Two rates of family pension
Under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, family pension is paid at two rates:
| Type | Rate | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced | 50% of last basic pay | First 10 years after death in service; or 7 years / until the pensioner would have turned 67 (whichever is earlier) after retirement |
| Normal | 30% of last basic pay, minimum ₹9,000 | For life after the enhanced period (subject to eligibility conditions) |
Dearness relief is added to both — currently 63% (from July 2026).
Worked example
Last basic pay ₹60,000, death while in service:
- Enhanced family pension: 50% × ₹60,000 = ₹30,000 + 63% DR = ₹48,900 a month for 10 years.
- Normal family pension afterwards: 30% × ₹60,000 = ₹18,000 + DR = ₹29,340 a month.
If the employee had retired and died at 66, the enhanced rate would run for only 1 year (until the date they would have turned 67), then the normal rate applies.
Who receives family pension
In order of eligibility: the spouse (including a judicially separated spouse in some cases), then children (sons until 25, unmarried/widowed/divorced daughters until marriage or employment), and in some cases dependent parents and disabled siblings. Children or siblings with a disability can receive family pension for life if they cannot earn a livelihood. Make sure the family details on the pension papers (Form 4 / Form 6A) are complete and current.
Practical points
- Family pension is taxable as "income from other sources", with a standard deduction of one-third of the pension or ₹25,000 (whichever is less) under the new regime.
- Dearness relief changes twice a year — see the DA calculator.
- For employees under the Unified Pension Scheme, family pension is 60% of the UPS pension — see the UPS calculator.