Submission of Annual Life Certificate for Pensioners Residing Abroad – Clarifications Issued by DoPPW

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India, has issued an Office Memorandum (No. 11/1/2025-P&PW(H)-VI dated 31st October 2025) detailing the procedure for submission of the Annual Life Certificate by Central Government pensioners and family pensioners residing abroad.

As per the circular, all Central Government pensioners and family pensioners are required to submit their Annual Life Certificate in November each year to ensure the continued disbursement of pension or family pension. For those residing outside India, the memorandum outlines several alternative methods to facilitate the process without the need for personal appearance.

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Methods Available for Submission of Life Certificate by Pensioners Abroad

1. Through Designated Bank Officer
Pensioners residing abroad and drawing pension/family pension through a bank included in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934 can have their Life Certificate signed by a designated officer of that bank. Submission of such a certificate exempts them from personal appearance.

2. Through Authorized Agent
If the pensioner/family pensioner does not reside in India, a Life Certificate signed by a Magistrate, Notary, Banker, or Diplomatic Representative of India and produced by a duly authorized agent will be accepted. Personal appearance in this case is also not required.

3. Through Indian Embassy/Consulate
For NRI pensioners/family pensioners unable to travel to India, the Life Certificate can be issued by an authorized official of the Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in the country of residence. This can be based on verification through the Pension Payment Order (PPO), passport photograph, or any similar valid document.
This provision is in line with Para 16, Page 44 of the CPAO Scheme Booklet – “Payment of Pension to NRI Pensioners.”

4. Submission by Post in Exceptional Cases
If a pensioner or family pensioner is unable to visit the Indian Embassy or Consulate in person, they may submit the required documents by post, along with a Doctor’s Certificate confirming their inability to appear personally. The Embassy/Consulate or High Commission may assist in processing and forwarding such certificates.

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