Pensioners or retirees living abroad after retirement have multiple options available for them to submit their Annual Life Certificate, including the online mode.
The Department of Pension has issued new guidelines, outlining how pensioners and family pensioners living abroad can submit their Annual Life Certificate.
Annual Life Certificate submission is important for every pensioner to ensure the continuation of their pension.
Take a look at these 5 methods available for pensioners residing outside India to submit their life certificate, which is typically due in November each year.
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Bank officer verification:
This is the most common way prevalent for submission of Annual Life Certificate. Pensioners who live abroad and receive their pension through a bank that is part of the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, can have their life certificate signed by an officer from the bank. This means they do not need to be physically present in the bank.
Agent verification:
For those who cannot visit India, an authorized agent can submit the life certificate on their behalf. The certificate must be signed by a Magistrate, Notary, Banker, or a Diplomatic Representative of India (like a consul or embassy official). This process also exempts pensioners from appearing in person.
Digital Life Certificate:
The easiest and most popular way to submit life certificate is Digital Life Certificate. One can use the Jeevan Pramaan system to submit his or her Digital Life Certificate online. This digital system uses Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and can be accessed at jeevanpramaan.gov.in. This method is especially convenient and eliminates the need for physical visits.
Indian embassy or consulate verification
Pensioners and family pensioners who are unable to visit India can have their life certificate verified at an Indian Embassy or Consulate. The embassy or consulate will verify their identity based on the photograph in your Pension Payment Order (PPO) or passport. Once verified, they will issue the life certificate.
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Postal submission via embassy or consulate
If a pensioner is unable to visit the Indian Embassy or Consulate in person, he or she can send documents by post. Along with the required life certificate, they may need to provide a Doctor’s Certificate showing that they are unable to appear in person. The Embassy or Consulate will assist with submitting their life certificate.
These guidelines provide several convenient options for pensioners living abroad, making it easier to comply with the annual life certificate requirement and continue receiving your pension without hassle.
