The Dearness Relief (DR) rate for Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) beneficiaries drawing their pay in the 5th Central Pay Commission scale has been officially revised up to 483%. The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) issued the authorization on 22.05.2026, implementing the hikes retroactively from July 2025 and January 2026.
- Maximum DR Rate: 483% (From 01.01.2026)
- Secondary DR Rate: 475% (For widows/dependents)
- Effective Dates: 01.07.2025 and 01.01.2026
- Order Reference: OM No. 42/02/2024-P&PW(D)/E-9475
Order Confirmed — 5th CPC DR Revision
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DoPPW) OM dated 22.05.2026 confirms the enhancement of Dearness Relief for CPF beneficiaries in receipt of basic ex-gratia payment under the 5th CPC. The revision follows the Ministry of Finance directives dated 06.10.2025 and 22.04.2026.
Rate Comparison: Surviving Beneficiaries vs Dependents
The DoPPW order establishes two distinct tiers of Dearness Relief based on the retirement date and the nature of the ex-gratia payment. Surviving CPF beneficiaries receive a higher percentage jump compared to the family dependents of deceased employees.
| Category of CPF Beneficiary | DR Rate from 01.07.2025 | DR Rate from 01.01.2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving Retirees (18.11.1960 to 31.12.1985) Drawing ex-gratia of Rs.3000, 1000, 750, or 650 |
474% | 483% |
| Widows & Eligible Dependent Children Retiree died/retired prior to 01.01.1986 (ex-gratia Rs.645) |
466% | 475% |
| Pre-1960 Retirees Retired before 18.11.1960 (ex-gratia Rs.654 to 965) |
466% | 475% |
In practice, Pension Disbursing Authorities (PDAs) and nationalized banks automatically update these percentages in the Central Pension Processing Centre (CPPC) system, though manual intervention is sometimes required for very old pre-1986 family pension cases to ensure the arrears are mapped accurately.
Eligibility and Calculation Rules
The disbursement of the enhanced Dearness Relief involves specific rounding rules and falls strictly under the responsibility of the authorized disbursing banks.
Who is Covered (5th CPC)
Surviving Group A, B, C & D CPF beneficiaries who retired between 1960 and 1985
Widows of CPF beneficiaries who retired or died before 1986
Employees serving in Indian Audit and Accounts Department (with C&AG consultation)
Processing Rules
Any fraction of a rupee calculated in the final DR amount must be rounded off to the next higher rupee.
Calculation is the direct responsibility of the PDA, not the pensioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Dearness Relief rate for 5th CPC CPF beneficiaries?
The Dearness Relief (DR) rate for surviving CPF beneficiaries under the 5th CPC has been enhanced to 483% effective from 01.01.2026.
What is the DR rate for widows of deceased CPF beneficiaries from Jan 2026?
Widows and eligible dependent children of deceased CPF beneficiaries who retired or died prior to 01.01.1986 are entitled to a revised DR rate of 475% from 01.01.2026.
When do the new 5th CPC DR rates take effect?
The revised rates are implemented in two phases: the first enhancement is effective from 01.07.2025, and the second from 01.01.2026.
Which official department issued the 5th CPC DR hike order?
The order was issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare) via OM No. 42/02/2024-P&PW(D)/E-9475.
Are pre-1960 CPF retirees eligible for this DR hike?
Yes. Central Government employees who retired on CPF benefits before 18.11.1960 and receive ex-gratia payments are entitled to the 475% DR rate from January 2026.
How is fractional DR calculated under this order?
Any payment of Dearness Relief involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee by the Pension Disbursing Authorities.
हिंदी सारांश
पेंशन विभाग (DoPPW) ने 5वें वेतन आयोग के तहत सीपीएफ (CPF) लाभार्थियों के लिए महंगाई राहत (DR) दरों में संशोधन किया है। 1 जनवरी 2026 से जीवित सीपीएफ लाभार्थियों के लिए डीआर दर 483% और 1986 से पहले सेवानिवृत्त या मृत कर्मचारियों की विधवाओं के लिए यह दर 475% कर दी गई है। यह आदेश 22 मई 2026 को जारी किया गया है।
Share This in Office WhatsApp Group
