Guiyang simplifies retirees' identity certification process

"It's so convenient now. I no longer need to visit the social security service counter for my annual identity certification, yet my pension is still deposited into my bank account on time each month," said Bao, an octogenarian retiree in Guiyang.

Staff members at the center assist retirees in obtaining identity certification. [Photo/guiyang.gov.cn]

Retirees in China are required to undergo identity verification at the social security institution once a year. This process verifies their information, years of service, and the status of their social security contributions to confirm their eligibility for social security benefits. The mechanism helps prevent fraudulent claims and misuse of social security funds, ensuring their safe and efficient allocation.

"We have established a data-sharing mechanism with departments such as public security, health insurance, civil affairs, and transportation," Zhou Qin, chief accountant of the Guiyang social security center, said. "If a retiree has valid activity records, such as medical visits or travels by high-speed rail, airplane, or metro, the system can automatically complete the certification through backend data comparison, requiring no action from the elderly."

So far this year, Guiyang has completed 284,000 identity certifications for retirees using big-data mechanisms, accounting for a significant share of all certifications.

Additionally, the center has provided door-to-door assistance for over 3,000 elderly residents who are unable to complete online certification due to advanced age, illness, or disability, ensuring no one is left behind.