Family pension after death in India — who gets it, how much (30% / 50% enhanced under CCS (Pension) Rules 2021), Form 14 claim, daughters and disabled children, EPS-95 widow and children pension (Form 10D), PF and EDLI claims, and what to do if pension is delayed (2026)
Plain guide for the spouse, children or parents of a deceased Central Government employee, pensioner or EPF member: who is eligible for family pension, the normal and enhanced rates and minimum amounts for Central Government family pension, how to claim through the bank or office (Form 14), rules for daughters and disabled children, family pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (Form 10D) with PF and EDLI claims, and where to complain if payment is delayed. State Government rules differ. Educational only — not legal advice. Adhiwakta does not file claims or contact departments.
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Which pension rules apply?
First find out which scheme the deceased was in: Central Government civil service (CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021); State Government service (that State’s pension rules — amounts and forms differ); defence (processed through SPARSH / defence pension offices); the National Pension System (NPS) for many employees who joined after 2004 (benefits depend on NPS / UPS rules and options); or a private / PSU job covered by EPFO, where the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS-95) applies. The pension payment order (PPO), service book, salary slip or UAN tells you which.
Central Government — who is eligible
Under rule 50 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, family pension is payable on the death of a Government servant after one year of continuous service (or earlier if medically examined and declared fit at appointment), and on the death of a pensioner. Family members, broadly in order: spouse (widow / widower); children — sons and daughters up to 25 years or until they marry or start earning; a child with a disability that prevents earning a livelihood, for life, subject to conditions; an unmarried, widowed or divorced daughter beyond 25, for life or until marriage / remarriage / earning, if she was dependent on the parent; and dependent parents in certain cases. Read the exact rule for your case — conditions on income, order of eligibility and remarriage apply.
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How much — Central Government
Normal family pension is 30% of the last pay, with a minimum of ₹9,000 and a maximum of ₹75,000 a month, plus dearness relief. Enhanced family pension is 50% of pay (minimum ₹9,000, maximum ₹1,25,000): for 10 years from the day after death if the employee died in service (no minimum service condition for the enhanced rate in the cases where family pension is payable), or, if the person died after retirement, for 7 years or until the date they would have turned 67, whichever is less. After age 80 the family pensioner gets additional family pension. These figures are from the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare O.M. dated 26 October 2022.
How to claim — pensioner died
If the spouse’s name is already in the PPO, the pension disbursing bank can start family pension on a claim in Form 14 with the death certificate. If the spouse held a joint account with the pensioner in which pension was credited, Form 14 is generally not needed — a written intimation, the death certificate and an undertaking to refund any excess payment are enough. Inform the bank quickly so that the pensioner’s pension stops, otherwise the excess will be recovered. If the eligible person is not named in the PPO (for example a disabled child or dependent parent), apply in Form 14 to the Head of Office of the deceased’s last department.
How to claim — employee died in service
The family applies in Form 14 to the Head of Office of the deceased employee’s department with the death certificate, photographs, bank details and proof of relationship / age of children. The Head of Office completes Form 18, processes the case (in Central ministries through the Bhavishya system) and sends it to the Pay & Accounts Office. Provisional family pension can be sanctioned so that the family is not left without income while the final case is processed. Ask the office in writing for the status and the expected date.
EPF members — EPS-95 family pension, PF and EDLI
If the deceased was an EPF member, three claims are usually filed with EPFO: (1) family pension under EPS-95 in Form 10D — widow / widower pension at 50% of the member’s pension, with a minimum of ₹1,000 a month, and children’s pension at 25% each for up to two children at a time until age 25; (2) the PF balance in Form 20; and (3) insurance under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme in Form 5(IF). Nominee details on the UAN make the claim easier; otherwise legal heir proof may be asked. Claims can be filed online on the EPFO portal for many cases or through the employer / EPFO office.
Papers usually needed
Death certificate; PPO copy (if a pensioner); claim form (Form 14 / Form 10D etc.); ID and address proof; bank passbook / cancelled cheque; photographs; proof of relationship and age of children; disability certificate for a disabled child; marriage certificate or other proof if the spouse’s name is not on record; and, for a daughter claiming beyond 25, documents about marital status and income as asked. A legal heir or succession certificate is needed only in some cases, usually where there is no nominee or a dispute.
If family pension is delayed or refused
Write to the Head of Office and the pension disbursing bank with copies of your papers and ask for a dated reply. For Central Government pensions, register a grievance on CPGRAMS (pgportal.gov.in) or the Pensioners’ Portal; for EPFO, use EPFiGMS. You can file an RTI to know the status of your case file. If a legal right is denied, a petition before the appropriate tribunal (for Central employees, generally the Central Administrative Tribunal) or the High Court may be considered with an independent advocate’s guidance.
How Adhiwakta can help
We do not file pension, PF or insurance claims, or contact any department, bank or EPFO office. Adhiwakta is a facilitation platform, not a law firm. We do not file cases, appear before any authority, or promise any result. Use Ask Adhiwakta to describe your situation for general guidance from an independent advocate, or start with the AI helper to organise your facts and papers. Educational only — not formal legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
- Who gets family pension after the death of a Central Government employee?
- Under CCS (Pension) Rules 2021 rule 50: the spouse first; then children up to 25 (or till marriage / earning); a disabled child, an unmarried / widowed / divorced dependent daughter beyond 25, and dependent parents in certain cases, subject to conditions.
- How much is family pension for Central Government?
- Normally 30% of last pay (minimum ₹9,000, maximum ₹75,000 a month) plus dearness relief. Enhanced 50% (minimum ₹9,000, maximum ₹1,25,000) for 10 years after death in service, or for 7 years / until the pensioner would have turned 67 (whichever is less) after death post-retirement.
- Which form is used to claim family pension?
- Form 14 — to the pension disbursing bank if the spouse is named in the PPO, or to the Head of Office otherwise. If the spouse held a joint account with the pensioner, a written intimation, death certificate and an undertaking are generally enough.
- Can a daughter get family pension after 25?
- Yes, an unmarried, widowed or divorced daughter who was dependent on the parent and is not earning can get family pension beyond 25 for life, or until marriage / remarriage / earning, subject to the order of eligibility in rule 50.
- How much is EPS-95 widow pension?
- 50% of the member’s pension with a minimum of ₹1,000 a month; children get 25% each for up to two children at a time until 25. The claim is in Form 10D; PF is claimed in Form 20 and EDLI insurance in Form 5(IF).
- Family pension is delayed — where can I complain?
- Write to the Head of Office and the bank, then use CPGRAMS (pgportal.gov.in) or the Pensioners’ Portal for Central pensions, or EPFiGMS for EPFO. RTI can show your file status; a tribunal or High Court petition is a last resort.
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