Every year, retirees and beneficiaries of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) need to prove that they are still alive, sending the Pension Fund a proof-of-life form. Historically, this process has been conducted through the use of a paper form called “Certificate of Entitlement.”

A significant innovation in this area was brought over the past years by the concept of “digital identity for proof-of-life.” This involves using digital methods to verify that an individual is alive, typically for purposes such as receiving pensions or other benefits. This process can replace traditional, often cumbersome, methods like mailing physical documents.

Since 2021, the UNJSPF has introduced a significant innovation: the “Digital Certificate of Entitlement” (DCE), a “digital identity solution” to support the proof-of-life of its retirees and beneficiaries.

This new digital form of the Certificate of Entitlement, developed with the technical expertise and support of the United Nations Information Computing Center (UNICC) allows the Fund’s beneficiaries to prove they are still alive using a facial recognition application on their mobile devices or tablets.

What is the Digital Certificate of Entitlement?

The Digital CE is an app-based solution that retirees and beneficiaries can use to complete their annual Certificate of Entitlement. Instead of mailing a paper form, beneficiaries can now provide their proof of life through the Digital CE app. This app is available on Android and iOS devices, on both the Google Play 

Store and the Apple App Store and is designed to be user-friendly.

An additional feature is being planned for beneficiaries living in various geographical areas, including some with connectivity issues: a kiosk mode, allowing the submission of Digital CEs from kiosks at various duty stations.

Retirees and beneficiaries who are paid under the two-track (i.e., local track) must ensure to be physically in their declared country of residence when issuing the DCE or else the Fund will assume that they have 

moved to a different country and they will be asked to submit form PENS.E/11 as well as corresponding proof of residence to the Fund, which may impact their benefit payment.

Regular outreach and support are provided by a dedicated team in the Fund for those beneficiaries who wish to enroll or have questions about the application.

Why choose the Digital CE?

Convenience: complete the annual CE from the comfort of home without mailing any documents.

Optionality: you can still receive and return paper CEs if preferred.

Reversibility: switch between digital and paper CE at any time.

Security: Features in place to protect personal information, ensuring that data remains safe even if 

the phone is compromised

Environmental friendliness: 

it helps reduce paper use, which is better for the environment.

Health and safety: avoid trips to the post office, especially important for elderly individuals.

Who can enroll?

Eligible beneficiaries include those currently on UNJSPF benefits payroll, those who have recently moved out of payroll, and those nearing retirement. 

The prerequisites are simple: a compatible smartphone or tablet with the necessary operating system.

How to enroll (only first time)

1. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

2. Request and redeem an invitation code via the app (sent by the Fund to all eligible retirees and beneficiaries).

3. Scan your ID and face biometric.

4. Attend a quick video call to confirm your identity.

5. Validate and issue your Digital CE.

Annual cycle

The annual cycle to send certificates of entitlement is designed to ensure that beneficiaries can easily and securely confirm their status each year. The cycle begins in January, when the UNJSPF launches the enrollment and issuance phase for the Digital CE. Starting in January, beneficiaries are encouraged to download the app, complete the necessary steps for enrollment, and issue their Digital CE for the current year. 

Those who did not submit a Digital CE by the month of June would receive a paper-based version of the certificate at their address of residence. By the end of December, the cycle is complete, and the Fund should have collected all necessary proof of life confirmations for the year to avoid interruptions of benefit payments.

Recognitions and security

Did you know? The Digital CE won the United Nations Secretary-General award for innovation and sustainability (2022), and the Government Blockchain Association’s Social Impact Award.

The Digital CE solution has been certified in accordance with international cybersecurity standards, and it will continue to be assessed on an annual basis.

This is in addition to the statutory internal and external audits conducted on the Fund’s operations. 

MORE INFO

Download the app today to streamline your annual CE process and ensure your benefits are uninterrupted!

Visit the UNJSPF website: unjspf.org/for-clients/digital-certificate-of-entitlement

If you require support in enrolling or using the app please contact us: contact.unjspf.org or reach out the DCE team at dce@unjspf.org


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