There has been a long-standing demand to reduce the existing age limit for additional pensions to retired central employees. However, the government has once again clarified its stand on this matter. The central government said that there is no plan to reduce the minimum age eligibility for additional pensions to retired central employees.

No approval on reducing the minimum age limit for additional pension

The central government has made it clear that the minimum age for additional pension will remain 80 years. In response to a question asked in the Lok Sabha, the government said that there was a proposal to increase this limit to 65 years, but it has not been approved.

An MP asked whether the government is considering reducing the age limit to 65 years as per the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Grievances of Pensioners, and if so, he also sought detailed information about it. In response to this question, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in the Lok Sabha that on the recommendation of the Sixth Pay Commission, the government has approved 20% additional pension at the age of 80 years, 30% at the age of 85 years, 40% at the age of 90 years, 50% at the age of 95 years and 100% at the age of 100 years.

He said that with increasing age, especially health-related needs also increase, so provision for additional pension has been made. However, there is no plan to reduce the minimum age eligibility for additional pension.

Will the rules on additional pension age change for central employees?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee had recommended giving additional pension from the age of 65 in 2021. The government considered it and also submitted its report in 2022. After this, the committee decided not to take the issue forward. That is, at present the government has no plans to reduce the minimum age eligibility. How is payment made to central government pensioners?

The government has assured that the payment of additional pensions is made automatically through banks and pension distribution agencies. Instructions are also issued from time to time to avoid any delay or disturbance in this.

How will the impact of rising inflation be reduced on pensions?

Pensioners are given Dearness Relief (DR), which applies to both their basic pension and additional pension. Its rate is the same as that of dearness allowance (DA).

Possibility of change in pensionable age in future?

At present, the government does not intend to make any changes to this rule. But given rising inflation and cost of living, the government will keep an eye on this issue. It is clear from this decision of the government that one should not expect to get additional pension before the age of 80. At present, Dearness Allowance is the only support for retired central employees, through which they can get some relief.

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