Your parents' paperwork: a checklist

When a parent falls ill, the hardest part is often finding the papers. Sit down with them and sort these out while it's easy.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 16 items

Documents in one place

Identity documentsAadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID and ration card.
Pension papersPension order, bank details and the date the life certificate is due.
Property papersSale deeds, tax receipts and society papers.
A list of all accounts and policiesBanks, deposits, investments, insurance, lockers and loans, with contacts.

Money

Nominees on every account and investmentCheck each one; many old accounts have none.
Joint bank account, if they want one"Either or survivor" lets either holder use it.
The yearly life certificateUsually due in November for pensioners; it can be done online (Jeevan Pramaan).
Their tax returnsWho files them, and where the records are.

Health

Health insurance in forcePlus Ayushman Bharat cover if they're 70 or older.
Medical records and medicines list
Their doctors and preferred hospital
An emergency planWho to call, which hospital, and where the insurance card is.

Legal and safety

Wills for each parentWills across two countries.
A power of attorney, if they want oneSo someone can act for them if they can't.
An advance medical directive, if they wishTheir wishes about treatment, written down.
Protect them from fraudAlerts on their accounts, and a talk about common phone and online scams.

Questions

What documents should elderly parents have ready?

Identity papers, pension papers, property papers, a list of all accounts and policies, health insurance, medical records, a will, and a power of attorney if they want one.

How do pensioners submit a life certificate?

Each year, usually in November, at the bank, through a doorstep service, or online with Jeevan Pramaan using Aadhaar.

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.