Government pensioners are asked to submit their life certificate, digitally or in person, every year in November to continue their pension payouts. Senior citizens above 80 get some additional time, requiring to submit their life certificate starting October 1.
These retirees submit this life certificate annually to prove they are alive, and in the process, it helps the government in checking fraudulent claims. But what about those living outside India? The government has now reminded overseas pensioners about the ways they can easily complete this process without the need to travel back to India.
The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) has issued fresh guidelines to make things smooth for retirees and family pensioners residing abroad.
For pensioners abroad: No need to come to India
If you are drawing your pension through any bank that falls under the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, you don’t need to appear in person. Your life certificate can be signed by a designated officer of that bank abroad. Once signed, it will be accepted for continuing your pension.
Authorized agents can also help
If a pensioner or family pensioner living abroad has an authorized agent in India, that person can submit a life certificate on their behalf. The certificate can be signed by a Magistrate, Notary, Banker, or Diplomatic Representative of India.
Embassy or Consulate can issue certificate
For NRI pensioners who can’t travel to India, the Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in the country of residence can issue a life certificate. Officials there will verify your identity using your passport or PPO photograph before issuing the certificate.
When visiting the Embassy is not possible
If a pensioner is unable to visit the Embassy or Consulate due to health reasons, there’s still a way out. They can send the required documents by post, along with a doctor’s certificate stating that they cannot appear in person. The Indian Embassy or Consulate can also assist pensioners in completing the process.
The government’s circular highlights that these measures are designed to ensure that no pensioner abroad faces any difficulty in continuing to receive their pension.
So, if you are a Central Government pensioner or a family pensioner living overseas, make sure to submit your life certificate this November through any of these convenient options — and keep your pension coming without any interruption.
