New Delhi: When planning a trip in the LTC Block Year 2026-29, many employees are unsure who qualify as “Family.” While parents and children are standard, the CCS (LTC) Rules provide specific provisions for unmarried sisters, widowed sisters, and minor brothers. If they are residing with you and are financially dependent, you can claim their travel expenses, including the 10-day leave encashment benefit for the entire group.
👨👩👧👦 DEPENDENCY CRITERIA: To include a sibling in your LTC claim, their total monthly income from all sources (including pension/interest) must not exceed ₹9,000 + DA. As per the latest 60% DA hike, the dependency limit for 2026 stands at approx ₹14,400 per month.
Refer to Rule 4 of CCS (LTC) Rules and the following DoPT clarifications to verify your sibling’s eligibility:
*Note: A sister remains ‘Family’ until she gets married, even if she is older than the employee.*
1. Which Siblings are Eligible?
The government follows a strict definition of dependency for brothers and sisters. Here is the 2026 eligibility matrix:
| Sibling Category | Eligibility Status | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Unmarried Sister | ✅ Eligible | Income < ₹14,400/pm |
| Widowed Sister | ✅ Eligible | Income < ₹14,400/pm |
| Minor Brother | ✅ Eligible | Below 18 Years |
| Major Brother | ❌ Not Eligible | Unless 100% Handicapped |
2. Residing with the Employee
A crucial requirement is that the sibling must be residing with the Government servant. However, if they are living in your Home Town while you are posted elsewhere, they are still eligible for the “Home Town LTC” but may require a certificate of dependency from the local Tehsildar or a self-declaration countersigned by your DDO.
3. Internal Linking: Managing Your Trip
If you are taking dependent siblings, your ticket costs will be higher. Ensure you book only via Authorized Travel Agents to avoid the LTC Advance Recovery Penalty. If you are a Fresh Recruit, your siblings can join you on all three Home Town trips in the block.
4. Conclusion
LTC is a welfare measure designed for the whole family. If you support your unmarried sisters or minor brothers, do not hesitate to include them in your 2026 declarations. Just ensure their names are already updated in your Family Composition details in the service book before applying for the LTC Advance.
👨👩👧👦 TRAVEL WITH YOUR SIBLINGS!