You must have registered yourself with your concerned Zila Sainik Board and possessing valid Exserviceman I Card. Now, it is important to have Dependent card for your family members. The Dependent ID Card issued by ZSB under the Kendriya Sainik Board is an important identity document for the dependent family members of ex-servicemen. This card helps eligible dependents receive various welfare benefits and establishes their identity as family members of former armed forces personnel.
Many ex-servicemen, widows, and family members are still unaware of the latest rules, eligibility conditions, renewal procedures, and application methods for obtaining a DIC card. This detailed guide explains everything in simple language, including eligibility, validity, required documents, online and offline application processes, duplicate card procedures, penalties, and misuse rules.
What is a Dependent ID Card (DIC)?
A Dependent Identity Card (DIC) is issued to eligible family members of ex-servicemen through the Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) under the supervision of the Kendriya Sainik Board.
The card acts as proof that the holder is a dependent family member of an ex-serviceman or widow and may be required for availing various welfare-related services and benefits.
Who is Eligible for a Dependent ID Card (DIC)?
The following family members are eligible for DIC under specified conditions.
1. Wife of Ex-Serviceman
The wife of an ex-serviceman is always eligible.
Important Conditions
- No age limit
- No income limit
2. Son of Ex-Serviceman
Eligibility Conditions of Dependent Card
- Must be unmarried
- Age must be below 25 years
- Monthly income should be below ₹9,000
3. Daughter of Ex-Serviceman
Eligibility Conditions
- Must be unmarried
- No age limit
- Monthly income must be below ₹9,000
4. Disabled Child
Eligibility Conditions
- Name must be recorded in discharge book/service records
- No age limit
- Eligible even after marriage
5. Dependent Parents
Eligibility Conditions
- Parents’ names must exist in service records/discharge book
- Combined monthly income should be below ₹9,000
6. Unmarried / Divorced / Widowed Daughter
Eligibility Conditions
- Must be dependent on ex-serviceman or widow
- Combined monthly income (including children’s income) must be below ₹9,000
- Dependency certificate required from Panchayat or Municipal authority
If the daughter receives family pension after the death of parents, she may still be eligible provided non-pension income remains below ₹9,000 per month.
Important General Conditions for DIC
Before applying, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
- Ex-serviceman or widow must already possess a Sainik Board ID card
- Names, address, and date of birth should match service records/discharge book/PPO
- Aadhaar details should ideally match service records
- If corrections were made through Part-II Orders, copies must be attached
Validity Period of Dependent ID Card
Lifetime Validity
The following categories usually receive long-term validity:
- Wife
- Parents
- Disabled children
Son’s Card Validity
Initially issued for 5 years and renewable until:
- Age reaches 25 years
- Marriage occurs
- Income exceeds ₹9,000
Daughter’s Card Validity
Renewable every 5 years until:
- Marriage occurs
- Income exceeds ₹9,000
Minor Brother’s Card
Valid until age 18 years with periodic renewal.
When Must the DIC be Returned?
The card must be surrendered in the following cases:
- Death of cardholder
- Monthly income exceeds ₹9,000 (except wife)
- Marriage of dependent child (except disabled child)
- Son crosses 25 years age
- Brother crosses 18 years age
- Death of ex-serviceman — wife must surrender dependent card and apply for widow card
Important Rules Regarding Misuse of DIC
Authorities have issued strict instructions regarding misuse of Dependent ID Cards.
Prohibited Activities
1. Restricted Area Entry
DIC cannot be used to enter military restricted areas.
2. Photocopy Misuse
Unauthorized photocopy usage may lead to cancellation.
3. Tampering
Any alteration or misuse can result in:
- Card cancellation
- Withdrawal of facilities
4. Identity Proof Misuse
DIC photocopy should not be used as:
- General identity proof
- Date of birth proof
Duplicate DIC Card Process
If the card is damaged or lost, duplicate issuance is possible.
For Damaged Cards
Replacement can be requested after 5 years.
For Lost Cards
Step 1: File FIR
Register FIR at local police station.
Step 2: Police Verification
After one month, obtain confirmation that the card is still untraced.
Step 3: Submit Documents
Submit:
- Offline application
- Original FIR
- Passport-size photographs
Step 4: Verification
Secretary, Sainik Board will conduct inquiry before approval.
Penalty for Lost DIC Card
| Loss Instance | Penalty |
| First Time | ₹300 |
| Second Time | ₹600 |
| Third Time | ₹900 |
Complete DIC Application Process
The application process consists of two stages:
- Online Application
- Offline Submission
Online Application Process for DIC
Step 1: Registration
Visit the official Kendriya Sainik Board Website and register using service details.
Step 2: Login Credentials
After registration:
- Login ID
- Password
will be sent through SMS or email.
Step 3: Login & Fill Form
After login:
- Select “Fresh” application
- Choose your respective Zila Sainik Board
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload scanned originals of:
- Passport photos
- Discharge book
- PPO
- Other required documents
Important Instructions
- Do not scan photocopies
- Verify all details before submission
- Print application copy before final submit
Offline Application Process
After online submission, offline documents must be submitted to the Zila Sainik Board.
Documents Required
1. Online Application Print Copy
2. Offline Application Form
Use A4 or legal-size paper printed on both sides.
3. Photographs
(a) Group Photo
- Size: 4cm × 6cm
- Must include all current dependents
(b) Individual Photos
- One for each member
- Size: 2cm × 2.5cm
(c) ID Card Photos
- Recent within 3 months
- No cap or dark glasses
- No excessive editing
4. Discharge Book / Widow Service Certificate
Submit relevant pages containing:
- Personal details
- Address
- Family details
5. PPO / Pension Book Copy
6. Existing ESM/Widow ID Card
7. Aadhaar Card Copies
Signed by respective holders.
8. Dependency & Income Certificate
Required for:
- Children above 20 years
- Dependent parents
- Divorced/widowed daughters
Certificate must confirm:
- Dependency – Discharge Book
- Unmarried status – Collect from Panchayet / Ward Councilor
- Monthly income below ₹9,000 – Copy of 26AS – download from Income Tax Website.
Issued by:
- Gram Panchayat
- Municipal Councillor
Important Advice for Ex-Servicemen Families
Before applying:
- Ensure service records are correct
- Match names and DOB carefully
- Keep scanned original documents ready
- Avoid photo editing
- Submit both online and offline forms properly
Incomplete documentation may delay approval.
Why DIC is Important for Ex-Servicemen Families
The Dependent ID Card helps families maintain official recognition under ex-servicemen welfare systems and simplifies access to various support services offered through Sainik Boards and related welfare organizations.
For widows, disabled children, and dependent parents, the card becomes especially important for documentation and welfare-related purposes.
Conclusion
The Dependent ID Card (DIC) system under the Kendriya Sainik Board provides essential identification support for eligible dependents of ex-servicemen and widows. Understanding eligibility conditions, document requirements, validity rules, and the application process is extremely important to avoid rejection or delays.
Applicants are advised to carefully follow both the online and offline procedures and maintain updated records for smooth approval and renewal of DIC cards.
Know more on Dependent I Card for Exservicemen Families
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