Complete Pension Rules For Armed Forces Personnel In India

The pension system for defense personnel in India is a fundamental aspect of their post-retirement financial security. It ensures that individuals who have dedicated years of service to the nation receive adequate support. The government continuously works towards improving these pension benefits, making them more accessible and fair for all members of the armed forces.

Types of Pensions applicable to Armed Forces Personnel and Families

1. Service, Invalid, Special, Disability, War Injury, and Reservist Pension

(a) Service Pension:

Officers: Minimum 20 years of qualifying service (Late Entrant Officers: 15 years)
JCOs/OR: Minimum 15 years of qualifying service
Rate: 50% of the last drawn Reckonable Emoluments (RE)
Shortfall in service up to 12 months may be condoned in certain cases

(b) Invalid Pension (NANA Cases):

Minimum 10 years of service required
Individuals with less than 10 years of service may also be considered if declared unfit for re-employment

(c) Special Pension:

Granted to personnel discharged due to unit disbandment or reduction in strength

(d) Disability Pension:

No minimum service requirement
Disability must be at least 20% and attributable to or aggravated by military service
Rate: 30% of RE for 100% disability, reduced proportionately for lower disability percentages
Broadbanding of Disability Pension:
- 20-49% disability = 50% pension
- 50-75% disability = 75% pension
- 76-100% disability = 100% pension

(e) War Injury Pension:

For injuries sustained in service categorized under Cat D
Invalided out cases:
- Service element: 50% of RE
- War Injury Element: 100% of RE for 100% disability
Normal discharge cases:
- Service pension: 50% of RE
- War Injury Element: 60% of RE for 100% disability (proportionately reduced for lesser disability)

(f) Reservist Pension:

As per Terms & Engagements prescribed by the Government
Current rate: ₹9,000 per month plus DA
OROP (One Rank One Pension) not applicable to reservists

2. Family Pensions

(a) Ordinary Family Pension (OFP):

Granted to Next of Kin (NOK) of personnel who die under Category A circumstances (NANA cases, including suicide)
Enhanced Rates:
- Death in service: 50% of RE for 10 years, then 30% for life
- Death after retirement: 50% of RE for 7 years (or up to 67 years of age), then 30% for life
Division of pension between two eligible widows permitted, but not between widow and parents
Childless widow entitled even after remarriage

(b) Special Family Pension (SFP):

Granted when death occurs under Category B & C (attributable to or aggravated by service)
Rate: 60% of RE for life
Division between spouse and parents allowed
Widow entitled even after remarriage if supporting children

(c) Liberalized Family Pension (LFP):

Granted when death occurs under Category D & E circumstances
Rate: 100% of RE for life
Division between spouse and parents allowed
Widow entitled even after remarriage if supporting children

3. Dependent Pension

(a) Special Dependent Family Pension (2nd Life Award):

Given to children or parents when deceased had no spouse
When the initial recipient becomes ineligible, it is awarded to the next eligible dependent

(b) Liberalized Dependent Family Pension (2nd Life Award):

In case of unmarried personnel
Rates:
- Single parent: 60% of RE
- Both parents: 75% of RE
- 100% of RE for life

Eligibility for Children:

Up to 25 years (should be unmarried and earning below the government’s minimum pension limit)
Eldest child gets it first; in case of twins, both share equally
Disabled child (40% disability and above): Eligible for life, even after marriage
Mentally retarded child: A guardian is appointed to manage their pension

Eligibility for Daughters:

Unmarried daughter: Eligible for life, provided there are no eligible siblings below 25 years and income criteria apply
Widowed daughter: Eligible if widowhood occurs during parents’ lifetime and income criteria met
Divorced daughter: Eligible if divorce occurred during parents’ lifetime, subject to income criteria

All about the Pension of a Fauji

The pension system for armed forces personnel in India ensures financial security and stability for both retirees and their dependents. With various categories catering to different circumstances, the government strives to offer fair and adequate compensation for those who have served the nation. Continuous improvements in pension schemes reflect the commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by defense personnel and their families.