As of 14 September 2022, Citibank will send the application forms for attestation of existence in life for the years 2022/2023.
Forms must be received by the bank by 12 January 2023. If the verification process is not completed within the set deadline, the February 2023 pension payment will be made in cash at Western Union Agencies and, in the event of personal non-collection of pension / production of the attestation of existence by 19 February 2023, the pension payment for March 2023 will be suspended by the bank.
Pensioners can present themselves at the Consulate General in Johannesburg, starting from 2nd November 2022, on Wednesdays from 9.30 to 12.00.
Alternatively, if the Covid-19 pandemic persists, pensioners can complete the verification process through WhatsApp as per the following procedure:
- The pensioner must send an identity document together with a digital copy of the form, duly completed, dated and signed to consolare.johannesburg@esteri.it, specifying his/her mobile number and email address;
- The Consulate General contacts the pensioner at the e-mail address provided, to define date and time of the video call, to be carried out through Whatsapp;
- During the video call, the consular officer certifies the existence in life of the pensioner and invites him/her to send the original form, dated and signed, to the Consulate General (37 First Avenue, Houghton Estate, 2198 Johannesburg).
This option may also be used by the Patronato accredited operators, as acceptable witnesses to the “Portale Agenti”.
In the event that the pensioner is in a state of infirmity or resides in public or private retirement homes / health institutions, please contact Citi Help Desk to obtain an alternative existence in life form. The form, sent via email in PDF format, can be requested either by the interested party or the Patronato.
The form must be duly completed and signed by one of the following entities and submitted to Citibank along with the additional documentation listed below:
| Entity | Additional Documentation |
| An official of the public or private institution where the pensioner resides. | A recent statement on letterhead confirming, under the official’s sole responsibility, that the pensioner is alive and resides in the institution. |
| The doctor in charge for the pensioner’s medical care. | A recent statement on the doctor’s letterhead confirming, under the doctor’s sole responsibility, that the pensioner is alive and unable to follow the standard procedure. |
| The prosecutor or the nominated power of attorney holder. | A recent certified copy of the duly stamped act conferring the power of attorney or a certified copy of the Court’s Judgement of Appointment. |
