Family Pension Rules: A key issue concerning the families of central government employees and pensioners has now become clear. The central government recently issued guidelines regarding family pensions, specifying who will receive the family pension and in what proportion if a government employee or pensioner has more than one wife alive at the time of death.

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, clarified in an Office Memorandum (O.M. No. 1/1(33)/2024-P&PW(K)/9629) issued on October 27, 2025, that the rules for pension distribution will be governed by the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021.

Who will receive the pension among the two wives?

According to DoPPW guidelines, the term ‘widow’ or ‘widower’ in Rule 50(6)(1) refers only to the legally married spouse. This means that only the spouse who is legally married will be entitled to the family pension.

According to Pension Rule 50(8)(c), if the deceased employee or pensioner has more than one widow, the family pension will be paid to both of them in equal shares. However, if one of these widows dies or loses eligibility, her share will be transferred to her eligible children.

Read Here: Home Loan: These 10 banks are offering home loan at cheap interest rate

Pension will not be given for an illegal marriage

The government has clarified that for employees covered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, a second marriage will be valid only if the first wife is no longer alive or the marriage has been legally dissolved.

If an employee marries a second time while the first wife is alive, the marriage will be considered illegal. In such a case, the second wife or her children will not be entitled to the family pension. This rule is in accordance not only with the Hindu Marriage Act, but also with the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.

Legal advice is mandatory.

In case of a dispute regarding pension matters involving two wives of an employee, the concerned department will be required to seek legal advice from the Department of Legal Affairs. Furthermore, the officer in charge of pension matters should be informed of all such matters to ensure a uniform policy across all ministries and departments.

Priority for Family Pension

The Central Government has also reiterated the priority order for the distribution of family pension. Under Rule 50(6), the right to pension will be given first to the widow or widower, whether the marriage took place during service or after retirement.

This right then extends to children—including adopted, stepchildren, and children born after retirement. Next, dependent parents, and finally, dependent siblings with physical or mental disabilities, may be eligible for a family pension.

Read Here: Bank Holiday – Banks Closed on October 31st, Check November Complete State – Wise List

Enhanced pension on death after retirement

The DoPPW has also clarified that if a government employee dies after retirement, their family will receive a family pension at the enhanced rate. According to Rule 50(2)(a)(iii), this enhanced pension will be paid for seven years or until the deceased employee attains the age of 67, whichever is earlier.

This provision applies to all central government employees, regardless of their retirement age. This also includes doctors in the Central Health Service (CHS) who retire at the age of 65.