The Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 provide comprehensive provisions for Family Pension under Rules 54–61 (Chapter VIII). Family Pension ensures financial support to the family of a deceased government servant or pensioner. These rules define who qualifies as a family member, the rate of pension, duration of benefit, and important conditions governing payment and cessation.
1️⃣ Rule 54 – When Family Pension Becomes Payable
- Family Pension becomes payable in two cases:
- When a government servant dies while in service, after completing at least 10 years of qualifying service.
- When a government servant dies after retirement while in receipt of pension.
- If the employee dies before completing 10 years of service, no pension is admissible, but gratuity is paid to family members.
- In both cases, family pension is payable from the day following the date of death of the employee or pensioner.
2️⃣ Rule 55 – Eligibility for Family Pension
Eligible Family Members (in order of priority):
- Spouse – Widow or widower of the deceased employee/pensioner.
- Son/Daughter (including adopted child) – Up to age 25 years or until marriage/employment, whichever is earlier.
- Unmarried/Widowed/Divorced Daughter – After 25 years, if dependent on the deceased.
- Dependent Parents – Only if the deceased employee is unmarried and parents were wholly dependent on him/her.
- Disabled Son/Daughter – Eligible for lifelong family pension subject to medical certification and continued dependency.
Important Notes:
- If both husband and wife are government employees, the surviving spouse is entitled to family pension separately under each service.
- Adopted children legally adopted before death are eligible.
- Step-children are included if wholly dependent and declared so in the service record.
3️⃣ Rule 56 – Rate of Family Pension
Family Pension is payable at two distinct rates — the **Enhanced Rate** and the **Normal Rate**.
1. Enhanced Rate (Higher Rate):
- Payable for a limited period to the surviving spouse after death of the employee or pensioner.
- Rate: 50% of last emoluments drawn by the employee (i.e., the pension equivalent to full retirement pension).
- Duration:
- 10 years from the date of death if the employee died in service after at least 7 years of qualifying service.
- 7 years from the date of death or up to the date the employee would have attained age of superannuation, whichever is earlier, if death occurs after retirement.
2. Normal Rate (After Enhanced Period):
- After expiry of enhanced period, the pension reduces to 30% of the last pay drawn or average emoluments.
- This normal rate continues for the rest of the eligible period for the spouse or other family member.
Example:
| Last Pay Drawn | Enhanced Rate (50%) | Normal Rate (30%) |
|---|---|---|
| ₹60,000 | ₹30,000/month (first 10 years) | ₹18,000/month (after 10 years) |
4️⃣ Rule 57 – Duration of Family Pension
- Spouse: For life or until remarriage, whichever is earlier.
- Son: Until age 25 years or marriage/employment, whichever is earlier.
- Daughter: Until age 25 years or marriage/employment, whichever is earlier. For unmarried/widowed/divorced daughter – until she marries or becomes self-dependent.
- Parents: For life, if wholly dependent and the deceased employee was unmarried.
- Disabled Child: Lifelong, provided disability and dependency continue (requires annual medical certificate).
5️⃣ Rule 58 – Special Conditions and Termination
- Family pension stops if the recipient:
- Remarries (in case of widow/widower),
- Becomes employed under Government or self-sufficient, or
- Dies.
- In such cases, family pension passes to the next eligible member in the order of priority.
- Unmarried/widowed/divorced daughters must submit dependency and unmarried certificates annually.
6️⃣ Rule 59 – Family Pension in Case of Both Spouses Being Government Servants
- If both husband and wife are government servants:
- On death of one spouse, the survivor is entitled to family pension from the deceased spouse’s account.
- On the death of both, their eligible children receive two family pensions — one for each parent, subject to prescribed limits.
7️⃣ Rule 60 – Sanction and Payment Process
- Family pension is sanctioned by the Head of Office of the deceased employee’s department.
- After verification and submission of Form 3 (Family Details) and Form 2 (Nomination), the case is forwarded to the Accountant General (A&E), Haryana for PPO issuance.
- Payment is made monthly through the Treasury or authorised bank, like other pensions.
- The PPO includes endorsement for family pension to ensure automatic continuation after pensioner’s death.
8️⃣ Rule 61 – Family Pension to Post-Retirement Spouse or Child
- If a government pensioner marries or adopts a child after retirement:
- The new spouse or adopted child is eligible for family pension,
- Provided such marriage/adoption is legally valid and declared to the pension sanctioning authority before death.
- In absence of declaration, no pension is admissible to post-retirement dependents.
✅ Family Pension Rates & Duration Summary (Rules 54–61)
| Category | Rate of Pension | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse (Death in Service) | 50% of pay for 10 years, then 30% | For life or until remarriage |
| Spouse (Death after Retirement) | 50% for 7 years or till superannuation age, then 30% | For life or until remarriage |
| Son/Daughter | 30% of pay | Up to 25 years or marriage/employment |
| Disabled Son/Daughter | 30% of pay | For life (if disability continues) |
| Unmarried/Widowed/Divorced Daughter | 30% of pay | Until marriage or self-employment |
| Parents (Unmarried Employee) | 30% of pay | For life, if dependent |
📄 Documents Required for Family Pension Sanction
- ✅ Form 2 – Nomination for Family Pension
- ✅ Form 3 – Family Details (verified by Head of Office)
- ✅ Death Certificate of employee/pensioner
- ✅ Legal heir or succession certificate (if required)
- ✅ Aadhaar and Bank Account details of spouse/eligible member
- ✅ Joint photograph and specimen signature
- ✅ Medical certificate (for disabled child, if applicable)
FAQs – Family Pension Rules in Haryana
1. What is the family pension rate in Haryana?
50% of last pay for the first 10 years (enhanced rate) and 30% thereafter (normal rate).
2. Who is eligible for family pension?
Spouse, dependent children, unmarried/widowed/divorced daughter, and dependent parents (for unmarried employees).
3. How long is family pension payable?
For spouse — for life or until remarriage; for children — up to 25 years or until marriage/employment.
4. Can two family pensions be received?
Yes, if both husband and wife were government employees and both are deceased (Rule 59).
5. Does adopted child get family pension?
Yes, if legally adopted before death and declared in records.
6. Is remarriage allowed without losing pension?
No. Remarriage disqualifies a spouse from receiving family pension unless it’s to the deceased’s brother/sister as approved by Government.
Conclusion
Under Rules 54–61 of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016, family pension serves as vital financial protection for dependents of deceased employees. It ensures that a portion of the government servant’s earnings continues to support the family after death. To avoid delays, employees should regularly update their family details and nominations in the Service Book, and families should submit all required documents promptly to the concerned Head of Office.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.