Alert for pensioners! If this work is not done then your pension will not be deposited in the bank. – StudyToper

An important information has come out for pension holders. The government has made some changes in the pension payment process, if not followed your pension may not be deposited in the bank account. This new rule will be applicable to all central and state government pensioners. The main objective of this new rule is to make the pension distribution system more transparent and efficient.

Under this new rule, all pensioners will have to submit proof of their survival every year. This process can be done through Digital Life Certificate. Apart from this, it has also been made mandatory for pensioners to link their Aadhar card with their bank account. These steps have been taken to prevent pension fraud and ensure that the right person gets pension at the right time.

Pension Scheme Overview

What is Digital Life Certificate?

Digital Life Certificate is an online system through which pensioners can provide proof of their existence. This system frees the pensioners from the hassle of personally visiting the bank or government office every year. Under this system, pensioners can submit their life certificate while sitting at their home.

Advantages of Digital Life Certificate:

• saving time and money
• convenience at home
• transparent process
• Fast and accurate pension disbursement
• stop fraud

Why is it important to link Aadhaar card?

Linking Aadhar card with bank account has now been made mandatory. This step has been taken to bring more security and transparency in the pension distribution system. By Aadhaar Linking:

• Pensioner’s identity is ensured
• The possibility of pension going to the wrong person ends
• Delays in pension payments are reduced
• Easy access to online services

How to avoid pension closure?

To ensure continuity of their pension, pensioners should keep the following in mind:

1. Submit Digital Life Certificate by 30th November every year
2. Link Aadhaar Card to Bank Account
3. Keep bank account information updated
4. Provide other information requested by the Pension Department on time
5. Keep your mobile number and email updated on the pension portal

How to submit Digital Life Certificate?

Pensioners can use the following methods to submit digital life certificate:

1. Through Online:
   • Go to Government Life Certificate Portal
   • Enter your Aadhaar number and other information
   • Verify your identity through fingerprint or iris scan
   • Download and print life certificate
2. By visiting the nearest CSC centre:
   • Go with your Aadhar Card and Pension Identity Card
   • The center staff will submit the life certificate with your help.
3. Through Doorstep Service:
   • Some banks and government departments provide this service at home.
   • For this, prior appointment is required

New changes in pension scheme

The government has recently made some important changes in the pension scheme:

1. Increase in minimum pension amount: Now the minimum pension amount has been increased to Rs 5000 per month.
2. Online Grievance Redressal: An online portal has been launched for pensioners’ complaints.
3. Mobile App: A mobile app has been launched for all pension related services.
4. Automatic Pension Revision: Now the pension amount will be revised automatically.
5. Facility for pensioners living abroad: Now pensioners living abroad can also easily submit their life certificate.

Special facilities for pensioners

The government has also introduced some special facilities for pensioners:

1. Free Health Checkup: Facility of free health checkup once every year.
2. Travel Discounts: Special discounts on rail and bus travel.
3. Senior Citizens Savings Scheme: Special savings scheme with high interest rates.
4. Tax exemption: Special tax exemption on pension income.
5. Priority Service: Priority service in banks and government offices.

Eligibility Criteria for Pension Scheme

To avail the benefits of the pension scheme, the following eligibility criteria must be fulfilled:

1. The age of the applicant should be 60 years or more.
2. The applicant must have a valid pension identity card.
3. It is mandatory for the applicant to have Aadhar card and bank account.
4. The applicant must be a citizen of India.
5. Widow/widower pensioners can also apply.

FAQs related to pension scheme

1. Question: Will this scheme be applicable in all states?
   Answer: Yes, it is a central scheme which will be applicable across the country.
2. Question: Do existing pensioners have to apply again?
   Answer: No, existing pensioners do not need to apply again. They just have to follow the new rules.
3. Question: Will the pension amount increase?
   Answer: Yes, the pension amount will be increased every year according to inflation.
4. Question: Can pensioners living abroad also avail the benefits of this scheme?
   Answer: Yes, pensioners living abroad can also take advantage of this scheme. Special provisions have been made for them.
5. Q: What if my pension is already more than Rs 5000?
   Answer: Your existing pension will continue, there will be no reduction in it.

Documents required for pension scheme

The following documents are required to avail the benefits of the pension scheme:

1. Aadhar card
2. PAN card
3. Photocopy of bank passbook
4. pension identity card
5. age certificate
6. Address proof
7. photo ID
8. Recent passport size photo

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The information given herein is correct and up-to-date, but the final decision regarding any scheme or rule will be taken by the concerned government authority. Please confirm with your local office or relevant department before taking any action.