Life certificate for pensioners: 6 simple steps to submit digital life certificate using face…

Fresh updates from the financial markets indicate that For many pensioners, submitting a life certificate has traditionally meant visiting a bank, post office or pension office. That can be difficult for elderly people, especially those with mobility issues. The government’s Jeevan Pramaan service offers a simpler digital route, while face authentication removes the need for a separate fingerprint or iris device. The government stated 1.16 crore Digital Life Certificates were generated through face authentication between April 1, 2025 and March 26, 2026.

Step 1: Download the required apps

The first step is to install the Jeevan Pramaan Face Application and the AadhaarFaceRD application on a compatible smartphone. The current Jeevan Pramaan portal supports Android and iOS devices, with AadhaarFaceRD required for face authentication. The phone's camera is used instead of a separate biometric device.

Before starting, keep the pensioner's Aadhaar number or VID, PPO number, pension account details, bank information and mobile number handy. The details entered should match the pension records because incorrect information can result in rejection of the Digital Life Certificate.

Step 2: Complete operator authentication

Open the Jeevan Pramaan Face Application and complete the operator authentication process. This is a one-time step, and the pensioner can additionally act as the operator, according to the official face authentication instructions.

This means a family member does not necessarily have to handle the entire process. That stated, if someone else is helping, it is worth checking every pension detail carefully before moving ahead.

Step 3: Enter pensioner details

Next, provide the pensioner's identification and pension-related information in the app. This includes details such as Aadhaar, name, mobile number and pension information including PPO and pension account details.

Take a moment to verify these entries before submitting them. Jeevan Pramaan is linked to the pension disbursing system, so a simple error in a PPO number or other information can create problems later.

Step 4: Complete face authentication

The pensioner then has to undergo Aadhaar-based face authentication through the smartphone camera. Follow the instructions displayed on the screen and position the face properly for the camera to capture it.

Unlike conventional biometric authentication, no fingerprint or iris scanner is required for the face-based process. The official Jeevan Pramaan FAQ specifically confirms that the face app uses the mobile phone's camera for authentication.

Step 5: Receive the Pramaan ID

Once authentication is successful, the Digital Life Certificate is generated and a unique Pramaan ID is provided. An SMS containing the Pramaan ID is additionally sent to the mobile number entered during the process.

Keep this ID safely. It can be used to access the certificate online, while the pension disbursing agency can access the Digital Life Certificate electronically. The pensioner does not normally have to physically submit the certificate to the bank or post office.

Step 6: Check the certificate status

After generation, pensioners can download the Digital Life Certificate using their Pramaan ID or Aadhaar number and an OTP. Checking the status is useful because generating a certificate does not mean it should simply be forgotten; the certificate stays subject to the validity rules of the pension sanctioning authority.

Is face authentication mandatory for pensioners?

No. Jeevan Pramaan is an additional digital facility and does not replace the existing methods of submitting a life certificate.

Can a pensioner complete the process from home?

Yes, the face authentication facility is designed to allow Digital Life Certificate generation using a smartphone, provided the pensioner and pension authority meet the eligibility requirements.

Does the pensioner have to submit the certificate to the bank?

No. Once generated, the Digital Life Certificate is made available electronically to the pension disbursing agency.

Is the Pramaan ID valid forever?

No. Its validity depends on the rules of the pension sanctioning authority, after which a fresh certificate may be required.