Now, EPFO makes it easier for EPS pensioners to prove - We are alive!

We are alive! Yes, but proof is required. That process, for pensioners, has been very tough though, but it is no longer so. EPFO requires that pensioners prove that they are alive. This is to be done once in an year. Reality check - To draw pension, pensioners  must provide evidence that they are alive and therefore, qualify to draw pension! Not providing the same means, no pension. 
 
For lakhs of EPS pensioners this troubling task has just been made easier to complete. In a major development for EPS pensioners, EPFO has proactively partnered with Common Service Centre (CSC) to provide the facility to submit Digital Jeevan Pramaan. This has been done to bring service delivery closer to the door step of EPS pensioners, especially during the challenging times of COVID -19 Pandemic. EPS pensioners are required to submit Jeevan Pramaan /Life certificate each year to continue to draw pension.
 
"By leveraging the last mile network of over 3.65 lakh Common Services Centers, EPFO provides its 65 lakh pensioners facility to submit Digital Jeevan Pramaan closer to their residence," Ministry of Labour and Employment said in a statement.
 
In addition to CSC centers, EPS pensioners can also submit Jeevan Pramaan through 135 regional offices and 117 district offices and pension disbursing banks. A multi agency model adopted by EPFO empowers EPS pensioners with choice and autonomy to select the service delivery agency as per their convenience. A key policy change has been to allow EPS pensioners to submit Digital Jeevan Pramaan at any time during the year as per their convenience. The life certificate will remain valid for one year from date of submission.
 
"Earlier, the pensioners were required to submit the Jeevan Pramaan in the month of November. This resulted in difficulties faced by pensioners and generated large number of grievances on account of stoppage of pension. Also, in case of belated submission of Life Certificate it remained valid only for a few months up to November. This pro-pensioner step has been taken to provide hassle free social security cover to EPS pensioners," Ministry of Labour and Employment said.