Pensioners no longer need to depend entirely on visiting a bank branch or pension office to submit their annual Life Certificate. The Central Government is running its fifth nationwide Digital Life Certificate campaign from November 1 to November 30, 2026, with a special focus on making the process easier through digital services and face-authentication technology.

The campaign is being organised by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare and is expected to cover around 2,000 cities and districts across the country. Banks, post offices, pensioners’ welfare associations and government departments are participating in the initiative.

What is a Digital Life Certificate?

A Digital Life Certificate, also known as Jeevan Pramaan, is an electronic document used by pensioners to confirm that they are alive and eligible to continue receiving their pension.

Pensioners generally need to submit this certificate every year. If the required certificate is not submitted within the applicable period, pension payments may be affected.

The digital facility helps reduce paperwork and makes the process more convenient, particularly for senior citizens and people who find travelling difficult.

How can pensioners submit their Life Certificate using face authentication?

The face-authentication facility allows eligible pensioners to complete the process using a compatible smartphone.

The general process is as follows:

1. Download the official Aadhaar Face RD application and the Jeevan Pramaan application from the authorised app store.

2. Open the Jeevan Pramaan application and provide the required pensioner details.

3. Complete Aadhaar-based authentication as instructed.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to capture your face.

5. Once authentication is successful, the Digital Life Certificate is generated.

6. Save the acknowledgement or Jeevan Pramaan ID for future reference.

Pensioners should use official applications and ensure that their Aadhaar and pension details are entered correctly.

What if a pensioner cannot complete the process online?

Pensioners who do not have a compatible smartphone or need assistance can seek help through participating bank branches, post offices and designated campaign camps.

The November campaign involves 19 banks, 785 District Post Offices and several pensioners’ welfare associations, along with government agencies. These arrangements are intended to make the service more accessible to pensioners across the country.

Important things pensioners should remember

• Keep your Aadhaar number and pension-related information handy.

• Check that your mobile phone and Aadhaar details are correctly linked wherever required for authentication.

• Save the acknowledgement after successful submission.

• If authentication fails, contact your pension-disbursing bank or the designated service centre.

• Do not share your OTP, PIN or banking password with anyone claiming to help with the process.

Why is the November 2026 campaign important?

The government aims to generate 2.30 crore Digital Life Certificates during the campaign, including 1.50 crore through face authentication.

The initiative is particularly useful for elderly pensioners and those with limited mobility, as it expands access to digital submission facilities and support centres.

Pensioners who have not yet submitted their annual Life Certificate should check the applicable deadline and available submission options with their pension-disbursing authority rather than waiting until the last moment.