The Date of Birth (DOB) of a pensioner or Next of Kin (NOK) recorded in official documents plays a critical role in determining pensionary entitlements. Any discrepancy between Aadhaar, PAN, and Pension Payment Order (PPO) can lead to serious administrative complications, delay in benefits, and financial loss. Therefore, ensuring a correct and uniform DOB across all records is not merely procedural but essential for safeguarding lawful pension rights.
Importance of Correct DOB in PPO
The DOB endorsed in the PPO is the primary reference for pension disbursing authorities. It directly impacts:
- Eligibility for additional pension on attaining prescribed age milestones
- Timely release of enhanced pension benefits
- Avoidance of disputes or delays during verification by banks and pension authorities
For spouse or family pensioners, an incorrect DOB in the PPO can adversely affect lifelong pension benefits and lead to unnecessary hardship.
Additional Pension Linked to Age
As per existing pension rules, pensioners become eligible for additional pension on attaining the age of 80 years and above. The enhanced pension is calculated strictly on the basis of the DOB recorded in the PPO. The applicable rates are:
- On attaining 80 years and up to 85 years: 20% additional pension
- Above 85 years and up to 90 years: 30% additional pension
- Above 90 years and up to 95 years: 40% additional pension
- Above 95 years and up to 100 years: 50% additional pension
- Above 100 years: 100% additional pension
Any error in DOB may result in denial or delayed grant of these statutory benefits.
Uniformity of DOB Across Aadhaar, PAN and PPO
Aadhaar and PAN have become mandatory identity and verification documents for pension disbursement and KYC compliance. If the DOB mentioned in Aadhaar or PAN differs from that recorded in the PPO, pension disbursing banks may:
- Withhold additional pension
- Raise repeated compliance queries
- Insist on correction through competent authorities
Uniformity of DOB across Aadhaar, PAN, and PPO ensures smooth verification, uninterrupted pension flow, and timely grant of additional pension.
Procedure for Endorsement or Correction of DOB in PPO
Pensioners, spouse pensioners, or family pensioners can get the DOB endorsed or corrected in the PPO by following the prescribed procedure:
- The pensioner or NOK (spouse/family pensioner) must fill up the prescribed LPC Form for DOB endorsement or correction.
- In the case of Commissioned Officers, the completed form should be forwarded to MP-5.
- In the case of JCOs/OR, the form should be sent to the respective Record Office.
- After verification, MP-5 or the Record Office initiates the case with PCDA (P).
- PCDA (P) issues a corrigendum PPO, officially correcting or endorsing the DOB.
Role of Corrigendum PPO
The corrigendum PPO serves as the final and legally valid authority for any correction in pension records. Once issued, it becomes binding on banks and all pension disbursing agencies, ensuring that age-related pension benefits are released accurately and without dispute.
Conclusion
Accurate and uniform recording of the Date of Birth of the pensioner or NOK in Aadhaar, PAN, and PPO is fundamental to the proper administration of pension benefits. It directly affects entitlement to additional pension at advanced age and ensures dignity, financial security, and peace of mind for pensioners and their families. Ensuring timely correction or endorsement of DOB in the PPO is therefore an essential responsibility of every pensioner, spouse, and family pensioner.
