The Dependent Identity Card issued under the Kendriya Sainik Board is an important document that enables eligible family members of Ex-Servicemen and war widows to establish their dependent status and avail themselves of various welfare benefits. This article provides a comprehensive guide on who is eligible, how to apply, validity rules, required documents, and important precautions related to the DIC.

Who Can Get a Dependent Identity Card (DIC)?

The following family members of an Ex-Serviceman may be eligible for a Dependent Identity Card:

• Wife of the Ex-Serviceman
• Sons
• Daughters
• Dependent Parents (Father and Mother)
• Unmarried, Divorced, or Widowed Daughters
• Disabled Children
• Pension-receiving Daughters

Eligibility Criteria for DIC

1. Wife of an Ex-Serviceman

• Always eligible.
• No age limit.
• No income restrictions.

2. Son of an Ex-Serviceman

• Must be unmarried.
• Age should be below 25 years.
• Monthly income must be less than ₹9,000.

3. Daughter of an Ex-Serviceman

• No age limit.
• Must be unmarried.
• Monthly income should be less than ₹9,000.

4. Disabled Child

• Must be recorded as a disabled dependent in the service records/discharge book.
• Eligible even if married.
• No age limit.

5. Dependent Parents

• Names must be recorded in the discharge book/service records.
• Combined monthly income of both parents should be less than ₹9,000.

6. Unmarried, Widowed, or Divorced Daughter

• Must be dependent on the Ex-Serviceman or widow.
• Combined monthly income (including income of children, if any) should be less than ₹9,000.
• Dependency and income certificate from the Panchayat Pradhan or Municipal Councillor is required.
• A daughter receiving family pension after the death of parents may also be eligible, provided her income excluding pension remains below ₹9,000 per month.

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General Conditions

To obtain a Dependent Identity Card:

Ex-Serviceman/Widow Identity Card

The Ex-Serviceman or widow must already possess a valid Sainik Board Identity Card.

Service Records Must Match

• Names, dates of birth, and addresses of all dependents must be correctly entered in the discharge book, PPO, or widow’s service certificate.
• These details should match Aadhaar records.
• In case of discrepancy, details recorded in the service documents will be used for the DIC.

Record Corrections

If any changes in name, date of birth, or address have been approved through a Part-II Order or other official service record amendment, copies must be submitted with the application.

Validity of the DIC

The DIC is initially issued for five years and may be renewed thereafter.

Lifetime Validity

The card is generally issued for the lifetime of:

• Wife
• Dependent Parents
• Disabled Child

Sons

• Issued for five years initially.
• Renewable until:
  • Age 25 years,
  • Marriage, or
  • Monthly income exceeds ₹9,000.

Daughters

• Issued for five years initially.
• Renewable until:
  • Marriage, or
  • Monthly income exceeds ₹9,000.

Minor Brother of an Ex-Serviceman

• Issued for five years initially.
• Renewable up to the age of 18 years.

When Must the DIC Be Surrendered?

The card must be returned to the Sainik Board in the following cases:

• Death of the cardholder.
• Monthly income exceeds ₹9,000 (except for spouse).
• Marriage of any dependent child (except disabled child).
• Son attains 25 years of age.
• Brother attains 18 years of age.
• On the death of the Ex-Serviceman, the spouse must surrender the Dependent ID Card and apply for a Widow Identity Card.

Misuse of the Dependent Identity Card

Cardholders should be aware of the following restrictions:

Not for Entry into Military Restricted Areas

The DIC does not authorize entry into restricted military establishments.

No Photocopies

Retention or misuse of photocopies may result in cancellation of the card.

No Tampering

Any alteration, forgery, or misuse of the card may lead to cancellation of both the card and associated welfare benefits.

Safe Custody

The cardholder is responsible for the safety and security of the card. In the case of minors, responsibility lies with the Ex-Serviceman or widow.

Not an Alternative Identity Proof

The DIC should not be used as a substitute for official identity or date-of-birth proof.

Lost or Damaged DIC: How to Obtain a Duplicate Card

Damaged Card

A damaged card may be replaced upon completion of its validity period or as per Board guidelines.

Lost Card Procedure

Step 1: File an FIR

Report the loss at the nearest police station and obtain an FIR.

Step 2: Obtain Police Endorsement

After one month, obtain certification from the police station stating that the card has not been recovered.

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit:

• Offline application
• Original FIR
• Recent photographs

to the concerned Zila Sainik Board.

Step 4: Verification

The Secretary, Zila Sainik Board, will conduct an inquiry and decide whether a duplicate card may be issued.

Step 5: Undertaking

The Ex-Serviceman or widow must undertake to return the original card if found later and surrender the duplicate card if required.

Penalty for Loss of Card

Occasion	Penalty
First Loss	₹300
Second Loss	₹600
Third Loss	₹900

How to Apply for a Dependent Identity Card

The application process consists of two stages:

1. Online Application
2. Offline Application

Part A: Online Application Process

Step 1: Register on the KSB Portal

Visit the official website of the Kendriya Sainik Board and register if you have not already done so.

Website: www.ksb.gov.in

Step 2: Login

After registration, login credentials will be sent through SMS or email. Log in and change the default password.

Step 3: Submit DIC Application

• Select Fresh Application for first-time applicants.
• Choose the appropriate Zila Sainik Board (e.g., ZSB North 24 Parganas).

Step 4: Enter Details Carefully

• Fill all information exactly as recorded in the Discharge Book, Service Certificate, or PPO.
• Do not use Aadhaar details if they differ from service records.
• Upload the photograph of the Ex-Serviceman or widow.

Important Notes

Upload Original Scans

Upload scanned copies from original documents only.

Verify Before Submission

Take a printout before final submission and verify family details and photographs.

Application Status

After submission, the status may show “Pending at ZSB.” This is normal until the offline documents are verified and approved.

Part B: Offline Application Process

Print the prescribed application form on both sides of a single A4 or legal-size sheet.

Documents Required

1. Online Application Printout

One printed copy.

2. Offline Application Form

Fill all details exactly as recorded in service records.

3. Photographs

Group Photograph

• Must include all currently eligible dependents.
• Size: 4 cm × 6 cm.
• To be pasted on the second page of the application.

Individual Photographs for Application

• One photograph for each dependent.
• Size: 2 cm × 2.5 cm.

Individual Photographs for DIC

• Not older than three months.
• No cap or sunglasses.
• Face must be clearly visible.
• No excessive editing or colour alteration.
• Size: 2 cm × 2.5 cm.

Applications may be rejected if photographs do not match the present appearance of the applicant.

4. Discharge Book / Widow Service Certificate

Relevant pages only:

• Service details
• Personal details
• Address page
• Family details page

5. PPO / Pension Book

Copy of Pension Payment Order or Pension Book.

6. Existing Ex-Serviceman/Widow Identity Card

Copy of the existing card.

7. Aadhaar Cards

Copies of Aadhaar cards of all family members, duly self-attested.

8. Dependency Certificate

For children above 20 years of age:

A certificate from the Panchayat or Municipal Councillor certifying that the individual:

• Is unmarried,
• Is fully dependent on the parent,
• Has a monthly income below ₹9,000.

For dependent parents:

A certificate confirming:

• Combined monthly income below ₹9,000, and
• Dependency on the Ex-Serviceman.

Final Words

The Dependent Identity Card is an essential welfare document for the families of Ex-Servicemen and widows. Applicants should ensure that all details in the application match the official service records and that the prescribed eligibility conditions are fulfilled. Proper documentation and adherence to the application procedure can help avoid delays and ensure smooth issuance or renewal of the card.

Disclaimer: Rules, income limits, procedures, and documentation requirements may be revised from time to time by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and respective Zila Sainik Boards. Applicants should verify the latest instructions from their local Sainik Board before submitting an application.