Double Family Pension for Defence Families: A Major Relief for NOK of Re-Employed Ex-Servicemen
The Government of India has introduced a highly beneficial provision for the families of ex-servicemen who, after retirement from the Armed Forces, joined a government job and earned a second pension. Under this policy, eligible Next of Kin (NOK) can receive two family pensions simultaneously—one from military service and another from civil employment.
This landmark decision ended a long-standing restriction that compelled families to choose only one family pension after the death of a re-employed ex-serviceman.
In this article, we explain the eligibility criteria, effective date, government orders, and the process of availing Dual Family Pension.
Earlier Rule: Only One Family Pension Was Allowed
After retirement or discharge from the Armed Forces, an ex-serviceman becomes entitled to military pension. Upon his death, the eligible family member receives Defence Family Pension.
Many ex-servicemen subsequently obtain re-employment in Central Government Departments, State Governments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Autonomous Bodies, or Local Fund organizations. During re-employment:
They draw salary from the civil department.
They continue receiving military pension from Defence authorities.
After retiring from the civil post, such individuals become entitled to: Military Pension, and Civil Pension.
However, under the old provisions contained in Ministry of Defence Letter dated 28 September 1992, Rule 54(13-A) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, and Rule 54(13-B) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, the family of a deceased re-employed ex-serviceman had to choose either: Family Pension from the Defence side, or Family Pension from the Civil side. Receiving both pensions simultaneously was not permitted.
Government’s Decision on Dual Family Pension
To address various pension-related issues affecting Armed Forces personnel and ex-servicemen, the Government constituted a Committee of Secretaries under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary.
The Committee examined several long-pending pension matters and recommended that: The family of a pensioner who took up a second government employment after retirement from military service should be entitled to receive two family pensions. The Government accepted this recommendation and issued orders permitting eligible families to draw both family pensions.
Ministry of Defence Order Granting Double Family Pension
The policy was formally notified through:
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
Letter No. 01(05)/2010-D(Pen/Policy)
Dated: 17 January 2013
Under this order, families of Armed Forces pensioners who: Retired from military service with pension, Joined a Government Department, PSU, Autonomous Body, or Local Fund organization, Earned civil pension after retirement from re-employment, and Were drawing military pension until death, are now entitled to receive:
1. Defence Family Pension
Payable by the Defence Pension Disbursing Authority.
2. Civil Family Pension
Payable by the concerned Civil Department or Pension Sanctioning Authority. Thus, eligible NOK can receive both pensions simultaneously, subject to fulfillment of prescribed conditions.
Who Is Eligible for Dual Family Pension?
The benefit is available to families of:
Army veterans
Navy veterans
Air Force veterans
who:
Retired, discharged, or were invalided out from military service, Received military pension, Subsequently joined government service, Earned civil pension after retirement from re-employment, and Passed away while drawing military pension.
Eligible family members generally include: Widow/Widower, Eligible children, Other eligible family pension beneficiaries as per pension rules.
Effective Date of the Scheme
The Ministry of Defence order clearly specifies that the provisions are applicable to Armed Forces personnel who: Retired/Discharged/Invalided Out On or After 24 September 2012 & Families of such personnel are fully covered under the dual family pension scheme.
Benefit for Past Cases
An important feature of the order is that the benefit has also been extended to past cases. However, there is a financial limitation: Dual family pension may be sanctioned in eligible old cases. Financial benefits and arrears are payable only from 24 September 2012. This means no arrears are admissible for periods prior to 24 September 2012.
Key Benefits of Dual Family Pension
Enhanced Financial Security
The surviving spouse or family receives income from both pension sources.
Better Support for Defence Widows
Families of veterans who served the nation and later contributed in civil government service receive greater financial protection.
Recognition of Dual Service
The policy acknowledges both military and civil service rendered by the pensioner.
Increased Monthly Pension Income
Eligible NOK may receive substantially higher pension benefits compared to the earlier single-pension system.
Important Conditions
Before sanctioning dual family pension, authorities verify:
Military pension entitlement.
Civil family pension entitlement.
Eligibility of the claimant.
Compliance with Defence and Civil pension regulations.
Both pensions are subject to applicable pension rules and documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a widow receive both Defence Family Pension and Civil Family Pension?
Yes. Under the Ministry of Defence order dated 17 January 2013, eligible widows and other NOK can receive both pensions simultaneously.
Is the scheme applicable to Army, Navy and Air Force veterans?
Yes. The order covers all three Services.
What is the effective date of dual family pension?
The scheme is applicable to personnel retired/discharged/invalided out on or after 24 September 2012.
Are arrears payable from the date of retirement?
No. Financial benefits are admissible only from 24 September 2012.
Does the family still need to choose one pension?
No. The earlier restriction has been removed for eligible cases covered under the 2013 Government order.
Conclusion
The introduction of Dual Family Pension for NOK of re-employed ex-servicemen is one of the most significant welfare measures for defence families. By allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive both Defence Family Pension and Civil Family Pension, the Government has corrected a long-standing anomaly and provided greater financial security to widows and dependents of veterans who served the nation in both military and civilian capacities.
Families of eligible ex-servicemen should verify their entitlement and, where necessary, approach the concerned pension authorities to ensure that the benefit of double family pension is properly sanctioned in accordance with Ministry of Defence Letter No. 01(05)/2010-D(Pen/Policy) dated 17 January 2013.
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Know who is eligible for Dual Family Pension after the death of a re-employed ex-serviceman. Learn the rules, effective date, MoD order of 17 Jan 2013, benefits, and claim process.