Pensioners covered under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) have received a new digital facility that can make their annual Life Certificate submission easier. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has operationalised the UPS Jeevan Setu Digital Life Certificate facility, allowing eligible pensioners to generate and submit their certificates through a mobile application.

The facility was announced through a PFRDA circular dated October 30, 2026. It uses Aadhaar-based authentication and is intended to reduce the need for pensioners to visit government offices or other physical service centres.

What is UPS Jeevan Setu?

A Life Certificate is an important document that pensioners submit to confirm that they are alive and eligible to continue receiving their pension.

UPS Jeevan Setu is a mobile-based facility designed specifically for pensioners covered under the Unified Pension Scheme. It enables them to complete the Digital Life Certificate process using Aadhaar authentication.

The facility is available through the NPS by Protean eGov mobile application.

Who can use this facility?

The new facility is intended for pensioners receiving benefits under the Unified Pension Scheme.

It is important to understand that UPS Jeevan Setu is not a replacement for every pensioner's existing Life Certificate process. Pensioners covered under other pension arrangements should continue following the submission procedure applicable to their respective schemes.

How to submit your Digital Life Certificate through UPS Jeevan Setu

Eligible UPS pensioners can follow these general steps:

1. Download or open the NPS by Protean eGov mobile application through an authorised app store.

2. Look for the UPS Jeevan Setu or Digital Life Certificate facility.

3. Enter the required pensioner and identification details.

4. Follow the instructions for Aadhaar-based authentication.

5. Complete the authentication process as directed by the application.

6. Submit the Digital Life Certificate and retain the acknowledgement or confirmation for future reference.

The exact steps and information required should be checked within the application and the official PFRDA instructions.

Why is a Digital Life Certificate useful?

The digital facility can be particularly helpful for senior citizens and pensioners who face difficulties travelling to submit documents physically.

Some of its key benefits include:

• Convenient submission through a mobile application.

• Aadhaar-based digital authentication.

• Reduced dependence on physical visits.

• Easier completion of annual Life Certificate requirements.

• A more accessible process for eligible UPS pensioners.

Important precautions before submitting your certificate

Pensioners should ensure that their personal and pension details are accurate before starting the authentication process.

They should also download the application only from an authorised app store and avoid sharing Aadhaar OTPs, banking passwords or other confidential information with unknown individuals.

If the authentication process fails or the certificate is not reflected in the pension records, pensioners should contact their concerned pension authority or the relevant service provider for assistance.

What should UPS pensioners do now?

The introduction of UPS Jeevan Setu is another step towards making pension-related services more accessible through digital technology. Eligible pensioners can check the NPS by Protean eGov application for the facility and follow the official instructions to submit their Digital Life Certificate.

Before relying on the new option, pensioners should confirm the applicable submission timeline and ensure that their certificate has been successfully generated and received by the concerned authority.