Every November, lakhs of pensioners across India and Kerala rush to banks and treasuries to prove they are alive so that their pension continues. With Jeevan Pramaan, the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) service of the Government of India, you can submit your annual life certificate from home using just an Android phone and your Aadhaar. No queue, no travel and no paper form.
This guide explains who must submit the life certificate, the 2026 submission dates, the documents you need, how to submit Jeevan Pramaan through face authentication in 6 easy steps, other ways such as fingerprint, doorstep banking and India Post, how to download the certificate, and what to do if your pension stops.
What Is Jeevan Pramaan?
Jeevan Pramaan is an Aadhaar-based digital life certificate for pensioners of the central government, state governments, defence, public sector undertakings, EPFO (EPS-95) and other organisations. Instead of appearing in person before the bank manager or treasury officer, the pensioner authenticates with Aadhaar – by face, fingerprint or iris – and a Digital Life Certificate is generated online and shared directly with the pension disbursing agency.
Each certificate gets a unique Jeevan Pramaan ID, and the pensioner receives an SMS with a link to the certificate. The certificate is valid for one year, so it must be submitted again every year.
Who Needs to Submit a Life Certificate?
- Central government pensioners and family pensioners
- Defence and armed forces pensioners
- Pensioners of state governments whose departments accept Jeevan Pramaan
- EPFO pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95)
- Pensioners of banks, PSUs and other organisations registered with Jeevan Pramaan
Kerala welfare pension (social security pension) beneficiaries follow a separate annual mustering process through Akshaya centres. If you receive a Kerala welfare pension, read our guide on Kerala welfare pension status check.
Jeevan Pramaan 2026: Important Dates
| Pensioner group | Submission window |
|---|---|
| Super senior pensioners (80 years and above) | From 1 October 2026 |
| All other pensioners | November 2026 |
| Usual last date | 30 November 2026 (unless extended) |
The early window for pensioners aged 80 and above helps them avoid the November rush. If you miss the deadline, your pension may be held from the following month until you submit the certificate.
Documents and Details Required for Jeevan Pramaan
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar number or Virtual ID | Used for face, fingerprint or iris authentication |
| Mobile number | To receive OTP and the certificate link |
| PPO number | Pension Payment Order number from your pension papers |
| Pension account number | Bank or post office account where pension is credited |
| Name of pension disbursing agency | Bank, treasury, post office or EPFO office |
| Sanctioning authority | Department that sanctioned your pension |
Make sure your Aadhaar is linked with your pension account. If your Aadhaar details or mobile number are outdated, update them first at an Aadhaar centre.
How to Submit Jeevan Pramaan by Face Authentication: 6 Easy Steps
Face authentication is the most popular method because it needs no extra device – only an Android smartphone with a good front camera.
- Install two apps: Download the AadhaarFaceRD app and the Jeevan Pramaan Face App from the Google Play Store. Both are free.
- Register the operator: Open the Jeevan Pramaan Face App and complete operator authentication. This can be the pensioner or a family member helping them. Enter Aadhaar, mobile number and email, verify OTP, and complete a face scan of the operator.
- Start pensioner authentication: Choose Pensioner Authentication, enter the pensioner’s Aadhaar number and mobile number, and verify the OTP.
- Fill pension details: Enter the pensioner’s name, PPO number, pension account number, type of pension, sanctioning authority and disbursing agency. Select whether the pensioner is re-employed or remarried, where applicable.
- Scan the pensioner’s face: Hold the phone steady in front of the pensioner in good light. Ask them to look at the camera and blink when prompted until the scan is successful.
- Get the certificate: After successful authentication, the Digital Life Certificate is generated. An SMS with the Jeevan Pramaan ID and certificate link is sent to the registered mobile, and the certificate is shared with the disbursing agency.
Other Ways to Submit the Digital Life Certificate
1. Fingerprint or iris at a Jeevan Pramaan centre
Visit your bank branch, a Common Service Centre (CSC) or another Jeevan Pramaan centre. The operator authenticates you with a fingerprint or iris device and generates the DLC. Carry your Aadhaar, PPO number and pension account details.
2. Doorstep banking service
Public sector banks offer doorstep banking services in many cities, through which a service agent visits your home to help with the life certificate. You can book the service through the doorstep banking app, website or toll-free number. A small service charge may apply.
3. India Post Payments Bank (postman at home)
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) offers Digital Life Certificate service at your doorstep through the local postman or Gramin Dak Sevak, using a biometric device. A nominal fee is charged. This is very useful for elderly pensioners in villages and for those who cannot travel.
4. Physical life certificate
Jeevan Pramaan is an additional facility. You can still submit a paper life certificate in person at your bank or treasury if you prefer, as per your disbursing agency’s rules.
Jeevan Pramaan for Different Types of Pensioners
EPFO pensioners (EPS-95)
Pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme can submit Jeevan Pramaan at any time of the year, and the certificate remains valid for one year from the date of submission. This gives EPS pensioners flexibility – they do not have to wait for November. They can use the face app, visit their bank, a CSC, the EPFO office or India Post. While filling details, select EPFO as the sanctioning authority and enter the PPO number shown on your EPS pension papers.
Defence pensioners
Defence pensioners, including those whose pension is now handled through the SPARSH system, can submit the digital life certificate through Jeevan Pramaan or through SPARSH service centres. After submission, check the identification status on your SPARSH account so that your pension is not interrupted.
Family pensioners
Family pensioners, such as the spouse of a deceased government employee, must also submit an annual life certificate. Some family pensioners also need to give a declaration about re-marriage or re-employment. The Jeevan Pramaan app includes these fields, so read each question carefully before submitting.
Pensioners living abroad
Pensioners staying abroad with their children can use the face app if they have an Indian mobile number linked to Aadhaar that can receive OTP. Otherwise, they may need to submit a life certificate signed by an authorised official at the Indian embassy or consulate, as per their bank’s rules. Check with your bank before travelling.
State government pensioners in Kerala
Kerala service pensioners who receive pension through the treasury or bank should follow the instructions issued by the Kerala Treasury Department and their disbursing office. Where Jeevan Pramaan is accepted, the digital certificate saves a trip to the treasury. When in doubt, ask your sub-treasury or bank whether the DLC is linked to your pension account.
Step-by-Step: Submitting at a CSC or Akshaya Centre
Many Kerala pensioners prefer to visit a nearby Akshaya centre or CSC because the staff handle the technical steps. Here is what happens:
- Tell the operator you want to submit a Jeevan Pramaan digital life certificate.
- Give your Aadhaar number, mobile number, PPO number and bank account details.
- The operator fills the form on the Jeevan Pramaan software and selects your disbursing agency.
- You place your finger on the biometric device, or the operator scans your iris.
- After successful authentication, you receive an SMS with your Jeevan Pramaan ID.
- Ask for a printout of the acknowledgement and keep it safe.
CSCs may charge a small service fee. Always ask for the fee before starting and avoid anyone who demands a large amount.
Re-employment and Re-marriage Declarations Explained
While submitting the life certificate, some pensioners are asked if they have been re-employed or have re-married. These questions matter because certain pension rules change in such cases:
- Re-employment: For some categories of pensioners, re-employment in government or certain organisations can affect dearness relief. Answer honestly based on your situation.
- Re-marriage: For family pensioners, re-marriage can affect eligibility in some categories, while other categories continue to receive pension subject to conditions.
If you are unsure, ask your pension disbursing office before answering. A wrong declaration can lead to recovery of excess pension later.
Beware of Jeevan Pramaan Frauds
Every year during the life certificate season, fraudsters call pensioners pretending to be bank or pension officials. They claim the pension will stop unless the pensioner shares an OTP, bank details or installs a screen-sharing app. Protect yourself:
- Never share OTP, PIN or bank passwords with anyone over the phone.
- Install apps only from the official Google Play Store.
- Government officials will never ask you to install remote access apps.
- If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your bank branch directly.
- Report cyber fraud quickly on the national cyber crime helpline 1930.
What If Your Pension Has Already Stopped?
If your pension was not credited because the life certificate was not received, do not panic. Follow these steps:
- Submit the digital life certificate immediately using any method.
- Visit or call your bank or treasury with the Jeevan Pramaan ID.
- Request them to update the record and release the pension.
- Check your account for the arrears once the update is done.
Most banks resume the pension after the certificate is processed, along with any pending amount.
How to Download Your Jeevan Pramaan Certificate
- Visit the official website jeevanpramaan.gov.in.
- Click on the option to download the certificate.
- Enter your Jeevan Pramaan ID (from the SMS) and the captcha.
- Verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile.
- Download the certificate as PDF and keep it for your records.
How to Check If Your Life Certificate Was Accepted
Generating the DLC does not always mean your bank has processed it. To be safe:
- Check the SMS from your bank or disbursing agency confirming receipt.
- Ask your bank branch or check your pension portal (for example, SPARSH for defence pensioners, or the EPFO portal for EPS pensioners).
- Check your pension credit in December. If it is credited normally, your certificate has been accepted.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Face scan fails repeatedly | Poor light, glasses, old Aadhaar photo | Use daylight, remove glasses; try fingerprint method at a centre |
| OTP not received | Mobile not linked to Aadhaar | Update mobile at an Aadhaar centre or use another method |
| Disbursing agency not listed | Agency not registered on Jeevan Pramaan | Submit physical life certificate |
| Fingerprint not recognised | Worn fingerprints in old age | Use iris scan or face authentication |
| Pension stopped after submission | Certificate not linked with account | Visit bank with Jeevan Pramaan ID and request linking |
Jeevan Pramaan vs Physical Life Certificate
| Point | Jeevan Pramaan (Digital) | Physical Life Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Home, CSC, bank, doorstep | Bank or treasury in person |
| Proof | Aadhaar face, fingerprint or iris | Signature before an authorised officer |
| Cost | Free on the app | Free, but travel cost and time |
| Confirmation | SMS with Jeevan Pramaan ID | Manual acknowledgement |
| Best for | Elderly, sick or distant pensioners | Those whose agency does not accept DLC |
Quick Checklist Before You Start
- Android phone with a working front camera and internet
- AadhaarFaceRD and Jeevan Pramaan Face App installed from the Play Store
- Pensioner’s Aadhaar number and Aadhaar-linked mobile phone nearby for OTP
- PPO number, pension account number and bank or treasury name written down
- A well-lit spot, preferably facing a window during daytime
- Pensioner seated comfortably, without spectacles or mask during the scan
With everything ready, the whole process usually takes less than ten minutes, even for first-time users. Keeping this checklist handy each year makes the task simple for the whole family.
Benefits of Jeevan Pramaan for Pensioners
- No travel: Submit from home, especially helpful for elderly and sick pensioners.
- No queues: Avoid the November rush at banks and treasuries.
- Submit from anywhere: Pensioners living with children in another city or abroad (with an Indian phone and Aadhaar) can submit without returning home.
- Instant record: Digital proof with a unique ID and SMS confirmation.
- Free: Face authentication through the app costs nothing.
Tips for Family Members Helping Elderly Parents
- Do the face scan in the morning near a window for the best lighting.
- Keep the PPO and bank passbook ready before starting the app.
- Make sure the pensioner is seated comfortably and the phone is at eye level.
- Save the SMS with the Jeevan Pramaan ID and download the PDF.
- Set a reminder for next October or November so you do not miss the deadline.
Why the Government Introduced Jeevan Pramaan
Before Jeevan Pramaan, every pensioner had to appear in person before a bank manager, treasury officer or other authorised official once a year. For very old, bedridden or disabled pensioners this was a real hardship, and many had to travel long distances or depend on relatives. Pensioners living with their children in other states also had to return home just to sign a form. The digital life certificate solves these problems by using Aadhaar authentication, which proves the pensioner’s identity securely without a physical visit. Today, crores of certificates are submitted digitally, and the face authentication method has made it possible for most families to complete the task at home in a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the last date for Jeevan Pramaan in 2026?
The life certificate is usually due by 30 November. Pensioners aged 80 and above can submit from 1 October.
Is Jeevan Pramaan free?
Face authentication using the official apps is free. Doorstep services through banks or India Post may have a small charge.
Can I submit Jeevan Pramaan using an iPhone?
The face authentication apps are designed for Android phones. iPhone users can use a family member’s Android phone or visit a centre.
How long is the digital life certificate valid?
It is valid for one year. You must submit a new certificate every year.
Can someone else submit the life certificate for me?
A family member can operate the app, but the pensioner must be present for the face, fingerprint or iris authentication.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Your pension may be held from the next month. Submit the certificate as soon as possible; pension is usually resumed along with arrears after the certificate is processed.
Do I need an internet connection for the face app?
Yes. Both the AadhaarFaceRD app and the Jeevan Pramaan Face App need mobile data or Wi-Fi to verify Aadhaar and generate the certificate.
Can I use the same phone for many pensioners?
Yes. Once an operator is registered, the same phone can be used to authenticate multiple pensioners, such as both parents, one after another.
Where can I find my PPO number?
The PPO number is printed on your Pension Payment Order and is often mentioned in your pension passbook or bank pension slip.
Conclusion
Jeevan Pramaan makes the yearly life certificate quick and stress-free. With the AadhaarFaceRD and Jeevan Pramaan Face apps, your PPO number and Aadhaar-linked mobile, you can submit the digital life certificate from home in minutes. Submit early, save your Jeevan Pramaan ID, and confirm with your bank so your pension continues without interruption.
