The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has introduced new guidelines for central government pensioners aged 80 and above, offering an additional pension known as the compassionate allowance. This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to older pensioners, helping them manage their expenses as they age.
Key Features of the Compassionate Allowance
- Eligibility: Central government pensioners who are 80 years old or above.
- Purpose: To support senior pensioners with rising living costs, offering them enhanced financial stability.
- Effective Date: The allowance becomes active from the first day of the month in which the pensioner reaches the specified age.
- Streamlined Process: New guidelines aim to make it easier for retirees to access these benefits.
Additional Pension Structure
The compassionate allowance is distributed based on the pensioner’s age, increasing at different milestones:
| Age Bracket | Additional Pension (%) |
| 80 to 85 years | 20% of basic pension |
| 85 to 90 years | 30% of basic pension |
| 90 to 95 years | 40% of basic pension |
| 95 to 100 years | 50% of basic pension |
| 100 years or older | 100% of basic pension |
Implementation and Compliance
The DoPPW has instructed all related departments and banks to ensure the smooth distribution of these allowances. Guidelines have been issued to streamline the process, ensuring that eligible pensioners receive their benefits without delays.
Example of Eligibility
For instance, a pensioner born on August 20, 1942, will become eligible for a 20% additional pension starting from August 1, 2022, upon reaching the age of 80.
Purpose and Impact of the Initiative
The compassionate allowance is an essential step in acknowledging the contributions of senior citizens and ensuring they have a dignified lifestyle as they age. It provides a much-needed boost to their financial security, addressing the growing cost of living and health care expenses.
News Summary
- Launch: New guidelines introduced for additional pension (compassionate allowance) for central government pensioners aged 80+.
- Age-Based Increase: 20% to 100% additional pension depending on age.
- Simplified Process: Guidelines make it easier for retirees to access benefits.
- Effective Date: Benefits start from the first day of the month when pensioners reach the specified age.
Support Initiative: Addresses rising living costs for senior citizens.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
Central government pensioners aged 80 years or older are eligible for the additional pension benefits.
Pensioners aged 90 to 95 receive 40% of their basic pension as an additional allowance.
The allowance begins on the first day of the month when the pensioner reaches the designated age.
The allowance helps senior pensioners manage increased living costs and supports their financial needs.
DoPPW has instructed banks and departments to inform eligible pensioners to ensure timely distribution of the allowances.
The process has been simplified under the new guidelines, reducing paperwork for retirees.
Besides the compassionate allowance, various health and welfare schemes are in place to support senior pensioners.