To eliminate physical verification, middlemen, and pension delays, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has fully operationalised Face Authentication and Digital Life Certificate (DLC) systems. These reforms are especially critical for EPFO pensioners, EPS members, and senior citizens, ensuring seamless pension continuation without visiting offices.
This guide explains the complete process, eligibility, benefits, and compliance precautions.
What Is EPFO Face Authentication?
EPFO Face Authentication is a biometric verification system using facial recognition, linked with Aadhaar, to confirm a member’s identity digitally.
It is used for:
Digital Life Certificate (DLC) submission
Pension verification
Identity validation without fingerprints or OTP dependency
What Is Digital Life Certificate (DLC)?
A Digital Life Certificate confirms that an EPFO pensioner is alive and eligible to continue receiving pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).
Earlier
Physical visit to bank / EPFO office
Manual verification
Now (2026)
100% online via Face Authentication
No bank visit required
👥 Who Must Submit Digital Life Certificate?
✔ EPFO pensioners
✔ EPS beneficiaries
✔ Family pension recipients
✔ Super senior citizens (mandatory annual submission)
⏰ Deadline: Usually 30th November each year
(Late submission may suspend pension temporarily)
📱 EPFO Face Authentication – Step-by-Step Process
🔹 Step 1: Download Required Apps
Aadhaar Face RD App
Jeevan Pramaan App (or EPFO-enabled DLC app)
🔹 Step 2: Keep Documents Ready
Aadhaar number (linked with pension)
Mobile phone with camera
Internet connection
🔹 Step 3: Facial Authentication
Open the app
Enter Aadhaar details
Capture live facial image
App matches face with Aadhaar database
✔ No fingerprint
✔ No physical visit
🔹 Step 4: DLC Generation
On successful authentication
Digital Life Certificate is auto-generated
Certificate is electronically shared with:
EPFO
Pension disbursing bank
📩 Pension continues without interruption
🖥️ Where Is DLC Reflected?
EPFO pension records
Bank pension system
Jeevan Pramaan portal
No physical submission required.
⚠️ Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Face mismatch | Proper lighting & steady capture |
| Aadhaar not linked | Update Aadhaar–UAN–PPO linkage |
| App crash | Use latest version |
| Pension stopped | Re-submit DLC immediately |
✅ Benefits of Face Authentication & DLC
✔ No bank / EPFO office visit
✔ Senior citizen friendly
✔ Faster verification
✔ Zero paperwork
✔ Reduced fraud & impersonation
Leegal Insight: This system is a major compliance relief for pensioners living in remote areas.
Employer & Family Pensioner Perspective
Employers are not involved in DLC submission
Family pensioners must submit DLC separately
One DLC per year is mandatory
🎯 How Leegal Supports EPFO Pensioners
Leegal provides:
DLC & Face Authentication assistance
Aadhaar–PPO–UAN correction support
Pension stoppage resolution
EPFO grievance filing & follow-up
Team spotlight
Adv Rajeev Ranjan
Adv Gaurav Kumar
Mrs. Rathi
