Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Pension Policy by Pensioner Portal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Pension Policy by Pensioner Portal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(Central Civil Pensioners)
Last updated/Reviewed: 04.11.2013

PENSION POLICY

A.1 Which rules govern Civil Pension?

Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules,1972.

    A.2 What is the formula for pension revision for pre-2006 pensioner/family pensioner?

In terms of para 4.1 of OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 1.9.2008, the pension/family pension will be consolidated w.e.f. 1.1.2006 by adding together (i) The existing pension/family pension,(ii) Dearness Pension, where applicable, (iii)Dearness Relief @24% of basic Pension/Basic Family Pension plus dearness pension as admissible vide OM No.42/2/2006- P&PW(G) dated 5.4.2006 and (iv) Fitment weightage @40% of the existing pension/family pension. Where the existing pension at (i) includes the effect of merger of 50% of DR w.e.f. 1.4.2004, the existing pension for the purpose of fitment weightage will be re-calculated after excluding the merged DR of 50% from the pension. The amount so arrived at will be regarded as consolidated pension/family pension w.e.f. 1.1.2006. The fixation of pension will be subject to the provision that the revised pension, in no case shall be lower than 50% of the minimum of the pay in the pay band plus the grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the Govt. servant retired.

    A.3 Whether all pre-2006 pensioners/family pensioners would get benefit under Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare O.M. NO.38/37/08- P&PW(A) dated 28.1.2013?

In the O.M. dated 28.1.2013, the minimum pension of pre-2006 retirees in the respective pre-1996/pre-2006 pay scale has been revised with effect from 24.9.2012. This minimum pension shall be applicable in case retirement was after qualifying service of thirty-three years. In case qualifying service was less than thirty-three years, the amount of this minimum pension shall be reduced proportionately. There will be no change in the pension of those pre-2006 pensioners whose pension (as revised with effect from 1.1.2006) is already equal to or more than this minimum limit.

In the case of family pensioner also the minimum family pension as mentioned in Col.10 of the Annexure to the OM dated 28.1.2013 shall be payable if the amount of family pension (w.e.f. 01.01.2006) is equal to or more than this minimum family pension, the same family pension shall continue to be paid

    A.4 What happens in case there is no change in pension under OM dated 28.1.2013?

Even where there is no change in pension/family pension as a result of the issue of OM dated 28.1.2013, a revised authority for no change will be issued by the PAOs.

    A.5 Who is to be approached for revision of pension/family pension in terms of O.M. dated 28.1.2013.

For revision of pension in terms of orders dated 28.1.2013, in cases where revision has already been done by PAOs consequent to 6th CPC, the revision may be affected at the level of PAOs. A copy of the revised authority may be sent to Head of Department (HOD)/Drawing & Disbursing Officer (DDO) for record. In cases where no revision has been effected, Head of Offices may follow normal procedure for revision of pension/family pension.

    A.6 What is the amount of minimum and maximum pension after Sixth CPC?

The pension shall not be less than Rs.3500/- and shall not be more than 50% of the highest pay in Government.

    A.7 Is Personal Pension discontinued with effect from 1.1.1996 ?

Yes.

    A.8 When can pension be withheld or withdrawn?

Under Rule 8 of CCS (Pension) Rule, Future good conduct is an implied condition of every grant of pension and its continuance under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. The pension or a part thereof can be withheld or withdrawn in such cases where a pensioner is convicted of a serious crime or found guilty of a serious or a grave act of misconduct/negligence after retirement, or during the period of service, including the service rendered upon re-employment after retirement. Under Rule 9, the President reserves the right of withdrawing pension/gratuity in full or in part or for ordering recovery from pension or gratuity or any pecuniary loss caused to the Govt., if, in any departmental/judicial proceedings, if the pensioner is found guilty of grave misconduct/negligence during the period of service, including service rendered upon re-employment after retirement.

    A.9 From where can we download the pension /nomination Forms ?

All forms are available at the website of Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare.

    A.10 When can a Government servant apply for voluntary retirement?

Under Rule 48, a Government servant can apply for voluntary retirement after completion of 30 years of qualifying service. Under Rule 48-A, he can apply for VR after completion of qualifying service of 20 years. Under FR 56(k) he can apply for VR an attaining the age of 50 years (for Gr. A & B) and 55 years (in other cases).

    A.11 Whether older pensioners will get higher rate of pension?

Yes, from 1.1.2006, the quantum of pension/family pension available to old pensioners/family pensioners has been increased as follows:- O.M.No. 38/37/08- P&PW(A) dated 2.9.2008 .

A.12 Is additional pension admissible to old family pensioners?

Yes, the rates related to additional pension as applicable in the case of old pensioners hold good for family pensioners, as well.

    A.13 Whether the provision of adding years in qualifying service for computation of pension is still in force?

The benefit of adding years of qualifying service for computation of pension/related benefits has been withdrawn w.e.f. 01.01.2006.

    A.14 Whether the provision of adding years in qualifying service has been withdrawn for calculating gratuity also?

Yes, w.e.f. 01.01.2006.

    A.15 Whether in the case of pensioners who are in receipt of more than one pension, the floor ceiling of Rs.3500/- will apply to the total of all pensions taken together?

It was clarified in Deptt. of Pension & PW’s OM No.38/38/02-P&PW(A) dated 23.4.2003 that in respect of civil and military pension, the floor ceiling taking the two pensions together will not apply and the individual pensions will be governed by respective pension rules. These instructions would continue to apply in the context of revised floor ceiling of Rs.3500/-p.m. Accordingly, the floor ceiling will apply individually in the civil and military pension. In case, a person is in receipt of pension as well as family pension, the floor ceiling of Rs.3500 will apply individually to such pension and family pension.

A.16 Whether the additional pension/family pension available to old pensioners would be payable from the date of attaining age of 80 years or above or from the first day of the month in which the date of birth falls?

The additional quantum of pension/family pension, on attaining the age of 80 years and above, would be admissible from the 1st day of month in which his date of birth falls. For example, if a pensioner/family pensioner completes age of 80 years in the month of August, 2008, he will be entitled to additional pension/family pension w.e.f. 1.8.2008. Those pensioners/family pensioners whose date of birth is 1st August, will also be entitled to additional pension/family pension w.e.f. 1.8.2008 on attaining the age of 80 years and above.

    A.17 Whether orders dated 28.1.2013 are applicable in the case of those absorbee pensioners who had received 100% lump sum and are in receipt of one-third restored pension?

It has been clarified in the OM dated 3.4.2013 that the notional full pension of the absorbee pensioners would also be stepped up w.e.f 24.9.2012 in accordance with the instructions contained in the aforesaid OM dated 28.1.2013. No arrear of DR and additional pension on notional full pension would be payable for the period prior to 24.9.2012.

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