Pensioners: Digital Life Certificate campaign runs until 30 November 2026
If you or your parents draw a Central Government pension, November is the month to sort out the yearly proof that the pensioner is alive, called the life certificate. This guide explains what the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has announced, what it means in plain words, and what to do this week. We opened both official releases on 9 November 2026.
What has been announced
According to a PIB release posted on 30 October 2026, the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) is conducting the 5th Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) campaign from 1 to 30 November 2026. The guidelines were issued through an office memorandum dated 13 August 2026. The release says the campaign covers camps in 2,000 districts and cities, with support from 19 banks, 785 district post offices and 56 welfare associations. It also states a target of 2.30 crore DLCs, of which 1.50 crore are to be generated through face authentication.
A second PIB release dated 5 November 2026 says the campaign was formally launched on 6 November 2026 in New Delhi by Dr Jitendra Singh. It highlights face authentication using the Jeevan Pramaan app, says doorstep and home-based services will be facilitated for pensioners who cannot travel because of age or infirmity, and names super-senior pensioners aged 80 and above as a special focus.
What this means for you
A Digital Life Certificate is the online version of the yearly life certificate. Instead of walking to the bank with a paper form, a pensioner can generate it through the Jeevan Pramaan app using face authentication, which the first release describes as a fast mode that works on both Android and iOS. The releases do not give step-by-step instructions, and they do not say what happens to a pension if the certificate is late. Do not guess on that point: ask your pension-paying bank or post office what their rule is.
The campaign is run by DoPPW, which looks after Central Government pensioners. If you draw a state government pension, check your state treasury or pension office, because the state may have its own dates.
A simple checklist
First, find out whether your pension-paying bank or post office is taking part in the campaign, and ask about camp dates in your city. Second, keep your Aadhaar number, pension payment order (PPO) details and bank account number ready, because you may be asked for them; your bank will tell you what it needs. Third, if the pensioner is very old or unwell, ask the bank or post office about a doorstep or home visit instead of travelling. Fourth, after you submit, ask for the acknowledgement or confirmation, and keep it.
A word of caution
Only use the official Jeevan Pramaan app or your own bank or post office. Never share an OTP or ATM PIN with a caller. If in doubt, contact your bank branch directly.
Plan the pension money too
A life certificate keeps the pension flowing, and the Gunaka Central Government salary tools can help you see what a pension or Dearness Relief rise means each month. These are estimates, not financial advice, and your pension office's figures always decide.
More guides
- Senior Citizens Savings Scheme: rules and a Rs 10 lakh example
- How your yearly increment works in the pay matrix, with 63% DA
- RBI rules on loan recovery calls and visits from 1 January 2027