Family Pension: Everything You Need to Know

When the sole earning member of a family passes away, the financial burden can weigh heavy on the family members. However, government employees receive financial protection with a family pension.

Here is all you need to know about the scheme, and more importantly, how it can help you out. 

What is Family Pension?

A family pension scheme offers a pension to the wife after the death of husband during the service period as a government employee. Or vice versa in case the wife was the breadwinner of the family. Besides spouses, any surviving family member like the children of the deceased can avail of family pension after the death of the pensioner.

However, to avail the family pension scheme, all family members must satisfy some age and earning criteria. So, let’s understand eligibility criteria for each government-sponsored family pension scheme.

Types of Family Pension

You can receive a family pension in two forms:

Commuted pension: This provides a lump sum payment, offering immediate financial support. This lump sum is generally not taxable.

Uncommuted pension: This offers a regular monthly income, providing a stable financial stream. You can enjoy tax exemption on up to ₹15,000 or 1/3rd of the pension amount, whichever is lower.

Central Government Family Pension

The central government’s employee family pension scheme allows a pensioner to decide who can avail family pension after their demise. Here are the eligibility criteria for the same.

Family Pension Rules For Central Government Employees

The Family Pension Rules for central government employees are defined under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules. According to these rules, the family pension is calculated at a uniform rate of 30% of the last basic pay drawn by the employee. The pension amount is subject to a minimum of Rs. 3500 per month and a maximum of 30% of the highest government salary.

It's important to assess your risk tolerance based on age, income sources, and significant expenses such as children's education, loans, and marriage. As retirement nears, focus on leveraging the benefits from your accumulated assets. These can provide either a steady monthly income or a lump-sum amount upon retirement.

Family Pension for Children Based on Marital Status

1. Family pension to unmarried son

For an unmarried son, the scheme is applicable till he turns 25 or gets married, or starts earning, whichever is earlier. The adopted child of the pensioner’s spouse will not be eligible for the pension facility.

2. Family pension to unmarried daughter

Family pension to unmarried daughter or widowed daughter is payable until she turns 25, till she re-marriages or starts earning monthly income above Rs. 9000, whichever is earlier.

3. Family pension for disabled son

If the deceased pensioner’s son is physically disabled and cannot earn a living, he is entitled to the family pension after the death of a pensioner for lifetime.

Railway Family Pension

Family members of the railway employee get the benefits of the pension scheme in case of the death of a working or retired employee. There are two major grant categories of the scheme.

Category 1

• Pension to wife after death of husband is payable till remarriage or death.
• Family pension after death of a pensioner applies to son or daughter till they attain the age of 25 years or start earning or get married, whichever is earlier.

Category 2

• Family pension after the death of a pensioner is granted to parents who are wholly dependent on the employee if there is no widow or child left behind.
• Dependent disabled siblings are also eligible for family pension.

How to Avail a Family Pension After the Pensioner's Demise?

Below is a step-by-step guide on how family members can claim a pension after an employee's demise.

• To avail family pension after death of husband, wife needs to approach the pensioner's bank with a death certificate and the pensioner's half of the pension payment order.
• She will then be guided by the bank branch manager for further procedures.
• If the pensioner has a joint account with their spouse, they need to activate the pension plan by submitting a death certificate. However, if the pensioner does not have a bank account, you need to open an account.
• Next, the bank will verify a family member's identity by accepting their identity proof along with a photograph.
• The bank will activate the pension plan by updating the death date, and half of the pensioner's PPO (Pension Payment Order) will be given to the spouse.

Once you complete all the formalities, the bank will credit the family pension amount to the family member's account.

Taxability of Family Pension

There are two types of pensions: commuted and uncommuted. 

A commuted pension is when part of the pension is given as a one-time lump sum, and the rest is paid out in regular monthly payments. An uncommuted pension means the entire pension is received as regular payments over time.

But how are these pensions taxed? Let's understand. A commuted pension is when part of the pension is given as a one-time lump sum, and the rest is paid out in regular monthly payments. An uncommuted pension means the entire pension is received as regular payments over time.

But how are these pensions taxed? Let's understand.

1. Commuted pension 

• A commuted (lump sum) pension is generally tax-free for government employees.
• For non-government employees, the tax treatment of a commuted pension depends on whether gratuity is also received -

- If both gratuity and pension are received, and the entire pension is commuted, one-third of the commuted pension is tax-exempt. The remaining regular payments are taxed as salary.

- If only a pension is received without gratuity and the entire pension is commuted, half of the commuted pension is tax-exempt.

2. Uncommuted pension 

• An uncommuted pension, which is regular periodic payments, has an exempt minimum of Rs. 15,000/- or one-third of the pension amount.

If family members receive a pension after the pension holder’s death, it is considered Income from Other Sources, as it’s not earned from any service rendered by the family members.

Difference Between Pension And Family Pension

Some common differences between pension and family pension are summarised below:

To conclude, a family pension after the death of a husband or any other earning member of the family can offer financial stability to the pensioner’s family. However, if you need more funds than the pension allows, a loan from Tata Capital can also help. 

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FAQ's on Family Pension

What is the difference between a pension and a family pension?

A pension is a regular payment made to a retired employee, while a family pension is paid to the family of a deceased employee. The family pension ensures financial support to dependents after the employee's death.

What is the maximum amount of family pension?

The maximum family pension from the Government of India is capped at 50% of the highest pay, which is currently Rs. 1,25,000 per month. This amount is paid until the individual’s death, ensuring substantial financial support for the pensioner's family.

Does the family pension increase after 85 years?

The family pension increases by 30% when the pensioner reaches 85. It further increases by 40% at age 90, 50% at age 95, and doubles (100% increase) when the pensioner reaches 100, ensuring continued financial stability.

What are the age-related benefits of the family pension?

Family pensioners receive age-related increments starting at age 80, with increases at ages 85, 90, 95, and 100. These increments help maintain the pensioner's financial security, adapting the pension amount to meet their needs as they age.

Who is eligible for the family pension?

Eligibility for the family pension primarily rests with the spouse and dependent children of a deceased government employee or pensioner.  Specific criteria, such as age and income limits for children, can vary depending on the scheme.

What is the minimum pay for a family pension?

There isn't a minimum pay requirement to be eligible for a family pension. The pension amount is calculated based on the deceased employee's last drawn salary or average emoluments, subject to a minimum amount. 

How Long Does Family Pension Last?

The duration of a family pension depends on the recipient. For spouses, it typically continues until their death or remarriage (with some exceptions). For children, it usually lasts until they reach a certain age, get married, or start earning above a specified limit.

Can Family Pension Be Transferred to Another Family Member?

Generally, a family pension is not transferable. It is specifically designated for the eligible dependents of the deceased employee as defined by the pension rules. However, there can be provisions for other dependents like parents or siblings under certain circumstances.