PFRDA has operationalised “UPS Jeewan Setu”, a facility that lets pensioners under the Unified Pension Scheme generate and submit their Digital Life Certificate (DLC) on their phone using Aadhaar-based authentication. UPS pensioners must submit the certificate every year by 30 November to keep their assured payout running without a break.
The circular in brief
| Circular | PFRDA/2026/54/SUP-CG-SG/02 |
|---|---|
| Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Issued by | Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (signed by the Chief General Manager) |
| Addressed to | Principal Accounts Offices, PAOs and DDOs of the Central Government |
| Facility | UPS Jeewan Setu DLC, accessed through the “NPS by Protean” mobile app |
| Deadline | 30 November every year |
Who needs to submit
- Retired Central Government employees receiving the UPS assured payout.
- Family pensioners receiving UPS family pension.
Nodal offices have been asked to inform every eligible pensioner in their jurisdiction about the facility and the deadline.
How to submit (general steps)
- Install the NPS by Protean app on a phone with a working front camera and internet.
- Open the UPS Jeewan Setu / life certificate option and log in with your PRAN details.
- Complete Aadhaar authentication (face authentication or OTP as offered).
- Submit and save the acknowledgement. Check the status in the app after a few days.
The detailed procedure is given in the annexure to the circular; follow it if any step differs. Pensioners who cannot use the app should contact their PAO or nodal office.
Why it matters
Missing the life certificate deadline can lead to the monthly payout being withheld until the certificate is received. With UPS payouts starting for employees who retired since April 2025, this is the first large-scale life certificate cycle for UPS pensioners.
New to UPS? Read our complete UPS guide and check your payout with the UPS calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is UPS Jeewan Setu?
A mobile, Aadhaar-based digital life certificate facility for Unified Pension Scheme pensioners, operationalised by PFRDA through the NPS by Protean app.
What is the last date to submit the UPS life certificate?
30 November every year.
Is this the same as Jeevan Pramaan for OPS pensioners?
It serves the same purpose, but UPS Jeewan Setu is the facility notified for UPS pensioners under NPS. OPS pensioners continue with Jeevan Pramaan and other existing channels.
