FAMILY PENSION RULES 2026
(Enhanced Rate, Age Limit & Daughters)
(Will your family get 50% or 30% of your pay?)
⚡ Quick Answer: How much does the family get?
Family Pension has two rates. Initially, the family gets the Enhanced Rate (50% of Last Pay) for a period of 7 years or until the pensioner would have turned 67. After that, it reduces to the Normal Rate (30% of Last Pay) for the rest of their life.
⚠️ Income Trap: For dependent children (unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters), the pension stops if their personal income exceeds ₹9,000 + DA per month.
Critical Note: Family Pension is fully taxable. It is taxed under the head “Income from Other Sources” in the hands of the receiver (widow/child), though a standard deduction of up to ₹15,000 is allowed.
📢 Secure Your Family’s Future:
Government service ensures that even after an employee’s death, the family is financially protected. However, the amount varies based on the “Age 67 Rule” and the dependency status of the children.
1. The Two Rates (50% vs 30%)
The pension amount changes after a specific period.
| Rate Type | Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Rate | 50% of Last Pay | For 10 years (if death in service) OR for 7 years (if death after retirement). |
| Normal Rate | 30% of Last Pay | After the Enhanced period is over (Until death/remarriage). |
2. The “Age 67” Trap (Crucial)
If a pensioner dies after retirement, the Enhanced Rate (50%) is payable for 7 years OR until the pensioner would have turned 67, whichever is earlier.
Scenario: Death at Age 66
- Pensioner Age at Death: 66 Years.
- Enhanced Rate (50%) Eligibility: Normally 7 years.
- But… Age 67 Limit: The pensioner would have turned 67 in just 1 Year.
- Result: The family gets 50% pension for only 1 Year. From the 2nd year onwards, it drops to 30%.
*Myth Buster: Many families expect 50% for 7 full years even if the pensioner died at 66. This is wrong.
3. Eligibility for Daughters & Sons
Spouse (Widow/Widower)
Duration: For Life.
Income Limit: No limit. Even if the spouse is earning crores, they still get Family Pension.
Unmarried/Divorced Daughter
Duration: Until marriage or starts earning.
Income Limit: MUST earn less than ₹9,000 + DA per month. If she earns more, pension stops.
❓ Family Pension Questions
Is Family Pension reduced by Commutation?
No. Commutation deduction is only for the main pensioner. If the pensioner dies, the family gets the full entitled pension without any 40% cut. Read Commutation Rules here.
Is Family Pension taxable?
Yes. It is taxable as “Income from Other Sources”. However, a standard deduction of 33.33% or ₹15,000 (whichever is less) is allowed under Section 57(iia).
🇮🇳 हिंदी में सारांश (Summary in Hindi)
फैमिली पेंशन कितनी मिलेगी? (50% vs 30%)
पेंशनर की मृत्यु के बाद, परिवार को शुरुआत में “Enhanced Rate” (सैलरी का 50%) मिलता है। यह 7 साल के लिए या पेंशनर की उम्र 67 वर्ष होने तक (जो भी पहले हो) मिलता है। उसके बाद यह घटकर “Normal Rate” (30%) हो जाता है।
- 👩👧 बेटी के लिए नियम: अविवाहित (Unmarried), तलाकशुदा या विधवा बेटी तब तक पेंशन ले सकती है जब तक उसकी शादी नहीं हो जाती या वह कमाने नहीं लगती।
- ⚠️ कमाई की सीमा (Income Limit): अगर आश्रित बच्चे (Dependent Child) की अपनी कमाई ₹9,000 + DA प्रति माह से ज्यादा है, तो उसकी फैमिली पेंशन बंद हो जाएगी।
- 💰 टैक्स (Tax Rule): फैमिली पेंशन पर इनकम टैक्स लगता है, लेकिन इसमें ₹15,000 तक की स्टैंडर्ड डिडक्शन की छूट मिलती है।
नोट: पत्नी (Spouse) के लिए कोई इनकम लिमिट नहीं है। अगर वह खुद भी नौकरी करती हैं, तो भी उन्हें पति की फैमिली पेंशन मिलेगी।