INSS proof of life for Nicaraguan pensioners in the United States
If you are an INSS (Nicaraguan Social Security Institute) pensioner living in the United States, every year you must prove that you are still alive in order to keep receiving your pension. The good news is that you no longer need to travel to a consulate: since October 2024, the INSS lets you complete the proof of life by Zoom video call. In this guide we explain what it is, how to do it step by step over WhatsApp and what information you should have ready.
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What the proof of life is and why it's required
The proof of life —also known as a survival certificate— is the procedure by which the INSS confirms that the pensioner is still alive and therefore entitled to keep receiving their pension. It is a routine check in social security systems to prevent improper payments.
Important: if you do not complete the proof of life within the established deadline, the INSS may suspend your pension payment until you regularize your situation. That's why it's best not to leave it until the last minute.
How to do it by video call, step by step
Since October 2024, the INSS has enabled the proof of life by Zoom video call for pensioners living abroad. The process starts on WhatsApp and is straightforward:
- Send a WhatsApp message to +505 7553 4649, Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Nicaragua time).
- Provide your details in the message: full name, INSS number and the type of pension you receive.
- Wait for scheduling: the INSS will set up a Zoom interview and let you know the day and time.
- Join the video call from a phone or computer with a camera and internet, and have your photo ID ready to show.
- Done: once your identity is verified, your proof of life for the year is recorded.
- 💬 INSS WhatsApp: +505 7553 4649
- 🕗 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- 🎥 Method: Zoom video call
By doing it over video call, you save yourself the trip to the consulate and can complete the procedure from home.
When it's done: October, once a year
The proof of life is an annual procedure carried out during the month of October. We recommend messaging the INSS WhatsApp in early October to book your Zoom appointment with time to spare and avoid the backlog of requests toward the end of the month.
Set a reminder every October. Keeping your proof of life up to date is the surest way to ensure your pension isn't interrupted.
What information to have ready
Before you message on WhatsApp and join the video call, prepare the following information:
- 🪪 Full name exactly as it appears in the INSS.
- 🔢 INSS number (insured or pensioner).
- 💵 Type of pension you receive (for example, old-age or disability).
- 📄 Photo ID to show during the video call.
- 📶 Phone or computer with a camera and internet connection.
If you don't have your INSS number on hand
The INSS number is key for them to locate your file, but if you can't remember it, don't worry. First check your pension payment receipts or any previous INSS document, where it usually appears.
If you still can't find it, message WhatsApp +505 7553 4649 anyway with your full name and whatever details you do have; the INSS staff can help you locate your number. If you need extra guidance on how to get in touch from the United States, check our guide on how to call Nicaragua.
Frequently asked questions about the proof of life
What is the INSS proof of life and why is it required?
It is the annual survival certificate by which Nicaragua's INSS confirms that the pensioner is still alive in order to keep the pension payment going. If it isn't completed, the payment may be suspended.
Can I complete the proof of life without traveling to the consulate?
Yes. Since October 2024, the INSS allows you to complete the proof of life by Zoom video call, so it's no longer necessary to appear in person at a Nicaraguan consulate in the US.
How do I request the video call for the proof of life?
Send a WhatsApp message to +505 7553 4649, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with your full name, INSS number and type of pension. The INSS will schedule your Zoom interview.
When is the proof of life done?
Once a year, during the month of October. It's best to message the INSS WhatsApp in early October to book your video call appointment with plenty of time.
What information should I have ready before the video call?
Your full name as it appears in the INSS, your insured or pensioner number, the type of pension and a photo ID. Plus a phone or computer with a camera and internet for Zoom.
What if I don't remember my INSS number?
Check previous payment receipts or INSS documents where it usually appears. If you still don't have it, message WhatsApp +505 7553 4649 with your full name so the INSS staff can help you locate it.