IAFBA Garima Grant 2026: ₹25,000 Financial Assistance for Next of Kin (NoK) of Deceased Air Veterans – Eligibility, Documents & Claim Process

IAFBA Garima Grant 2026: A Dignified Financial Support for Families of Deceased Air Veterans

The Indian Air Force Benevolent Association (IAFBA) has enhanced its Garima Grant to ₹25,000, effective 01 June 2026, providing timely financial assistance to the Next of Kin (NoK) of deceased Air Veterans for conducting the last rites with dignity.

The initiative reflects the Indian Air Force community’s continued commitment to supporting veterans’ families during one of the most difficult phases of their lives. The grant is intended to ensure that families receive immediate financial assistance without unnecessary delays.

What is the IAFBA Garima Grant?

The Garima Grant is a welfare initiative introduced by the Indian Air Force Benevolent Association (IAFBA).

Its primary objective is to provide financial support to the family of a deceased Air Veteran to help meet the expenses associated with the funeral and last rites.

Unlike many welfare schemes, the Garima Grant focuses on immediate humanitarian assistance, ensuring that bereaved families receive financial relief at the earliest possible time.

Garima Grant Amount Increased to ₹25,000

The IAFBA has significantly enhanced the grant amount.

Particular	Earlier	From 01 June 2026
Garima Grant	₹7,500 (AFA Ex-Gratia Grant)	₹25,000

Key Highlights

Effective from 01 June 2026
Grant enhanced to ₹25,000
Paid directly by Indian Air Force Benevolent Association (IAFBA)
Earlier Air Force Association (AFA) Ex-Gratia Grant of ₹7,500 has been discontinued

This enhancement substantially increases financial assistance available to bereaved families.

Who is Eligible for the Garima Grant?

The Next of Kin (NoK) of a deceased Air Veteran can apply for the grant.

Importantly, the scheme is not limited only to pensioners.

Eligible beneficiaries include:

Families of retired Indian Air Force personnel
Families of pensioner Air Veterans
Families of non-pensioner retired Air Veterans
Legal Next of Kin fulfilling the prescribed documentation requirements

This broader eligibility ensures that more families can benefit from the welfare initiative.

Who Can Apply?

Applications can generally be submitted by the legally recognized Next of Kin (NoK), such as:

Spouse
Son or daughter
Parents (where applicable)
Other legally recognized nominee or heir

Applicants should be able to establish their relationship with the deceased through relevant records.

Documents Required for IAFBA Garima Grant

Applicants should keep the following documents ready:

1. Death Certificate

Official Death Certificate of the deceased Air Veteran.

2. Service Proof

Any one of the following:

PPO (Pension Payment Order)
Discharge Book
Service Certificate

These documents establish the individual’s service in the Indian Air Force.

3. Bank Details

The claimant’s bank account details for transfer of the grant amount.

4. Declaration

A declaration stating that the Garima Grant has not been claimed from any other Air Force agency.

Preparing these documents in advance can help expedite the processing of the claim.

Important Guidelines for Families

IAFBA has advised that:

The Next of Kin should intimate IAFBA after the funeral.
Required documents should be submitted promptly.
Early submission helps ensure quicker processing and disbursement of the Garima Grant.

Timely communication with IAFBA is essential to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Claim Process

The claim process is straightforward:

Conduct the funeral and last rites.
Inform IAFBA about the death of the Air Veteran.
Collect all required documents.
Submit the application along with supporting documents.
Verification by IAFBA.
Approval of the claim.
Grant amount transferred to the claimant.

Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete and accurate to facilitate faster processing.

Why the Garima Grant Matters

The enhanced Garima Grant provides more than just financial assistance—it is a gesture of respect and solidarity towards the families of those who served the nation.

Benefits include:

Financial support during bereavement
Assistance with funeral expenses
Reduced immediate financial burden
Faster welfare support for veteran families
Recognition of the service rendered by Air Veterans

Contact Details of IAFBA

For assistance regarding the Garima Grant, families may contact:

Secretary
Indian Air Force Benevolent Association (IAFBA)
C/o Air HQ Non-Public Funds
2nd Floor, AFGIS Bhavan
Subroto Park, New Delhi – 110010

Telephone (Secretary):
011-25699704

General Contact Numbers:

011-25692791
011-25691367

Mobile Numbers:

9891978462
9711022711

It is advisable to keep copies of all submitted documents and note the date of submission for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Garima Grant available only for pensioners?

No. Families of eligible non-pensioner retired Air Veterans are also eligible, subject to fulfilling the prescribed conditions.

How much financial assistance is provided?

The Garima Grant has been enhanced to ₹25,000 with effect from 01 June 2026.

Which organization provides the grant?

The grant is provided by the Indian Air Force Benevolent Association (IAFBA).

What documents are mandatory?

Applicants generally need:

Death Certificate
PPO or Discharge Book/Service Certificate
Bank Account Details
Declaration that no similar grant has been claimed from another Air Force agency

When should the claim be submitted?

The Next of Kin should intimate IAFBA soon after the funeral and submit all required documents promptly to facilitate early processing.

Conclusion

The enhancement of the IAFBA Garima Grant to ₹25,000 marks a significant step in strengthening welfare support for the families of deceased Air Veterans. By extending eligibility beyond pensioners and simplifying the documentation requirements, the Indian Air Force Benevolent Association has ensured that more bereaved families can receive timely financial assistance when they need it most.

Families of eligible Air Veterans are encouraged to keep service documents updated and contact IAFBA without delay after the demise of a veteran to ensure smooth processing of the claim.