What is the family pension rate for defence pensioners?

Ordinary family pension is calculated at 30% of the reckonable emoluments last drawn by the deceased pensioner, subject to a minimum floor that is revised periodically.

What is enhanced family pension and who qualifies?

A higher rate of family pension applicable when the deceased had rendered at least 7 years of continuous service, paid for a defined period before reverting to the ordinary 30% rate.

What documents are needed to claim family pension after a defence pensioner's death?

Typically the death certificate, a formal application in duplicate, specimen signature/thumb impression, passport photographs, and for widows, an affidavit confirming non-remarriage and non-receipt of any other family pension.

Family Pension After Death of a Defence Pensioner

When family pension applies

Family pension is granted to the eligible family of a defence pensioner in two situations: if death occurs while still in service, or after retirement provided the individual was, at the time of death, actually in receipt of a pension or compassionate allowance.

The rate

Ordinary family pension is calculated at 30% of reckonable emoluments last drawn by the deceased, subject to a minimum floor and capped at 30% of the highest pay in government at the time. (Note: older documentation cites a ₹3,500/month minimum reflecting an earlier Pay Commission period — confirm the currently-applicable minimum with PCDA, since these floors are revised with each Pay Commission, similar to the ₹9,000 floor that applies to regular service pension.)

Enhanced-rate family pension

If the individual had rendered not less than 7 years of continuous service, their family becomes entitled to family pension at an enhanced rate, higher than the ordinary 30% rate, for a defined period before reverting to the ordinary rate.

How to apply

The Pension Disbursing Authority (PDA) begins payment on receipt of the pensioner's death certificate and a formal application in the prescribed form.
The eligible family member (typically the widow, where the pension is jointly notified in her favour) reports the death to the PDA and submits the death certificate.
Family pension commences from the day following the date of the pensioner's death, once processed.

Documents typically required

Sheet Roll / Long Roll of the deceased pensioner
Application for grant of Ordinary Family Pension (in duplicate)
Specimen signature or thumb impression and Descriptive Roll of the claimant (in duplicate)
Two passport-size photographs of the claimant
Death certificate of the pensioner
An affidavit from the widow confirming non-remarriage and non-receipt of any other family pension

Frequently asked questions

What percentage is family pension calculated at?
30% of the deceased's reckonable emoluments last drawn, versus the 50% used for regular service pension — see our pension calculation guide for the full comparison.

What is enhanced family pension?
A higher rate than the ordinary 30%, applicable where the deceased had at least 7 years of continuous service, paid for a defined period before reverting to the ordinary rate.

Who initiates the family pension claim?
The eligible family member reports the death and submits the death certificate and application to the Pension Disbursing Authority — it isn't automatic.