Summary of this article
Annual submission of the life certificate is mandatory for all pensioners, including those who are living abroad
DoPPW outlines four options for NRI pensioners to submit their life certificate
They can submit via bank certification, authorized agent, Embassy officials, or consulate officials
Pensioners need to submit their life certificate every year in November. This annual exercise is mandatory for pensioners, no matter whether they are in India or living abroad, to maintain continuity of their pension. According to the DoPPW’s recent notification dated October 31, 2025, there are four ways a pensioner or family pensioner living abroad can submit the life certificate (Jeevan Pramaan Patra). The OM entails the details of several crucial methods for pensioners and family pensioners to submit the required life certificate without needing to return home for personal identification.
Here is how they can submit their life certificate.
Certified By Bank Official
In case a pensioner or family pensioner receives pension in a bank that is included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, such pensioner or family pensioner is exempted from appearing personally to submit a life certificate if the certificate is signed by a designated officer of that bank.
Authorised Agent
In case a pensioner, who is living abroad, has an authorised agent in India who can produce the pensioner’s life certificate signed by an authorised signatory, such as a Magistrate, a Banker, a Notary, or a Diplomatic Representative of India, such a life certificate will be accepted as proof for continuing the pension.
Authorised Official Of The Embassy Or High Commission, Or Consul Of The Indian Consulate
There are special provisions for the non-resident Indian (NRI) pensioners or family pensioners. They can submit their life certificate issued by an authorised official of the Indian Embassy, High Commission of India, or Consul of an Indian Consulate in the country of residence. The relevant authority issues the certificate after proper verification, typically based on the photograph pasted on the pension payment order (PPO) or on the passport; these are accepted as a life certificate submission.
Doctor’s Certificate
However, in case a pensioner cannot visit the Embassy or Consulate, such pensioner or family pensioner can submit the required documents and proofs by post, including a doctor’s certificate showing the pensioner's or family pensioner’s inability to come in person to the Embassy or Consulate.
As half of the month has already passed, pensioners or family pensioners need not wait to submit their life certificate. Those who have access to the Aadhaar-linked biometric device can submit their life certificate using the digital mode through the Jeevan Pramaan App.
