What Is a Defence Pension Scheme?

The Defense Pension Scheme provides financial support to retired armed forces personnel and their families, ensuring post-retirement stability and security. It includes various pensions and benefits linked to years of service or injuries sustained.

Features of the Defence Pension Scheme

The Defense Pension Scheme provides regular income after retirement for defence personnel and their families. It covers multiple pensions, such as service pension and disability pension. The scheme also offers inflation-linked increases, healthcare benefits, and access to other central government schemes for defence pensioners, creating a strong safety net post-service.

Types of Defence Pension Scheme

The Defense Pension Scheme comprises several categories, each designed to meet different situations for defence personnel and their families.

Service Pension

Service pension is granted to defence personnel who complete the required qualifying service. This pension provides retired members with a steady income, forming the core of the Defense Personnel Pension Scheme. The amount depends on service length and last drawn pay.

Family Pension / Vidhwa Pension

Family pension, also called Vidhwa Pension, offers financial support to the spouse or dependents of deceased defence personnel. It is paid monthly and helps families manage daily expenses, recognising their sacrifice.

Special Family / Vidhwa Pension

Special family pension is granted when defence personnel die due to service-related causes. It offers a higher monthly amount than a standard family pension, providing added support to widows and dependents.

Liberalised Family / Vidhwa Pension

Liberalised family pension is provided when personnel lose their lives during war, border skirmishes, or active operations. The family receives the full pay last drawn by the deceased.

Disability Pension

Disability pension supports defence personnel who suffer injuries or illnesses during service. It includes a service element and a disability element, depending on the extent of disability and rank.

War Injury Pension

War injury pension is given to personnel injured during war or operations. It consists of a service component and a war injury component. Eligible members must submit a war injury pension claim form to apply.

Invalid Pension

Invalid pension is offered to personnel who are medically boarded out without completing the minimum service requirement. It provides financial support when service cannot continue due to health issues.

Reservist Pension

Reservist pension applies to personnel released after fulfilling reserve liability but without qualifying for a service pension. It provides fixed monthly financial support.

Benefits of the Defence Pension Scheme

The Defense Pension Scheme provides several benefits that support financial security, healthcare, and lifestyle for retired defence personnel and their families.

Regular Income

The scheme ensures a stable monthly income after retirement, helping pensioners and families manage everyday expenses comfortably.

Inflation Adjusted

Pension amounts are periodically revised to keep pace with inflation, protecting pensioners from rising living costs.

Medical Benefits

Retired personnel and families receive medical benefits, including access to military hospitals and government healthcare schemes.

Housing Benefits

Housing benefits include subsidised loans and priority access to government housing schemes to support a secure post-retirement life.

Travel Concessions

Travel concessions on trains and select airlines make travel affordable for pensioners and their families.

Post-Retirement Benefits

Additional benefits include canteen services, welfare programmes, and financial assistance schemes to improve quality of life.

Defence Pension Regulations

The Defense Pension Scheme operates under regulations issued by the Ministry of Defence. These rules define eligibility, pension amounts, and conditions for various pension benefits.

Documents Required for Defence Pension Scheme

Applicants must submit documents such as discharge certificates, service records, medical reports, identity proof, and war injury pension claim forms where applicable.

Maximize Your Benefits with the Defence Pension Scheme

The Defence Pension Scheme ensures income stability, healthcare access, and lifestyle support, honouring the service and sacrifice of armed forces personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions