.png)
Life Certificate
What is a Life Certificate?
A Life Certificate is an official document that proves an individual is alive. For Indians living abroad, especially pensioners, it is a crucial document required by Indian authorities to ensure continued disbursement of pension or other retirement benefits.
Who Needs a Life Certificate?
Primarily:
-
Indian Government Pensioners residing overseas
-
Family pensioners (widows, children, etc.) receiving pension from Indian government departments, PSUs, banks, or defense services
Uses of a Life Certificate for NRIs (Indians Living Abroad)
1. Pension Continuation
Submitted annually (usually by November) to ensure uninterrupted pension from Indian authorities like:
-
Central/State Government
-
Indian Armed Forces
-
Indian Railways
-
Public Sector Banks (like SBI, PNB, etc.)
2. Proof of Life for Financial Institutions
-
Required by Indian banks, insurance companies, or EPFO for continuing pension or annuity payments
3. Avoiding Fraud
-
Prevents misuse or fraudulent claims by verifying that the pensioner is alive and eligible to receive funds
Document Checklist: Notarized copies
-
Current Passport
-
Current USA Visa/Green Card/ Work Permit
-
Proof of address (Driver License or Utility Bill only)
-
Old Cancelled Indian passport Or Current OCI Card (in case of US nationals of Indian origin)
-
2 Passport size photos
-
Notarized Affidavit for Life Certificate click here
Additional Information (to be sent along with document copies):
-
Address and phone number in India
-
Indian address police station name and city
-
Emergency Contact person and phone number
