You submit your annual life certificate digitally through the Jeevan Pramaan portal or app (jeevanpramaan.gov.in) using Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, avoiding the need to visit the bank or pension office in person. This is required every year, usually in November, to continue receiving your pension without interruption.
What you need before you start
Keep your Aadhaar number linked to your pension account, PPO (Pension Payment Order) number, and a biometric device (fingerprint scanner or iris scanner) or access to a Common Service Centre/bank branch with such a device, plus the Jeevan Pramaan mobile app for face authentication option.
Step by step
- Download the Jeevan Pramaan app or visit jeevanpramaan.gov.in.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and pension details (PPO number, sanctioning authority, disbursing agency).
- Complete biometric authentication (fingerprint, iris, or face authentication via the app).
- The system generates a Digital Life Certificate ID upon successful authentication.
- Download the certificate, which is automatically shared with your pension disbursing bank.
- Alternatively, visit a nearby Common Service Centre, bank branch or post office for assisted submission.
Fees and timelines
Submitting the Digital Life Certificate is free. The process takes only a few minutes once biometric authentication succeeds, and it must be renewed annually, typically by end of November each year (some categories get extended windows).
What to do if it goes wrong
If biometric authentication fails repeatedly (common with worn fingerprints in elderly users), use the face authentication option in the Jeevan Pramaan app instead, or visit your bank/post office/CSC for assisted submission using an alternate biometric device. If your pension is stopped due to non-submission, submit the certificate immediately and pension resumes with arrears in the following cycle.