Jeevan Pramaan fingerprint failed? 3 ways pensioners can still submit their Life Certificate

But does failed fingerprint authentication mean that a pensioner cannot submit a Life Certificate?

No. Pensioners have alternative options. They can use iris authentication instead of fingerprints or opt for face authentication through a compatible smartphone. If biometric authentication is unsuccessful, they can also submit a physical Life Certificate to their pension-disbursing authority.

The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare has specifically advised pension-disbursing banks to accept physical Life Certificates when both fingerprint and iris authentication fail.

1. Use iris authentication instead of fingerprints

Jeevan Pramaan supports Aadhaar-based biometric authentication through both fingerprint and iris recognition.

Therefore, if a pensioner's fingerprints are not accepted by the biometric device, iris scanning can be used as an alternative.

The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare has advised pension-disbursing banks to use iris scanning when fingerprint authentication fails.

Pensioners can approach their bank branch or an authorised Jeevan Pramaan centre and enquire about the availability of an iris scanner.

According to the official Jeevan Pramaan FAQ, pensioners can generate a Digital Life Certificate at Citizen Service Centres (CSCs), offices of Pension Disbursing Agencies such as banks and post offices, or through the supported application.

2. Generate Jeevan Pramaan through face authentication

Face authentication is another option for pensioners who face difficulties with fingerprint verification.

Once face authentication is completed successfully, a Digital Life Certificate is generated with a unique Pramaan ID. The certificate is made available electronically to the concerned Pension Disbursing Agency.

3. Submit a physical Life Certificate

Pensioners should remember that generating a Digital Life Certificate through Jeevan Pramaan is not compulsory.

The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare has also issued specific instructions to pension-disbursing banks regarding biometric authentication failures.

According to its November 14, 2017, Office Memorandum, if fingerprint authentication fails, banks should first use iris scanning. If a Digital Life Certificate cannot be generated through either fingerprint or iris authentication, the physical Life Certificate submitted by the pensioner should be accepted.

The memorandum further states that a pensioner should not be turned away because their biometrics are not accepted by the system.

Therefore, pensioners who face difficulties with fingerprint authentication need not assume that they cannot submit their annual Life Certificate.

They can try iris authentication, use face authentication through a compatible smartphone or submit a physical Life Certificate.

The important thing is to ensure that the Life Certificate is successfully submitted and accepted by the concerned pension authority within the applicable deadline.

November 30 deadline

November 30 is the deadline for most pensioners to submit their annual Life Certificate. Missing the deadline could delay pension payments until the certificate is submitted and processed