Family pension for retired government employees: Key clarifications by DoPPW

The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions issued two crucial clarifications regarding the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021.

Key DoPPW clarifications on family pension for retired government employees

DoPPW has issued a clarification regarding the enhanced rate of family pension for the family members of government employees who pass away after retirement.

The clarification comes following multiple references and RTI applications seeking guidance on cases where the age of retirement exceeds 60 years.

In an official Office Memorandum (No. 1/1(90)/2024-P&PW(E)-Part(1)/10344), the DoPPW stated: “In the event of death of a Government servant after retirement, the family pension shall be payable for a period of seven years, or for a period up to the date on which the retired Government servant would have attained the age of sixty-seven years, had he survived, whichever is less.”

The memorandum also addressed concerns regarding employees whose retirement age is more than 60 years, such as Central Health Service doctors who retire at 65.

“It is clarified that the enhanced rate of family pension will be payable for seven years, or until the retired Government servant has turned sixty-seven, whichever is less, irrespective of whether the retirement age was 60 or 65 years,” the DoPPW said.

The DoPPW noted that this clarification is issued with the approval of the competent authority, ensuring consistency in pension provisions across all retirement cases.

DoPPW clarifies family pension for two wives

DoPPW clarified rules for family pension when a deceased government employee is survived by more than one spouse.

As per Rule 50(6) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, pension is paid in the following order: widow/widower, children (including adopted/stepchildren), dependent parents, and dependent siblings with disabilities.

If there are multiple widows, the pension is shared equally. An ineligible or deceased widow’s share goes to her eligible children.

The DoPPW also noted that having a second wife while the first is alive violates the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and advised ministries to consult the Department of Legal Affairs before settling pensions in such cases.