What is a Life Certificate and why is it needed?

Every year, lakhs of pensioners across India are required to provide proof that they are alive to continue receiving pension payments. This proof, known as a Life Certificate or Digital Life Certificate (DLC), ensures that pensions go only to eligible beneficiaries, avoiding fraud or misuse.

Traditionally, pensioners visited bank branches or pension offices to submit paper certificates. But with the government’s push for digital services, the process is now much simpler. The Digital Life Certificate, also called Jeevan Pramaan, is generated through Aadhaar-based biometric verification using fingerprint or iris scans. Once verified, it is automatically shared with the respective pension disbursing agency.

This digital shift means pensioners no longer need to stand in queues or travel long distances. The system provides a secure, transparent, and efficient way for senior citizens to verify their status without hassle.

When is the Life Certificate 2025 submission due?

According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Life Certificate submission window for pensioners in 2025 runs from November 1 to November 30. However, pensioners aged 80 years or above can begin early from October 1, 2025.

This extended timeline is designed to make the process more convenient for senior citizens, giving them ample time to complete their verification and avoid last-minute rushes. Failing to submit the Life Certificate within this window may lead to temporary suspension of pension payments until verification is completed.

How to generate Jeevan Pramaan online in 2025?

The Jeevan Pramaan process involves two simple steps — device registration and certificate generation.

Step 1: Biometric device registration
Before generating the certificate, pensioners or operators need to register their biometric device (fingerprint or iris scanner). They have to enter their Aadhaar number and mobile number on the Jeevan Pramaan portal. After verifying the OTP sent to the registered mobile, they provide their name and email ID before scanning their fingerprint or iris. Once authentication is complete, the device gets successfully registered.

Step 2: Certificate generation
After registration, pensioners enter details like Aadhaar number, PPO number, pension type, sanctioning authority, disbursing bank, and whether they have remarried or are re-employed. After entering all details, biometric authentication is done again.
Once verified, the system generates a Digital Life Certificate, and an SMS with the unique Pramaan ID is sent to the registered mobile number. The certificate is automatically stored in the Life Certificate Repository, accessible anytime by both pensioners and the pension disbursing authority.

How can pensioners submit the Life Certificate in 2025?

The government offers both offline and online options for submission, making the process inclusive and flexible.

• Offline submission: Pensioners can visit their bank branch or a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) for physical submission. Trained staff help with the process and biometric verification. For those unable to travel, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) provides doorstep service — a postal representative visits the pensioner’s residence to collect biometric data using portable devices. This facility is available for all, including non-IPPB customers.
• Online submission: For those comfortable with technology, the Jeevan Pramaan portal offers a fully digital process. Pensioners can visit jeevanpramaan.gov.in using a computer or smartphone connected to a biometric device. Aadhaar authentication verifies their identity, and once successful, the DLC is generated, stored online, and automatically shared with the disbursing authority.
• Through UMANG app: Pensioners can also download the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app, search for “Jeevan Pramaan,” and follow the steps to generate their certificate. After entering Aadhaar and PPO numbers, they authenticate using biometrics, and the certificate is auto-shared with the respective agency.

What details are required before submitting the certificate?

Before starting the submission, pensioners should keep the following details ready:

• Aadhaar number or Virtual ID
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
• Pension Payment Order (PPO) number
• Bank account details where the pension is credited
• Name of the pension sanctioning authority

Having these ready ensures a smooth submission without delays or technical errors.

Is Aadhaar mandatory and is Jeevan Pramaan legally valid?

Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for generating a Digital Life Certificate. The Jeevan Pramaan system relies entirely on Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, ensuring accuracy and safety from fraud. Pensioners should confirm their Aadhaar is linked with their mobile number and bank account before applying.

Legally, Jeevan Pramaan is valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Pension disbursing authorities across India accept it as equivalent to the traditional Life Certificate. Its secure, tamper-proof design ensures the pension reaches the rightful person on time.

How Jeevan Pramaan is simplifying verification for pensioners

Earlier, elderly pensioners faced real difficulties in visiting banks for verification. The Jeevan Pramaan digital platform has changed this experience. It allows pensioners to generate and submit their certificate anytime, anywhere, with just a fingerprint or iris scan.

By introducing this Aadhaar-based technology, the government has made the pension verification process seamless, transparent, and senior citizen friendly. It’s a small digital change making a big difference to lakhs of retired citizens every year.