The Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 protect the welfare of dependent family members of deceased government employees through family pension provisions. A special and compassionate clause under Rule 61 (read with Rules 54–57) provides lifetime family pension benefits to mentally or physically disabled dependent children who are unable to earn a living. This ensures financial security and dignity for the most vulnerable members of a deceased employee’s family.
1️⃣ Who Is Eligible Under This Rule?
According to Rule 55(iii) & Rule 61 of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016, the following are eligible for family pension under the disabled category:
- ✔️ Son or daughter (including adopted child) of a deceased employee or pensioner, who is:
- Mentally retarded, or
- Physically handicapped to the extent that he/she is unable to earn a livelihood.
- ✔️ The disability must be permanent in nature and certified by a Government Medical Board.
- ✔️ The child must have been dependent on the employee at the time of his/her death.
Important Note: The term “child” covers both biological and legally adopted children, irrespective of gender.
2️⃣ Duration of Pension – Lifetime Benefit
Under the Haryana Pension Rules, the family pension for a disabled or dependent child is payable for life subject to the following conditions:
- 👉 Pension continues for the entire lifetime of the disabled son or daughter.
- 👉 The pension does not stop upon marriage, as long as the individual remains dependent and unable to earn a living.
- 👉 Family pension ceases only upon:
- Death of the disabled beneficiary, or
- Recovery from disability (certified by Medical Board).
3️⃣ Order of Priority in Payment (Rule 55 & 61)
The family pension to disabled or dependent children follows a clear hierarchy after the death of the employee and spouse:
- First, the spouse (widow/widower) receives family pension.
- After the spouse’s death, family pension is transferred to:
- 1️⃣ The disabled son or daughter (if any), for lifetime.
- 2️⃣ If there are more than one disabled children, pension is shared equally or paid in order of age.
- After the lifetime of the disabled child, pension ceases completely — it does not pass to siblings.
4️⃣ Conditions for Grant of Lifetime Family Pension
As per Rule 61 (Proviso) and Rule 55(iii), the following conditions apply for family pension to disabled children:
- ✅ Disability must be certified by a Medical Board of the Government of Haryana.
- ✅ The dependent child must not be employed or earning a regular income.
- ✅ The pensioner or family must furnish a certificate of continued disability every 3 years.
- ✅ If the child recovers and is able to earn, the pension will be discontinued from the date of certification.
- ✅ If a guardian is nominated, pension is credited to the guardian’s account for the child’s benefit.
5️⃣ How Family Pension Is Sanctioned for Disabled Children
Step-by-Step Process:
- The family submits an application for family pension to the Head of Office of the deceased employee.
- Attach all required documents (listed below).
- The Head of Office verifies the claim, service book, and medical disability certificate.
- The complete case is forwarded to the Accountant General (A&E), Haryana for issue of a Pension Payment Order (PPO).
- Monthly pension is paid through Treasury/Bank in the guardian’s or child’s name.
Documents Required:
- ✅ Form 2 – Nomination for Family Pension
- ✅ Form 3 – Family Details (mentioning disabled child)
- ✅ Medical Certificate from Government Medical Board
- ✅ Death Certificate of employee/pensioner
- ✅ Identity and bank details of guardian/child
- ✅ Passport-size photographs (joint, if possible)
- ✅ Dependency declaration (from local authority or department)
6️⃣ Medical Certification Requirement
The Haryana Government mandates certification from an official Medical Board for establishing permanent disability.
- ✔️ The certificate must confirm that the child is “completely dependent on the deceased employee and unable to earn a livelihood.”
- ✔️ The board must indicate whether the disability is permanent or temporary.
- ✔️ If temporary, review is done every 3 years to determine continuation.
Note: Certificates issued by private doctors or hospitals are not valid unless authenticated by the Civil Surgeon or Medical Board.
7️⃣ Guardianship & Payment Process
- If the disabled child is a minor or incapacitated adult, pension is paid through a legally appointed guardian.
- Guardian must furnish an undertaking to use the pension solely for the child’s welfare.
- Joint bank account (Guardian + Child) is preferred for payment.
- The Treasury/Bank ensures periodic verification of the guardian and beneficiary’s existence.
8️⃣ Rate of Family Pension
The pension payable to the disabled child is at the **normal family pension rate** under Rule 56:
| Situation | Rate of Family Pension |
|---|---|
| After death of employee (while in service) | 50% of last pay for 10 years, then 30% |
| After death of pensioner (post-retirement) | 50% of last pay for 7 years or up to superannuation, then 30% |
| Family pension for disabled child | 30% of last pay (for lifetime) |
9️⃣ Cessation of Pension
Family pension to a disabled or dependent child stops in the following situations:
- ❌ Upon death of the disabled child.
- ❌ Upon certification by a Government Medical Board that the disability no longer exists.
- ❌ Upon employment or financial independence of the disabled child.
In such cases, the pension account is closed by the Treasury and PPO is marked as “ceased.”
✅ Summary – Family Pension for Disabled/Dependent Children
| Rule Reference | Provision | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rule 55(iii) | Eligible Family Member | Disabled son/daughter eligible for lifetime pension. |
| Rule 56 | Rate | 30% of last pay (normal rate). |
| Rule 61 (Proviso) | Duration | Lifetime, subject to continued disability & dependency. |
| Rule 61-A | Medical Certificate | Issued by Govt. Medical Board confirming permanent disability. |
FAQs – Family Pension for Disabled Children
1. Is family pension for disabled children lifelong?
Yes. It continues for life as long as the child remains disabled and dependent on the deceased employee’s family.
2. Does the pension stop on marriage?
No. Marriage does not affect eligibility if the person remains financially dependent and medically certified as disabled.
3. Who receives the pension if the child cannot manage finances?
The pension is paid to a legally appointed guardian on behalf of the disabled child.
4. What medical proof is required?
A certificate from a Government Medical Board confirming permanent and total disability.
5. Can multiple disabled children receive pension?
Yes. If there are two or more disabled children, pension is shared equally or in order of birth after spouse’s death.
6. Does the pension increase with DA?
Yes. Family pensioners are entitled to the same Dearness Relief (DR) as regular pensioners.
7. Is this pension taxable?
No. Family pension is exempt from income tax under current laws up to a specified limit.
Conclusion
The Family Pension for Disabled or Dependent Children under Rules 55(iii) and 61 of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 provides lifelong financial support to children who are unable to earn due to physical or mental disabilities. This rule ensures compassionate protection and continuous care for the most dependent members of a government employee’s family. Employees should ensure that disabled children are properly declared in service records, supported by a valid medical certificate, to guarantee timely and uninterrupted lifetime benefits.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.