In view of the rising Covid-19 cases across the country, the central government has given several options to pensioners in India for submission of Jeevan Pramaan Patra (JPP) / Digital Life certificate (DLC) for those who come under  Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS’95). As senior citizens remain at a higher risk from coronavirus, EPFO has eased the process by bringing services at their doorstep. Also Read: Did You Know Aadhaar Can Be Downloaded With Face Authentication? Check The Steps Here

What is the rule?

As per the rule, pensioners need to submit Jeevan Pramaan Patra (JPP) / Digital Life certificate (DLC) each year in order to continue drawing pension. However, the current scenario has caused problems to pensioners with submission of documents due to which Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has given multiple options for EPS pensioners to submit their DLC. The certificate submitted through these modes/agencies are equally valid.

Where can you submit the certificate?

The EPFO has given options to submit the certificate close to their home or at their door step.

Apart from 135 regional offices and 117 district offices of EPFO, pensioners can submit their certificate at pension disbursing bank branch and nearest post offices.

The certificate can be submitted at nation-wide network of over 3.65 lakh Common Services Centers (CSC). EPS pensioners can also submit the certificate through the UMANG app.

What is the doorstep service?

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has recently launched the doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) service for pensioners.  It means pensioners can submit online request for availing doorstep DLC service on payment of a nominal fee. A postman from the nearest Post Office will visit a pensioner and complete the process of generating DLC at your home only.

What are other important things to consider?

EPS pensioners are eligible to submit their certificate at any time during the year, as per their convenience. The life certificate will remain valid for one year from date of submission of DLC. The pensioners who have been issued Pension Payment Order (PPO) in 2020 need not upload JPP till completion of one year.

It is to be noted that earlier EPS pensioners were required to submit the DLC in the month of November but it led to long queues resulting in rush for submission of DLC. This pro-pensioner step has been taken to provide hassle free social security cover to EPS pensioners.

These initiatives will benefit approximately 67 lakh EPS pensioners out of which about 21 lakh are widow/widower, children and orphan pensioners.