The Government of India’s Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has issued a new Office Memorandum dated 27th October 2025, providing important clarification regarding the Enhanced Rate of Family Pension in cases where a Government employee passes away after retirement. This clarification addresses frequent queries and RTI applications received by the department, particularly regarding the duration and eligibility conditions for the enhanced rate of family pension under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.
Published on: October 27, 2025
By: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India
Source: Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW)
What Is the Enhanced Rate of Family Pension?
The family pension is a financial benefit granted to the eligible family members of a deceased Government employee or pensioner.
When the death occurs after retirement, the enhanced rate of family pension is applicable for a limited period, ensuring better financial support for the surviving family.
According to Rule 50(2)(a)(iii) of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, the provision states:
“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 deceased Government servant would have attained the age of sixty-seven years had he survived, whichever is less.”
Key Clarification by DoPPW
The Office Memorandum confirms the following points for better understanding:
- Uniform Applicability:
The rule applies to all Government employees, irrespective of their retirement age — whether it is 60 years (general retirement age) or 65 years (for certain services like the Central Health Service). - Duration of Enhanced Family Pension:
The enhanced rate will be paid:- For a maximum of seven years from the date of death, or
- Up to the date on which the deceased Government employee would have turned 67 years,
whichever is earlier.
- Example:
- If an officer retires at 60 and dies at 62 → Enhanced family pension is payable till age 67 (i.e., for 5 years).
- If an officer retires at 65 and dies at 66 → Enhanced family pension is payable for 1 year (till age 67).
- If the officer dies beyond 67 years → The seven-year period applies only up to the earlier limit (whichever is less).
Clarification for Doctors and CHS Officers
Some confusion existed for Central Health Service (CHS) officers who retire at 65 years of age.
The DoPPW has clearly stated that the same rule applies to them as well.
Therefore, even if a CHS officer retires at 65, the enhanced family pension will still be payable up to the age of 67 or for seven years from the date of death, whichever is earlier.
Administrative Approval and Communication
This clarification was issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by:
Mr. Dilip Kumar Sahu
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
Contact: 011-24641627
Copies of this memorandum were circulated to:
- The Comptroller General of India (CGA), New Delhi
- The Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), New Delhi
- All Ministries, Departments, and Organizations under the Government of India
What This Means for Pensioners and Families
This update provides greater clarity and transparency for pensioners’ families, ensuring:
- Consistent application of pension rules across all Government departments
- Simplified understanding of the duration and conditions of enhanced family pension
- Peace of mind for retirees and their dependents regarding post-retirement benefits
Summary at a Glance
| Criteria | Condition | Duration of Enhanced Family Pension |
| Death after retirement | Applicable to all Government employees | Yes |
| Calculation period | 7 years or until the deceased would have reached 67 years | Whichever is earlier |
| Applicable to CHS/Doctors | Yes (even if retirement age is 65) | Rule remains the same |
✅ Final Takeaway
The DoPPW’s 2025 clarification ensures that all Central Government employees and their families receive a fair and consistent interpretation of the Enhanced Rate of Family Pension rule.
This measure not only simplifies pension administration but also strengthens social security support for families of retired Government servants.
📰 Source:
Office Memorandum No. 1/1(90)/2024-P&PW(E)-Part(1)/10344
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
Government of India
Dated: 27th October 2025
