⁠Pension Reform For Women: Divorced And Separated Daughters Can Now Claim Father’s Pension

Divorced or separated daughters no longer need to wait for a court ruling to claim their deceased father’s pension. If the divorce process had already begun during their parents’ lifetime, they could now access financial support without long legal battles.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who oversees the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), cited an example that a divorced or separated daughter can now claim her deceased father’s pension.  “Unlike the earlier rule, she has no longer to wait indefinitely for the outcome of a legal battle to claim a family pension from her deceased parents. If divorce proceedings were initiated during the lifetime of a pensioner, the daughter can now claim her pension benefits without awaiting the final court verdict,” he said.

This change eliminates a time-consuming and stressful process that previously left many women in financial distress.

The government sees this as a significant move towards women’s economic independence, ensuring pensioners and their families receive rightful benefits without unnecessary delays.

• Widows can retain pension after remarriage: Childless widows can now remarry without losing their late husband’s pension, provided their income stays below the minimum pension threshold. This reform is aimed at supporting widows in rebuilding their lives without financial insecurity.

• More control over family pension: Women pensioners now have the right to nominate their children over their husbands for the family pension. If they have initiated divorce proceedings or taken legal action against domestic violence or dowry harassment, they can ensure that their pension benefits are safeguarded for their children instead of their spouses.

Beyond pension reforms, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has introduced several measures to support women in government service:

• Flexible child care leave: Single mothers can avail of up to two years of leave in phases, including overseas travel with their children.

• Extended maternity benefits: Paid leave is now granted in cases of miscarriage and stillbirth.

• Workplace support: More working women’s hostels, creches in government offices and expanded market access for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

These policy changes reflect a broader commitment to gender inclusivity, making it easier for women to balance work and personal responsibilities while securing their financial future.