Aadhaar isn't mandatory for every pension life certificate; here's what is

Millions of pensioners without Aadhaar still worry they'll lose their pension. Here's the truth: Aadhaar is not the only way to prove you're alive.

Jeevan Pramaan, the government's Digital Life Certificate, runs on Aadhaar authentication — fingerprint, iris, or face scan. If you don't have Aadhaar, this particular route is closed to you.

Central Government pensioners can appear in person before their Pension Disbursing Agency. If illness or infirmity makes that impossible, a certificate authenticated by a specified authority works instead.

Not having Aadhaar is different from having Aadhaar that isn't linked to your pension account. Banks like IPPB need Aadhaar already registered with your PDA before offering digital doorstep service.

EPFO pensioners don't need biometrics at all. Just submit a Life or Non-Remarriage Certificate through your pension-paying bank, attested by the bank manager or a gazetted officer.

IPPB's doorstep Digital Life Certificate sounds convenient, but it still requires Aadhaar, a mobile number, and prior registration with your pension authority. Without Aadhaar, this option won't help.

Central Government pensioners submit their certificate in November (from October 1 if you're 80+). EPS pensioners work on a rolling 12-month cycle. Miss either one, and your pension can be paused.

Aadhaar powers Jeevan Pramaan, but it isn't the only path to certifying you're alive. Identify your pension authority first — Central Government, EPS, or another scheme — and the right non-Aadhaar route becomes clear.