EPFO rolls out free doorstep Digital Life Certificate service for EPS pensioners through IPPB

In a significant move aimed at easing the lives of pensioners, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced the rollout of a free doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) service for EPS pensioners, in partnership with the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).

The initiative is meant especially for pensioners whose Digital Life Certificates are pending or due and who may not have access to smartphones or find it difficult to visit banks or EPFO offices.

Doorstep service at no cost to pensioners

Under the new arrangement, postmen or Dak Sevaks will visit eligible pensioners at their homes to generate the Digital Life Certificate using Face Authentication Technology (FAT) or other biometric methods. Importantly, no fee will be charged from the pensioner. The cost of each successful DLC will be borne centrally by EPFO, as per the approved Standard Operating Procedure (SoP).

EPFO has clarified that only “successful DLCs” — those generated by IPPB, due or becoming due within 30 days, and approved by EPFO after verification — will be eligible for payment to IPPB.

How pensioners can avail the service

Pensioners can request a home visit by contacting IPPB’s customer care number 033-22029000. Once the request is registered, the nearest postman or Dak Sevak will be assigned to complete the process at the pensioner’s residence.

In cases where DLCs have remained pending for long periods, EPFO may also proactively share lists of such pensioners with IPPB to ensure doorstep visits even without a prior request.

Priority for long-pending cases

Special emphasis has been placed on clearing long-pending DLCs. Pensioners whose DLCs have been pending for more than five years will be given top priority, followed by those pending for two to five years. EPFO has set a target to substantially reduce long-pending DLC cases by March 2026.

Awareness and self-submission still encouraged

While the doorstep service acts as a safety net, EPFO continues to encourage pensioners and their families to use smartphones and apps such as Jeevan Pramaan and UMANG for self-submission using Face Authentication Technology. Regional offices have been instructed to spread awareness through banners, videos, and direct guidance during public interaction programmes.

Clear roles and monitoring mechanism

The circular lays down clear responsibilities for EPFO offices, IPPB, and field staff. Monthly monitoring, MIS reporting, and regular coordination meetings between EPFO and IPPB have been mandated to ensure smooth implementation. In case of the death of a pensioner, immediate action has been prescribed to update records and initiate pension for eligible beneficiaries.

A step towards “Ease of Living”

The rollout reflects EPFO’s broader push towards digital governance and ease of living for pensioners, particularly the elderly and those in remote areas. By bringing the service to the doorstep, EPFO hopes to ensure uninterrupted pension payments and reduce hardship caused by procedural delays.

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