Published on ESM Info Club | esminfoclub.com
Why Your Family Needs a Dependent I-Card
Dear Veterans and Fellow Ex-Servicemen,
Namaskar. You served the nation with pride. But did you know that your wife, children, and dependent parents are also entitled to various government benefits — benefits that require a Dependent Identity Card (I-Card) issued by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB)?
Without this card, your family members cannot avail many of the privileges meant for them. One of the most common examples is air travel concession offered by airlines to dependents of ex-servicemen. The airlines require this card as a mandatory document. Without it, even eligible family members are denied the benefit.
This article explains everything — who is eligible, what documents are needed, how to apply (including the new online process via www.ksb.gov.in), and what the rules say about the validity and renewal of these cards.
Who Is Eligible for a Dependent I-Card?
According to KSB guidelines, the following family members of an ex-serviceman are eligible:
Category 1 — Spouse and Dependent Children of ESM The wife (spouse) and all dependent children of a living ex-serviceman are eligible.
Category 2 — War Widows and Their Dependents Widows of defence personnel who were killed in war or action, along with their dependent children — including step-children and legally adopted children.
Category 3 — Widows of ESM and Their Dependents Widows of ex-servicemen and their dependent children are eligible.
Category 4 — Dependent Parents Parents of an ex-serviceman whose total monthly income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 9,000/- per month plus dearness relief on basic pension of Rs. 9,000/- are eligible. (As per GOI Ministry of Health and Family Welfare OM No. S-11012/2/2018-CGHS-P dated 08 Nov 2018.)
Important Note: The dependent card is issued only to those dependents whose names appear in the Discharge Book of the ex-serviceman. The Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) where the ESM is registered will verify and authenticate all details from the discharge book.
How Long Is the Dependent I-Card Valid?
This is one of the most important updates. KSB has recently amended the validity rules (vide KSB letter dated 26 Sep 2025) to make things much more convenient for families. Here are the updated validity rules:
For Wife / Spouse of ESM
Lifetime validity — valid for her entire life, or until a change in marital status (divorce, etc.).
(Earlier rule required renewal every 5 years. This has now been removed.)
For Widow of ESM / War Pensioner’s Widow
Lifetime validity — valid for her entire life, or until she remarries.
(Earlier rule required renewal every 5 years. This has now been removed.)
For Sons
Valid until the son turns 25 years of age, or until he gets married, or until he becomes employed — whichever comes first. Subject to income criteria.
Exception: If the son is permanently disabled and unable to earn a living, the card is valid for lifetime, subject to income criteria.
For Daughters
Valid until the daughter gets married, or until she becomes employed — whichever comes first. Subject to income criteria.
Special provision: Widowed, divorced, or abandoned daughters may also be issued a Dependent I-Card, subject to income criteria.
Exception: If the daughter is permanently disabled and unable to earn a living, the card is valid for lifetime, subject to income criteria.
For Permanently Disabled Children
Lifetime validity, subject to income criteria.
Income Criteria for Children and Parents
The income from all sources should not exceed Rs. 9,000/- per month plus applicable dearness relief.
Quick Validity Reference Table
| Dependent | Validity |
|---|---|
| Wife / Spouse of ESM | Lifetime (or till divorce) |
| Widow of ESM | Lifetime (or till remarriage) |
| Son | Till age 25 / marriage / employment (whichever is earlier) |
| Daughter | Till marriage / employment (whichever is earlier) |
| Widowed / Divorced Daughter | Eligible — subject to income criteria |
| Permanently Disabled Child | Lifetime |
| Dependent Parents | Subject to income criteria |
How to Apply — Two Methods
Method 1: Online Application (New — Recommended)
ESM can now apply for the Dependent I-Card online through the Kendriya Sainik Board portal. This saves time and avoids unnecessary visits.
Website: www.ksb.gov.in
Steps for online application:
- Visit www.ksb.gov.in and log in to your ESM account
- Select the option for Dependent I-Card application
- Fill in the details of your dependent — name, relationship, date of birth, Aadhaar number
- Upload the required documents (scanned copies)
- Submit the application online
- The application will be processed through your Zila Sainik Board (ZSB)
Method 2: Offline Application at Zila Sainik Board (ZSB)
You can also apply in person at your local ZSB. The process is as follows:
- Visit your Zila Sainik Board office
- Collect the application form (Appendix ‘B’ format) or download it from the KSB website
- Fill in all details carefully in CAPITAL LETTERS
- Attach all required documents
- Submit the completed form at the ZSB counter
- Pay the fee of Rs. 100/- per card (first issue)
Note: A separate application must be submitted for each dependent individually.
Documents Required for Dependent I-Card
Bring the following documents when applying (self-attested photocopies):
- Application form with passport-size photograph of the dependent pasted on it (blue background, without spectacles, without head gear)
- Registration form (available at ZSB)
- Copy of Discharge Book of the ESM
- Copy of PPO (Pension Payment Order)
- No Objection Certificate (NoC) from previous ZSB — only if you have recently shifted from another district/state
- Copy of Birth Certificate of the dependent
- Copy of Aadhaar Card of the dependent
The dependent card is linked to the ESM’s own I-Card, so the ESM must be registered at the ZSB and must have a valid ESM I-Card.
How to Fill the Application Form (Appendix ‘B’)
The application form has five parts:
Part I — Details of the Ex-Serviceman: Fill in Rank, Name, Army Number, Date of Birth, Date of Joining Service, Date of Retirement, PPO Number, ESM ID Number, Mobile Number, and Permanent Home Address.
Part II — Details of the Dependent: Fill in the dependent’s Name, Sex, Date of Birth, Relationship with ESM, Aadhaar Number, Identification Marks, and provide the dependent’s Signature and Left Thumb Impression.
Part III — Declaration: The ESM signs a declaration that all information provided is true.
Part IV: Signed by the ZSWO (Zila Sainik Welfare Officer) or Director, RSB (Rajya Sainik Board).
Part V: The issuing authority fills in the I-Card number, validity, and date of issue.
Fee for Dependent I-Card
| Occasion | Fee |
|---|---|
| First issue | Rs. 100/- per card |
| Renewal (treated as fresh issue) | Rs. 100/- per card |
| Replacement due to wear and tear | Rs. 100/- per card |
The fee collected is forwarded to the Kendriya Sainik Board in the form of a Demand Draft drawn in favour of “ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY FUND”.
Important Security Rules — Please Read Carefully
The dependent I-Card is an official government document. The following rules must be strictly followed:
- This card does NOT provide access to restricted military areas
- Photocopies of this card are invalid — only the original card is accepted
- Any misuse or tampering of the card will result in cancellation of benefits to the ESM
- The card holder is personally responsible for the safe custody of the card
- For cards issued to minors, the ESM or the widow is responsible for safe custody
Before the card is issued, both the ESM and the dependent are informed about the importance of keeping the card safe and the consequences if it falls into wrong hands.
If the Card is Lost — How to Get a Duplicate
If the Dependent I-Card is lost, follow these steps:
Step 1: Lodge an FIR at the nearest Police Station immediately after the loss.
Step 2: After one month from the date of FIR, obtain an endorsement from the Police Station on the status of the complaint.
Step 3: Approach your ZSWO (Zila Sainik Welfare Officer) with a copy of the FIR and a written application explaining the facts of the loss. Apply for a duplicate I-Card.
Step 4: The ZSWO will conduct a brief investigation to confirm there is no malafide intent and no security concern involved.
Step 5: After the ZSWO’s comments are endorsed on the application, the duplicate card will be issued.
Important: No duplicate card is issued after the third loss.
Penalty for loss:
| Loss Number | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First Loss | Rs. 300/- |
| Second Loss | Rs. 600/- |
| Third Loss | Rs. 900/- |
After a duplicate card is issued, the ESM/widow must give an undertaking that if the original lost card is found later, it will be immediately surrendered to the issuing authority.
A notation of each loss must be made in Red ink in the Discharge Book, indicating whether it is the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd loss.
When Must the Card Be Returned?
The Dependent I-Card must be returned to the issuing ZSB authority in the following situations:
- When applying for renewal due to wear and tear
- On the death of the card holder
- When the holder becomes ineligible — for example, when a widow remarries, when a daughter gets married, or when a son crosses 25 years of age
Summary — Key Points to Remember
Here is a quick summary of the most important things to remember:
Only those dependents whose names are in the Discharge Book are eligible. The card is linked to the ESM’s own I-Card. Apply either online at www.ksb.gov.in or in person at your Zila Sainik Board. Submit a separate application for each dependent. The wife and widow now have lifetime validity — no more renewal every 5 years. Dependent parents are eligible only if their monthly income from all sources is not more than Rs. 9,000/- plus dearness relief. Do not photocopy the card — photocopies are invalid. Report loss immediately and lodge an FIR.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about the Dependent I-Card or need guidance specific to your situation, visit www.support.esminfoclub.com or reach out through the ESM Info Club WhatsApp Channel.
You can also use our online calculators for Disability Pension, Impairment Relief, and Invalid Pension on the website.
Jai Hind | Jai Bharat
— ESM Info Club | Dedicated to the Welfare of Indian Armed Forces Veterans
Official Authority: This article is based on KSB Policy Letter No. 061/Policy/Gen Policy/Vol-I dated 03 Aug 2018 and its amendments dated 13 Apr 2023 and 26 Sep 2025, issued by Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.