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Enhanced Family Pension Clarification After Retirement: Full Rules & Duration Explained

Bharat

2 November 2025

Clarification on Enhanced Family Pension for Retirement Cases

What is the Purpose of this Office Memorandum?

The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has issued a detailed clarification on how the Enhanced Rate of Family Pension is calculated for families after the death of a government employee who has already retired.​

Why Was This Clarification Needed?

Many people were sending references and RTI applications to the department, seeking clear information on these rules. There was confusion about when and how the enhanced family pension is given, especially after retirement.​

What Do the Family Pension Rules Say?

The memorandum explains Rule 50(2)(a)(i) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021:

• If a retired government servant dies, the family pension is paid at an enhanced rate
• It is given for seven years from the date of death or up to the date the retired employee would have turned 67 years old, whichever is earlier

How is the Enhanced Family Pension Period Calculated?

This is a key point from the memorandum:

• If the retired person dies before 60 years (the superannuation age), then the pension is enhanced for the next seven years or up to their notional age of 67, whichever is shorter
• If the retired person died after the superannuation age, then enhanced family pension is paid for seven years only

The memorandum gives some examples:

• If a person retired at 60 and dies at 62, their family gets enhanced family pension for five years (so up to 67 years of age) OR for seven years from death, whichever is less
• If the person dies at 66, then their family will get the enhanced rate for one year only (till 67 years of age)

What Happens After the Enhanced Period?

Once seven years finish, or the retired employee’s notional age reaches 67 (whichever is earlier), the family pension is paid at the normal rate as per the rules.​

Who Needs to Know About This?

The memorandum was sent to all ministries, departments, and organizations so the relevant staff can follow these rules. Family members should contact the Personnel Accounts Section, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, or their department’s pension office for help in case of doubt.​

Who Signed the Memorandum?

This clarification was issued by Shri Dilip Kumar, Under Secretary to the Government of India, from the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.​

Why Is This Important?

• Families of retired government employees often face confusion about pension rules after retirement and upon the death of the pensioner
• This memorandum confirms how long the enhanced rate is paid and who is eligible
• Knowing these rules helps families get their proper financial benefits without delay

Summary Table:

This article includes all points specified in the original office memorandum and breaks down the complex rules into simple language for easy understanding.