Key Takeaways
- • PFRDA has launched the UPS Jeewan Setu - Digital Life Certificate (DLC) facility, allowing pensioners under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to generate and submit annual life certificates digitally, according to a PFRDA circular released on 30 October 2026.
- • The facility uses Aadhaar-based authentication with face authentication and is accessed through the NPS, UPS and APY mobile application (NPS by Protean eGov app).
- • UPS pensioners must submit their DLCs annually by 30 November to ensure uninterrupted monthly assured payouts, per the circular.
- • Eligibility requires a PRAN, date of birth, registered mobile OTP verification, and Aadhaar authentication; the generated certificate is validated through Aadhaar.
Summary
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has introduced the 'UPS Jeewan Setu – Digital Life Certificate (DLC)' facility for pensioners covered under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). According to a PFRDA circular released on Friday, 30 October 2026, the mobile application-based facility has been enabled so that eligible UPS pensioners can generate and submit Digital Life Certificates through Aadhaar-based authentication. The circular states the facility is available through the NPS by Protean eGov mobile application, and that it was introduced to simplify life certificate submission, enhance accessibility and facilitate timely compliance.
A Digital Life Certificate is an electronically generated certificate establishing that a pensioner is alive and eligible to continue receiving pension payments. The UPS, effective April 1, 2025, is a pension scheme under the National Pension System for eligible Central Government employees, offering an assured pension of 50% of average basic pay over the last 12 months before superannuation, subject to at least 25 years of qualifying service. Life certificate submission is an annual requirement, and the new digital process is intended to make it more convenient.
According to the circular's procedure, pensioners open the NPS, UPS and APY mobile application, select 'UPS Jeewan Setu – Digital Life Certificate', enter their PRAN and date of birth, and verify an OTP sent to the registered mobile number. They then select Aadhaar, enter the Aadhaar number, click 'Continue with Aadhaar', and complete face authentication. Upon successful authentication, the system generates the Life Certificate and displays a confirmation message. The certificate is then validated through Aadhaar.
PFRDA has specified that all UPS pensioners must submit their DLCs annually by 30 November, as the certificate serves as proof of continued eligibility for pension payouts. Timely submission is required to ensure uninterrupted monthly assured payouts.
A Digital Life Certificate is an electronically generated certificate establishing that a pensioner is alive and eligible to continue receiving pension payments. The UPS, effective April 1, 2025, is a pension scheme under the National Pension System for eligible Central Government employees, offering an assured pension of 50% of average basic pay over the last 12 months before superannuation, subject to at least 25 years of qualifying service. Life certificate submission is an annual requirement, and the new digital process is intended to make it more convenient.
According to the circular's procedure, pensioners open the NPS, UPS and APY mobile application, select 'UPS Jeewan Setu – Digital Life Certificate', enter their PRAN and date of birth, and verify an OTP sent to the registered mobile number. They then select Aadhaar, enter the Aadhaar number, click 'Continue with Aadhaar', and complete face authentication. Upon successful authentication, the system generates the Life Certificate and displays a confirmation message. The certificate is then validated through Aadhaar.
PFRDA has specified that all UPS pensioners must submit their DLCs annually by 30 November, as the certificate serves as proof of continued eligibility for pension payouts. Timely submission is required to ensure uninterrupted monthly assured payouts.
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