For more than 82 lakh beneficiaries under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95), timely submission of the Life Certificate, known as Jeevan Pramaan, is critical. Failing to submit this digital certificate before its 12-month validity expires can lead to a suspension of monthly pension payments, causing significant financial inconvenience.
Unlike a fixed yearly deadline, each pensioner's Digital Life Certificate (DLC) is valid for 12 months from its submission date. If a new certificate isn't processed before this period ends, pension disbursements can halt in the subsequent payment cycle. While payments resume once a new certificate is submitted and processed, the interruption can be avoided by proactive submission.
Submitting Jeevan Pramaan from Home via Face Authentication
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) now offers an Aadhaar-based face authentication feature, enabling EPS-95 pensioners to generate their Digital Life Certificate without needing to visit a bank or pension office. This method simplifies the process, particularly for elderly or immobile individuals.
Requirements for Face Authentication:
- A valid Aadhaar number
- An active mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Necessary pension details
- Aadhaar registered with the Pension Disbursing Agency (e.g., bank, post office)
Step-by-Step Guide for Home Submission:
- Install Required Apps: Download the official Jeevan Pramaan app and the AadhaarFaceRD app on an Android smartphone equipped with a front camera and internet access.
- Open Jeevan Pramaan App: Grant the application necessary permissions, including camera access.
- Complete Operator Authentication: Enter the Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email address. After OTP verification, input the operator's details. A family member or trusted individual can act as the operator for the pensioner.
- Enter Pension Details & Face Authentication: Use the smartphone's front camera to capture the pensioner's face. Input the required pension information, selecting the correct Pension Payment Order (PPO) number from the list or adding a new one if necessary.
- Generate Digital Life Certificate: After submitting details, complete the Aadhaar-based face authentication. Upon successful authentication, the Digital Life Certificate is generated, and a unique Pramaan ID is provided.
- Retain Confirmation: An SMS containing the Pramaan ID and a link to the DLC is sent to the registered mobile number. The DLC is automatically forwarded to the chosen pension disbursing agency, negating the need for physical submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pensioners should ensure that their PPO number, Aadhaar details, bank account information, and mobile number precisely match the records held by their pension disbursing agency. Discrepancies can lead to rejection or processing delays. It is also advisable to avoid multiple submissions without verifying the status of an earlier certificate. The Pramaan ID serves as proof and should be kept safe for tracking purposes.
Alternative Submission Methods
For pensioners unable to use a smartphone for face authentication, other options remain available. Assistance can be sought from family members or caregivers, or by visiting participating banks and post offices. Biometric authentication using fingerprint or iris devices is also supported at designated centers. Additionally, certain banks and India Post Payments Bank offer doorstep banking facilities, providing a convenient solution for those who are elderly or have mobility challenges.
Keeping track of the 12-month validity period for the Life Certificate is paramount for all EPS-95 beneficiaries. Leveraging Aadhaar-based face authentication for Jeevan Pramaan submission from home offers a streamlined approach to maintain compliance and prevent any disruption in essential monthly pension income.