New Delhi: A common point of confusion for Central Government employees is the medical status of their daughters after marriage. While the general rule states that a daughter’s eligibility ends upon marriage, the CGHS guidelines 2026 provide vital “safety nets” for daughters who are divorced, widowed, or separated. Understanding these nuances ensures your family has uninterrupted access to healthcare during difficult life transitions.
🏥 Eligibility Snapshot:
A daughter is eligible for CGHS regardless of age as long as she is unmarried. If she becomes widowed or divorced and is residing with the employee with an income below the dependency limit, she can be re-included in the CGHS card immediately.
1. The Status of the “Married Daughter”
As per Rule 2(iv) of CGHS Rules, the moment a daughter gets married, she ceases to be a dependent of the government employee, regardless of her income. She must then be covered under her spouse’s medical plan or her own. However, if she is judicially separated and living with her parents, she may be eligible under certain conditions.
2. Divorced & Widowed Daughters: Re-inclusion Rules
The government treats divorced and widowed daughters with empathy. They are eligible for CGHS benefits for life, provided they meet two main criteria:
- Dependency: Their monthly income must be below ₹9,000 + DA (Total approx ₹14,400 in 2026).
- Residence: They must be “wholly dependent” and normally residing with the primary CGHS cardholder.
| Case Type | CGHS Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Unmarried Daughter | YES (Any Age) |
| Married Daughter | NO |
| Divorced/Widowed | YES (If Dependent) |
Related Guidance:
If you are re-including a family member, ensure you are aware of the New CGHS 70+ Referral Rules if the primary cardholder is a senior citizen. Also, verify your Income Tax deductions to see if medical insurance for dependents provides extra relief.
3. Inclusion of Children of Divorced Daughters
This is a rare but vital rule: If a divorced/widowed daughter is a dependent beneficiary, her minor children are also eligible for CGHS benefits until they reach adulthood, provided they are also residing with the government employee.
4. Conclusion
Daughters are “Family” for life in the eyes of CGHS, provided the dependency criteria are met. If you need to re-add a daughter to your card, submit the Divorce Decree or Death Certificate of the spouse along with an income certificate to your department’s administrative wing.
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