Every November, retired central government employees need to submit their life certificate to continue receiving pensions without interruption. This year, the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare has made the process easier than ever with a Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 3.0. Running from 1st to 30th November, this campaign aims to support pensioners nationwide in submitting their life certificates digitally. Here’s how you can submit your life certificate online from home, quickly and easily.
What is a Life Certificate?
A life certificate is an annual requirement for pensioners to prove they are alive to the institution managing their pension, ensuring they continue to receive payments. In India, this document is called Jeevan Pramaan and is linked to your Aadhaar number and biometric details. The submission process has been simplified with technology, and you no longer need to visit a bank or pension office to complete it. With the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) initiative, you can submit your life certificate right from home.
Important Dates for Submitting Life Certificate
The deadline to submit a life certificate is typically 30th November each year. However, pensioners aged 80 and above get an early window starting on 1st October, allowing them more time to complete the process. The life certificate submitted this year will stay valid until 30th November 2025.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
If you don’t submit your life certificate by 30th November, your pension payments will stop starting from December. Fortunately, once you submit it, all missed payments will be credited in the next cycle. But if the life certificate isn’t submitted for three or more years, pension payments can only resume after special approval from the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO).
Digital Life Certificate Campaign 3.0: Making Life Certificate Submission Easy
The Digital Life Certificate Campaign 3.0 is an organized effort involving Pension Disbursing Banks, India Post Payments Bank, Pensioners’ Welfare Associations, Department of Telecommunications, Railways, UIDAI, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The goal is to reach pensioners even in remote areas of India, making the process accessible to all.
A major focus of this campaign is to promote Face Authentication Technology. Designed to be user-friendly, this technology lets pensioners submit their life certificates on their smartphones, with just a few simple steps. The campaign’s technical support is provided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and UIDAI, who have optimized face authentication technology for ease of use, especially for older pensioners.
How Face Authentication Technology Simplifies Life Certificate Submission
Through face authentication, pensioners can now submit their life certificates remotely using an Android smartphone or iPhone. Here’s how it works:
- Biometric Identification: Face authentication uses the smartphone’s front camera to verify your identity based on your facial features.
- Easy Access: Available on both Android and iOS, the face authentication process allows you to complete life certificate submission from the comfort of your home.
- Secure and Quick: The Jeevan Pramaan Face App uses Aadhaar-based identification, ensuring your digital life certificate is valid and secure under the IT Act.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Life Certificate Online
Before you start, make sure you have:
- An Android smartphone with a 5-megapixel front camera or an iPhone.
- Internet connectivity.
- Your Aadhaar number linked to your bank or post office account for pension purposes.
Follow these steps to complete your life certificate submission using face authentication technology:
- Download the Required Apps
Go to Google Play Store and download two apps: AadhaarFaceRD and Jeevan Pramaan Face App.- AadhaarFaceRD supports face authentication in the background, so its icon won’t show on your screen after installation.
- The Jeevan Pramaan Face App will guide you through the steps to submit your life certificate.
- Open Jeevan Pramaan Face App
Launch the Jeevan Pramaan Face App and sign in. To proceed, you’ll need your Aadhaar number and a live photo. - Become an Operator
The operator is the person handling the app during the process. It can be the pensioner themselves or a family member assisting with the certificate submission.- Complete the operator setup by entering the necessary details. This allows you to act on behalf of the pensioner (if assisting) or submit your own life certificate.
- Enter Pensioner Details
Once you’re set as the operator, enter the pensioner’s details as prompted, including their Aadhaar number and other identification information. - Capture a Live Photo
Using the smartphone’s front camera, take a photo of the pensioner for biometric verification. Ensure the photo is clear and well-lit, as this step is critical for accurate face authentication. - Submit the Certificate
After verifying the photo and details, submit the life certificate through the app. Upon successful submission, the pensioner will receive a link to download the digital certificate via SMS or email.
By completing these steps, you can submit a valid Digital Life Certificate (DLC) that will keep your pension payments active for the next year. This process is easy to follow and can be completed within minutes.
Benefits of Submitting Life Certificate Online
- Time-Saving: You can submit your life certificate from home without the need to visit a bank or pension office.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Face authentication technology makes it easy for elderly pensioners to manage the process independently.
- Quick Processing: Digital life certificates are processed faster, reducing delays in pension payments.
- No Extra Costs: Submitting your life certificate digitally does not incur additional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it mandatory to use face authentication for life certificate submission?
A: No, face authentication is an option, but it’s highly convenient and secure. Pensioners can still submit their life certificate in person at banks, post offices, or designated pension centers if preferred.
Q2: Can I use any smartphone to submit my life certificate?
A: Yes, as long as it’s an Android smartphone with a 5-megapixel front camera or an iPhone with front-camera support.
Q3: How do I download the life certificate once submitted?
A: After successful submission, you’ll receive an SMS with a download link on the registered mobile number and email. Use this link to download your digital life certificate.
Q4: What if I miss the November 30 deadline?
A: If you don’t submit your life certificate by the deadline, your pension payments will pause starting December. Once you submit the certificate, payments will resume with any pending amounts included in the next payout.
Q5: Is the digital life certificate valid under Indian law?
A: Yes, the digital life certificate is recognized under the IT Act and serves as a valid proof of life for pensioners.
Tips for a Smooth Life Certificate Submission
- Ensure Adequate Lighting: Make sure your face is well-lit for a clear photograph, which helps in quick and accurate verification.
- Double-Check Details: Ensure your Aadhaar details match those registered with your pension institution to avoid delays.
- Have Patience: While the app is easy to use, network issues may sometimes cause delays. Retry if the submission fails on the first attempt.
Submitting your life certificate online is now a hassle-free process thanks to advancements in technology and government support. By following these steps, pensioners can avoid the need to visit a physical location, making life certificate submission convenient and accessible for all.
