For pensioners covered under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95), keeping their Digital Life Certificate (DLC) updated is important to ensure that monthly pension payments continue without interruption.
According to the EPFO dashboard, 82,11,182 pensioners are currently covered under EPS-95. For these beneficiaries, the Life Certificate, also known as Jeevan Pramaan, serves as an important requirement for continuing pension payments.
Unlike a common fixed annual deadline, the Digital Life Certificate remains valid for 12 months from the date it is submitted. Pensioners therefore need to keep track of their individual certificate expiry date. If a new certificate is not submitted before the existing one expires, pension payments can be stopped from the subsequent payment cycle.
Once a fresh certificate is submitted and processed, pension payments can resume, with the delayed pension amount released subsequently.
How EPS-95 Pensioners Can Submit Jeevan Pramaan From Home
Pensioners do not necessarily have to visit a bank or pension office to submit their Digital Life Certificate. Aadhaar-based Face Authentication allows eligible pensioners to complete the process using a compatible Android smartphone.
The pensioner needs a valid Aadhaar number, an active mobile number linked with Aadhaar and the required pension information. Aadhaar must also be registered with the Pension Disbursing Agency, such as the concerned bank or post office.
To begin, download the Jeevan Pramaan application along with AadhaarFaceRD on a compatible Android smartphone. The device should have a working front camera and an internet connection.
After opening the Jeevan Pramaan app, grant the permissions requested by the application, including access to the camera and other necessary features.
The next step involves operator authentication. The Aadhaar number, mobile number and email address need to be entered, followed by OTP verification. Once this is completed, operator details can be provided. A family member or another trusted person can assist an elderly or bedridden pensioner and act as the operator.
The pensioner’s pension details can then be entered. The smartphone’s front camera is used for face authentication, and the relevant Pension Payment Order (PPO) number needs to be selected from the available list. If the PPO number does not appear, the option to add a new PPO can be used.
After the required information is submitted, Aadhaar-based face authentication is completed. If the authentication is successful, the Digital Life Certificate is generated and a unique Pramaan ID is issued.
An SMS containing the Pramaan ID and a link to the Digital Life Certificate is sent to the registered mobile number. The certificate is also electronically forwarded to the pension disbursing agency selected during the process, so pensioners generally do not need to submit a physical copy.
Important Mistakes Pensioners Should Avoid
Pensioners should carefully check that their PPO number, Aadhaar details, bank account information and mobile number match the records maintained by the pension disbursing agency.
Any mismatch in these details can lead to rejection or delays in processing the Digital Life Certificate.
It is also important not to submit another certificate repeatedly without first checking the status of a previously submitted DLC. Pensioners should keep their Pramaan ID safely, as it can be used as a reference for tracking the certificate.
What If the Pensioner Does Not Have a Smartphone?
Using a smartphone is not the only way to submit a Digital Life Certificate. Pensioners who are unable to complete face authentication themselves can seek help from family members or caregivers.
Participating banks and post offices also provide facilities for submitting Life Certificates. Biometric authentication through fingerprint or iris devices is supported through registered devices.
Some banks and India Post Payments Bank also offer doorstep banking facilities, which can provide an alternative for elderly or immobile pensioners who may find it difficult to visit a branch.
For EPS-95 pensioners, keeping track of the 12-month validity of the Digital Life Certificate is essential. Using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication from home can make the process more convenient and help pensioners avoid an interruption in their regular pension payments.