The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched a digital tool to simplify how pensioners under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) submit annual life certificates. The new UPS Jeewan Setu – Digital Life Certificate (DLC) facility replaces manual processes with an Aadhaar-based authentication system accessible through the NPS by Protean eGov mobile app.
Life certificates are required annually to confirm a pensioner’s eligibility for continued payments. Under the UPS, which replaced the old pension system for central government employees in April 2025, pensioners must prove they are alive to avoid disruptions in their monthly payouts. The new digital system aims to reduce administrative burdens by eliminating physical documentation and in-person verifications.
Pensioners receive a guaranteed amount, 50% of their last 12 months’ basic pay after 25 years of service, or a proportionate share after 10 years, with a minimum of ₹10,000 per month. The digital certificate process replaces the previous method, which relied on pensioners visiting designated centers or mailing forms. The shift to digital authentication aligns with broader government efforts to streamline public services through biometric verification.
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To generate a digital life certificate, pensioners must open the NPS by Protean eGov app, select the UPS Jeewan Setu option, and enter their Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) and date of birth. After verifying their registered mobile number via OTP, they authenticate using Aadhaar and complete a face verification step. Once confirmed, the system generates the certificate instantly, which is then validated through Aadhaar records.
All UPS pensioners must submit their digital life certificates by 30 November each year to ensure their pension payments continue without interruption. Late submissions risk delays or temporary suspensions in payouts, as the certificate serves as the sole proof of continued eligibility. The PFRDA circular emphasizes that the deadline is non-negotiable for uninterrupted benefits.