Family pension is one of the most vital components of the benefits extended to soldiers and their families. As Ex-servicemen, it is our duty to ensure that our families are fully aware of the financial entitlements available to them, especially the pension benefits that they may have to claim after we are gone. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of two types of family pensions under military service: Ordinary Family Pension (OFP) and Enhanced Ordinary Family Pension (EOFP).
This guide is structured in two parts:
- Part 1 explains what OFP and EOFP are, how much the pensions are, and how long they are granted.
- Part 2 elaborates on who qualifies as a ‘family member’ in pension terms.
Understanding Key Concepts First
Before diving into the main topic, let’s understand two crucial definitions:
1. Dependent Definition
A family member is considered dependent if their income is below a threshold set by the government. As of now, the threshold is:
- ₹9,000 (base) + 53% DA = ₹13,770 per month
If a family member earns less than ₹13,770 per month, they are considered dependent. This figure is subject to revision with periodic DA increases or policy changes.
2. Minimum Family Pension
This is the minimum guaranteed pension amount a dependent family member can receive. It is also:
- ₹9,000 + 53% DA = ₹13,770 per month
No matter how low the calculated family pension might be, it cannot be below this floor.
PART 1: What Are OFP and EOFP, and Who Gets What?
What is Ordinary Family Pension (OFP)?
OFP is provided to the family of a soldier whose death:
- Happens after retirement, or
- Occurs during service but is not related to military duty (e.g., natural illness like cancer or an accident while on leave)
Amount: OFP is 30% of the last drawn salary (including Basic Pay, Military Service Pay, X Group Pay, and Classification Allowance).
Example: If the last drawn salary was ₹1,00,000, then the OFP will be ₹30,000 per month.
What is Enhanced Ordinary Family Pension (EOFP)?
EOFP is a higher pension (50% of last drawn salary) granted for a limited duration in specific cases.
Example: If the last drawn salary was ₹1,00,000, then EOFP would be ₹50,000 per month.
But this enhanced amount is not permanent. The duration for which EOFP is granted depends on whether the soldier died in service or after retirement.
When and For How Long Is EOFP Granted?
Condition 1: Death During Service
- EOFP is given for 10 years from the date of death.
- There is no service length restriction anymore (earlier, a minimum of 7 years was required before 01 Jan 2019).
Example:
Sep Karnail Singh served for 4 years. He died of cancer (not service-related) during duty. His family is eligible for EOFP for 10 years from the date of death. After 10 years, the pension reverts to OFP (30%).
Condition 2: Death After Retirement
- EOFP is granted for 7 years after death or until the date the soldier would have turned 67 years, whichever is earlier.
Examples:
- Sep Balwinder, born on 01 Jan 1965, died on 01 Jan 2020 at age 55. He would have turned 67 in 2032. EOFP is granted till 01 Jan 2027 (7 years post death).
- Hav Jarnail, born on 01 Jan 1958, died on 01 Jan 2020 at age 62. He would have turned 67 in 2025. Since 2025 comes earlier than 7 years, EOFP is granted only till 01 Jan 2025.
This conditional cutoff ensures EOFP doesn’t continue indefinitely after retirement.
Check Your PPO (Pension Payment Order)
Your PPO clearly mentions the pension structure, including the family pension details. Unfortunately, most of us overlook this. It’s advisable to not only check your PPO for pension details but also to inform your spouse and family about them. The sooner you do it, the better prepared your family will be.
PART 2: Who Is Considered ‘Family’ for Family Pension?
Family pension is not given arbitrarily. Only those who fall under the defined category of “family” are eligible.
Who Is Eligible for Family Pension?
- Wife – Even if separated but not legally divorced.
- Unmarried children (both sons and daughters).
- Divorced or widowed daughters – But they must be divorced/widowed at the time they become eligible for the pension.
- Dependent parents – Whose income is below ₹13,770 per month.
- Disabled siblings – Dependent at the time of the soldier’s death.
Special Cases You Should Know
- Posthumous Child – A child born after the soldier’s death is still eligible.
- Marriage After Retirement – The spouse is eligible, but marriage must be legally registered, and her name must be endorsed in the PPO.
- Widowed/Divorced Daughter – She will only be eligible if already widowed/divorced at the time of pension eligibility.
- More Than One Child – The pension is not split. It goes in order of age. The elder child receives the pension first until they are no longer eligible, after which it goes to the next.
- Illegal Second Marriage – If a soldier remarries while the first wife is still alive without a legal divorce, the second wife is not eligible for pension. However, the children from such marriage are eligible.
ALSO READ l ADVISORY FOR SPOUSE/NEXT OF KIN AFTER PENSIONER’S DEATH
Summary: Key Takeaways
- OFP is 30% of the last drawn salary. EOFP is 50%.
- If death occurs in service, EOFP is granted for 10 years.
- If death occurs after retirement, EOFP is granted for 7 years or till the date the soldier would have turned 67, whichever comes earlier.
- Family includes wife, dependent children, widowed/divorced daughters, dependent parents, and disabled siblings.
- PPO contains all family pension details. Check it and inform your family.
Final Words
Pension benefits are the financial security blanket left behind by a soldier. It is crucial that both the ex-servicemen and their families are aware of the rules, entitlements, and processes involved in claiming these pensions.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of your loved ones.
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