The Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 under Rules 54 to 61 clearly define how family pension for widow or widower is calculated, sanctioned, and paid. This pension ensures financial stability for the surviving spouse of a deceased government servant or pensioner. The amount and duration of the pension depend on whether the employee dies while in service or after retirement.
1️⃣ Eligibility for Widow/Widower Pension
When Payable:
- When a government servant dies while in service after completing at least 10 years of qualifying service.
- When a pensioner dies after retirement while receiving pension.
- In both cases, family pension to the spouse starts from the day following the date of death.
Eligible Spouse:
- Legally wedded husband or wife of the deceased employee/pensioner.
- Marriage must have taken place before the employee’s retirement or death in service.
- Remarriage after the employee’s death disqualifies the widow/widower from further pension (Rule 57).
2️⃣ Types & Duration of Widow/Widower Family Pension
There are two distinct rates for family pension payable to a surviving spouse:
🔹 (a) Enhanced Rate of Family Pension
- Payable at 50% of the last pay drawn (or average emoluments) by the deceased employee.
- Applicable for:
- 10 years if death occurs during service (after 7 years of qualifying service).
- 7 years from the date of death or until the deceased would have reached superannuation age, whichever is earlier — if death occurs after retirement.
🔹 (b) Normal Rate of Family Pension
- Payable after the expiry of the enhanced period.
- Fixed at 30% of the last pay drawn (basic pay only, excluding allowances).
- Payable for life or until the widow/widower remarries.
3️⃣ Pension Calculation Examples
Example 1: Employee dies while in service with last pay ₹60,000 and 20 years of qualifying service.
| Type | Rate | Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Rate | 50% of ₹60,000 | ₹30,000 | 10 years |
| Normal Rate | 30% of ₹60,000 | ₹18,000 | After 10 years – lifetime (till remarriage) |
Example 2: Pensioner dies after retirement (last pay ₹70,000, age 62):
| Type | Rate | Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Rate | 50% of ₹70,000 | ₹35,000 | 7 years or till he would have turned 65 |
| Normal Rate | 30% of ₹70,000 | ₹21,000 | After 7 years – lifetime |
4️⃣ How Widow/Widower Pension Is Sanctioned
- The Head of Office prepares the family pension case immediately after the death of the employee or pensioner.
- Following documents must be submitted:
- Form 2 – Nomination for Family Pension
- Form 3 – Family Details (verified copy)
- Death Certificate of employee/pensioner
- Marriage Certificate or Affidavit
- Aadhaar & Bank account details (preferably joint account)
- Photographs and specimen signatures (joint with spouse)
- The case is forwarded to the Accountant General (A&E), Haryana for authorisation of PPO (Pension Payment Order).
5️⃣ Payment of Widow/Widower Pension
- The Pension Payment Order (PPO) includes an endorsement for family pension, so that payment continues automatically after the death of the pensioner.
- Family pension is credited monthly to the widow/widower’s bank account through:
- District Treasury/Sub-Treasury, or
- Authorised Public Sector Bank (as per choice).
- Pension is payable from the day following the date of death of the employee or pensioner.
- No fresh sanction is required if family details were already verified before retirement.
6️⃣ Conditions for Continuation or Stoppage
- Family pension continues for life unless:
- The widow/widower remarries.
- The widow/widower is convicted of the employee’s murder (Rule 57(3)).
- False declaration or fraud is detected in the claim.
- After cessation, family pension passes to the next eligible dependent (usually the eldest surviving child).
7️⃣ Arrears and Dearness Relief
- Family pensioners are entitled to the same Dearness Relief (DR) rate as regular pensioners, as per Finance Department notifications.
- Arrears of pension, if any, are released with interest as per rules.
- On death of the family pensioner, arrears are paid to the nominated family member or legal heir.
✅ Widow/Widower Family Pension – Quick Reference Table
| Situation | Rate of Family Pension | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death in Service (after 7 years of service) | 50% of last pay for 10 years | Then 30% for life | Full enhanced benefit |
| Death After Retirement | 50% of pay for 7 years or till superannuation age | Then 30% for life | Whichever is earlier applies |
| Remarriage of Widow/Widower | – | Stops from date of remarriage | Rule 57 applies |
| Both Spouses Government Employees | Separate Family Pension for each service | As per each case | Rule 59 |
FAQs – Family Pension for Widow/Widower in Haryana
1. What is the family pension rate for widow/widower?
50% of last pay for the first 10 years (death in service) or 7 years (death after retirement), and 30% thereafter for life.
2. Is remarriage allowed while receiving family pension?
No. On remarriage, the family pension ceases unless approved by Government under special conditions (such as marriage to the deceased’s sibling).
3. Can the widow/widower receive pension from both spouses?
Yes, if both were government employees, the survivor is eligible for separate family pensions under each service (Rule 59).
4. When does the pension start?
From the day following the death of the employee or pensioner.
5. How is the pension paid?
Through direct bank credit every month via Treasury or authorised bank; the PPO authorises automatic continuation.
6. Is DA (Dearness Allowance) included in family pension?
No, but Dearness Relief (DR) is paid over and above the basic pension as notified by the State Government.
7. What happens after the widow/widower’s death?
Family pension passes to the next eligible dependent (son/daughter as per order of priority).
Conclusion
The Family Pension for Widow/Widower under Rules 54–61 of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 ensures lifelong financial protection to the spouse of a deceased employee or pensioner. It is calculated transparently — 50% of last pay for a limited period (enhanced rate), followed by 30% for life. By keeping family details updated, submitting required documents promptly, and ensuring PPO endorsement, surviving spouses can receive uninterrupted pension benefits without delay.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.