A New Safety Net: Government Extends Higher Family Pension for Parents of Deceased Employees:

In a move that will bring significant financial relief to many elderly parents, the central government has made a compassionate and crucial change to its family pension rules. Now, the dependent parents of a deceased government employee will receive a higher, enhanced pension for a longer period, providing them with better financial stability in their later years.

This important update comes from the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW), which has amended the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules.

What Exactly Has Changed?

The change centers on what is called the 'enhanced family pension'. This is the higher rate of pension paid out to the family for a limited time immediately following an employee's death.

The Old Rule: The dependent parents of an unmarried government employee (or a widower/widow without children) who had completed at least 7 years of continuous service were eligible for an enhanced pension for 7 years. This pension was 50% of the employee’s last drawn salary. After 7 years, it dropped to the ordinary rate of 30%.
The New Rule: The government has now extended this period. Under the new rule, eligible parents will receive the enhanced pension (50% of the last salary) for 10 years. After this 10-year period, the pension will be paid at the ordinary rate of 30%.

This three-year extension is a substantial boost that will provide greater financial security to parents who have lost their earning child.

Who Is Eligible for This Benefit?

This rule applies under very specific circumstances, designed to help those most in need. The benefit is available to the dependent mother or father of a government employee who:

Passed away while in service after completing a minimum of 7 years of continuous service.
Was unmarried at the time of death.
Was a widower or a widow and had no children.

In these situations, the parents are legally considered the 'family' for the purpose of the pension, and this new rule provides them with a stronger financial cushion.

This is a welcome and thoughtful step by the government, acknowledging the need to provide better long-term support for elderly parents who are left behind.