Family Pension is a benefit given to the family of a deceased government servant or pensioner to ensure financial support after their death. It is paid either at a normal rate or an enhanced rate for a limited period.
Enhanced Rate of Family Pension
When a government servant or pensioner dies, the enhanced rate of family pension (usually 50% of last drawn pay) is paid to the eligible family member.
As per the Pension Rule:
The enhanced rate of family pension shall be payable for 7 years from the date of death or up to the date on which the deceased pensioner would have attained the age of 67 years, whichever is earlier.This rule applies even if the retirement age was above 60 years.
Example
If a pensioner retired at 62 and dies at 63:
- Enhanced pension will be paid until the date he would have turned 67 (for 4 years).
- If a pensioner dies at 59:
- Enhanced pension will be paid for 7 full years (till age 66).
After that, the pension automatically reverts to the normal rate (usually 30% of last drawn pay).
Key Points
- Applicable for both serving and retired government employees.
- Duration: 7 years or up to age 67, whichever is earlier.
- Independent of retirement age — even if one retired at 62 or 65.
- After this period, only the normal rate of pension continues.
Conclusion
The enhanced family pension ensures stronger financial support to the family immediately after the pensioner’s death. However, families should remember that the benefit is temporary — ending after 7 years or when the deceased would have turned 67 years, whichever comes first.
FAQs
1. What is the enhanced rate of family pension?
Ans: It is 50% of the last drawn pay, paid to the family after the pensioner’s death.
2. How long is it payable?
Ans: For 7 years or until the deceased would have turned 67, whichever is earlier.
3. Does higher retirement age change the rule?
Ans: No. Even if retirement age was above 60, the same “up to age 67 or 7 years” rule applies.
4. What happens after that period?
Ans: The family pension is reduced to the normal rate — generally 30% of last drawn pay.
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