pramaan Portal

To submit the certificate online, pensioners must visit the official Jeevan Pramaan website or use the Jeevan Pramaan mobile app. Here’s how it works:

• Visit the portal and enter details such as Aadhaar number, mobile number, Pension Payment Order (PPO) number, bank account number, and the pension disbursing authority’s name.

• Complete the biometric verification process using a fingerprint or iris scanner linked to Aadhaar.

• Once verified, a Digital Life Certificate (DLC) is generated.

• The certificate is automatically sent to the respective pension disbursing agency, which can access it online — no physical submission required.

This digital process ensures that pensioners do not need to visit government offices or banks in person.

2. Alternative Online Methods: UMANG App and Face Authentication

Besides the Jeevan Pramaan portal, pensioners can use the UMANG app to generate and submit their life certificate digitally. The app allows direct Aadhaar-based biometric authentication from a smartphone.

Another convenient method is Face Authentication, introduced for those who may have difficulty providing fingerprints due to age-related issues. Using a smartphone’s front camera, pensioners can authenticate their identity through facial recognition and complete the process seamlessly from home.

3. Offline Submission Options

For pensioners who prefer traditional methods, offline submission is still available through:

• Bank branches (where the pension is credited),

• Post offices, and

• Common Service Centres (CSC) across India.

Additionally, several banks and India Post now offer doorstep banking services, where authorized agents visit pensioners’ homes to collect biometric details and submit the life certificate on their behalf. This facility is especially useful for senior citizens with mobility challenges.

Why Submitting a Life Certificate Is Important

The Life Certificate is not just a procedural formality — it’s essential to keep pension payments active. It helps the government verify that the pensioner is alive and eligible to receive ongoing pension benefits, thereby preventing errors or misuse of funds.

Failure to submit the certificate on time may lead to temporary suspension of pension payments, causing financial inconvenience. Hence, timely submission ensures that pensioners continue receiving their pension without interruption.

Key Takeaways for Pensioners

• The deadline for submission is November 30, 2025, except for pensioners aged 80+, who can submit from October 1.

• Multiple digital options — including Jeevan Pramaan, UMANG app, and Face Authentication — make the process hassle-free.

• Offline and doorstep banking services remain available for those who prefer personal assistance.

• Always confirm that your Aadhaar and mobile number are linked with your pension account before starting the process.

Final Word

Submitting the Life Certificate on time ensures peace of mind and financial security for pensioners. With modern technology simplifying the process, senior citizens can now complete this mandatory task from the comfort of their homes — safely, securely, and efficiently.

The government’s push toward digital convenience through platforms like Jeevan Pramaan and UMANG reflects its commitment to improving accessibility for the elderly, ensuring that every pensioner continues to receive their rightful benefits without unnecessary hassle.