Dear fellow citizens,
INPS has announced the start of the second phase of its campaign to verify that pensioners living abroad are still alive (life certificate verification). Oceania is among the areas covered.
The following groups of pensioners are exempt from this campaign:
- beneficiaries whose data is exchanged electronically, under technical-procedural agreements signed by the Institute with the social security bodies of certain countries (Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Australia and the Netherlands);
- pensioners who collected at least one pension instalment in person at a Western Union branch shortly before the start of the verification;
- pensioners whose pensions have already been suspended by Citibank N.A. following failure to complete previous life certificate campaigns, or following consecutive returned pension payments.
If the certificate is not submitted by 18 January 2027, the February 2027 instalment will be paid, where possible, in cash at Western Union branches in the pensioner’s country of residence. If the pensioner fails to collect it in person, or fails to submit the life certificate by 19 February, pension payments will be suspended starting from the March 2027 instalment.
The life certificate forms (standard or alternative) must be completed by the pensioner and countersigned by an acceptable witness, together with supporting documentation. Everything must be sent to the postal address “PO Box 4873, Worthing BN99 3BG, United Kingdom”. Life certificates issued by local public authorities may also be sent to the same address, provided they constitute valid proof of life under the law of the pensioner’s country of residence. In this case, the certificate must be sent to Citibank together with the Citibank form completed by the pensioner.
Finally, please note that proof of life can also be provided by video call with the diplomatic mission. This option is additional and does not replace the in-person procedure with an acceptable witness. Shall you wish to pursue this option, please contact wellington.embassy@esteri.it to make arrangements.
