EPFO Drops Game-Changer Alert On Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) – What Pensioners Must Know Now?

As the November 30 deadline for submitting Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) is nearing, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched simplified choices as part of its Digital Life Certificate Campaign 4.0, making the process faster and more accessible.

Earlier, in order to submit their "Jeevan Pramaan," a life certificate needed annually to continue receiving pension benefits, pensioners had to physically visit banks, post offices, or pension disbursing institutions.

What's new this year

The EPFO has rolled out Face Authentication Technology, allowing pensioners to submit their certificates directly through their smartphones - no biometric devices or physical visits required. The process can be completed remotely, using only a smartphone with a front camera and an internet connection. The initiative is designed to benefit the retirees living away from their hometown or abroad.

In an announcement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the EPFO highlighted the convenience of the new system, noting that pensioners can now "submit their Digital Life Certificate easily through face authentication - no need to visit banks or offices."

"The ability to submit the Digital Life Certificate (biometric-based Jeevan Pramaan service) from the comfort of one's home or office, without having to visit a Bank Branch is a major step towards inclusive digital governance and improving Ease of Life of the elderly citizens. For senior citizens, especially pensioners in remote areas, this initiative eliminates the hassle of physical visits and long queues, making the process simpler, faster, and more secure," said Mr Shikhar Aggarwal, Chairman, BLS E-Services Ltd.

"BLS E-Services with its vast network presence is working with All PSU Banks & PSB Alliance, offering the Digital Life Certificate at the doorsteps of the citizens. With the growing reach of Business Correspondents network and assisted digital services, pensioners can now complete this important task from their nearest touch-points. It's a strong example of how technology can enhance convenience and dignity in accessing essential financial services while advancing India's vision of a digitally empowered society," he further added.

Before you start, you need:

• Stable internet connection & an Android phone with at least 5MP
• Make sure your Aadhaar number is already registered with the pension disbursing authority (bank, post office, etc.).
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (you'll get SMS links).
• Download apps from Google Play Store: AadhaarFaceRd and Jeevan Pramaan Face App.

Step-by-step guide for submitting the Digital Life Certificate via smartphone

Step 1: Check your phone.

Make sure your Android phone's camera and internet connection is stable.

Step 2: Verify the Aadhaar registration

Your Aadhaar number must be registered with your pension disbursing agency (bank or post office).

Step 3: Download required programs

Download the AadhaarFaceRd and Jeevan Pramaan Face apps from the Google Play Store.

Step 4: Complete the operator authentication

Launch the AadhaarFaceRd app to complete the operator authentication process.

Step 5: Fill up the details as needed

In the Jeevan Pramaan Face App, fill up the pensioner's name, Aadhaar number, and pension account details.

Step 6: Face Scan

Use your phone's front camera to scan your face as directed by the app. For a clear picture, make sure there is enough lighting.

Step 7: Submit and download the certificate

Following successful submission, you will receive an SMS with a link to download your Jeevan Pramaan certificate on your registered mobile number.