For years, submitting a life certificate meant stepping out early, waiting in long queues and handling paperwork, often an exhausting exercise for elderly
pensioners. Illness, travel, or mobility issues only added to the burden, turning a routine requirement into an annual source of anxiety. However, that experience has changed significantly with the introduction of face authentication. Pensioners can now complete the entire process digitally, using a smartphone and basic personal details, without visiting a bank or pension office. Once submitted, the digital life certificate is transmitted directly to the pension disbursing authority, helping prevent payment delays. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to completing the process smoothly. Prepare Your Details Before You Begin Before downloading any app, gather all required information in one place. Keep the pensioner’s Aadhaar number, PPO number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar handy. You will also need details of the bank and pension authority that usually appear on the life certificate. Starting with the paperwork instead of the phone reduces errors later and makes the digital process far quicker. Choose The Right Smartphone And Official Apps The pensioner does not need to own a smartphone. A family member’s device works just as well. What matters is a functional front camera, stable internet connectivity and updated phone software. Older phones with weak cameras may struggle during face scanning. Download only the official applications from trusted app stores. Typically, two apps are required, one for Aadhaar face authentication and the Jeevan Pramaan face app to generate and submit the certificate. Avoid links shared via WhatsApp or calls from unknown individuals. It’s also common for the face authentication component to operate in the background rather than appearing as a separate app. Complete Authentication And Submit The Certificate When opening the Jeevan Pramaan face app for the first time, you may be asked to complete a one-time operator authentication. This is a setup step and can be done by the pensioner or a family member assisting them. Once completed, it usually does not need to be repeated. Enter the Aadhaar number, PPO number, bank name, pension authority and registered mobile number carefully. Double-check all entries, especially the PPO number, before proceeding. For the face scan, sit in a well-lit area and hold the phone steady at eye level. If the scan fails, change the lighting or remove glasses before retrying. Once the face match is successful, the digital life certificate is generated automatically. Save The Confirmation And Stay Alert To Scams After submission, the app displays a confirmation along with a Jeevan Pramaan ID. An SMS is usually sent to the registered mobile number as well. Save the ID or take a screenshot for future reference. In most cases, no further action is required, as the certificate is sent electronically to the pension authority. Be cautious during life certificate season. No legitimate process asks for OTPs over phone calls, remote access to devices or installation of unknown apps. When unsure, rely only on official apps, bank branches or authorised service centres.
