Govt Announces Extra Pension for Seniors Over 80

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has announced a significant new initiative for central government pensioners aged 80 and older, introducing an additional pension known as the compassionate allowance. This development comes with newly issued guidelines aimed at simplifying the process for retirees to access these supplementary benefits.

Key Announcement

New Initiative

• Introduction of an additional pension called compassionate allowance for central government pensioners aged 80 and above.

Objective

• To assist senior pensioners in managing their financial needs as they age.
• Additional Compassionate Allowance Structure

Pension Increases by Age Bracket,

• 80 to 85 years: 20% of basic pension/compassionate allowance.
• 85 to 90 years: 30% of basic pension/compassionate allowance.
• 90 to 95 years: 40% of basic pension/compassionate allowance.
• 95 to 100 years: 50% of basic pension/compassionate allowance.
• 100 years and older: 100% of basic pension/compassionate allowance.

Eligibility Criteria

Effective Date

• The additional pension will be applicable from the first day of the month in which the pensioner reaches the designated age.

Example

• A pensioner born on August 20, 1942, will be eligible for the additional 20% pension starting August 1, 2022.

Compliance and Implementation

Guidelines Issued

• New guidelines have been established to simplify the process for accessing these supplementary benefits for retirees.

Information Dissemination

• DoPPW has instructed all relevant departments and banks to inform eligible pensioners about these changes to ensure timely distribution of the additional allowances.

Purpose and Impact

Financial Assistance

• The compassionate allowance is designed to support pensioners in coping with the rising cost of living, which often increases with age.

Enhanced Support

• This initiative recognizes the contributions of senior citizens and aims to provide them with a dignified standard of living as they grow older.