Answer By law4u team
When a veteran passes away, it is important for the family members or legal heirs to report the death to the relevant authorities. This ensures that the deceased veteran’s pension benefits, posthumous entitlements, and other welfare benefits are properly processed and transferred to the rightful beneficiaries, such as the spouse or children. The process involves submitting key documents, such as the death certificate and pension-related paperwork, to the respective pension or defense authorities.
Steps to Report a Veteran’s Death:
Obtain the Death Certificate:
The first step is to obtain an official death certificate from the local municipal authority or registrar. This document serves as proof of the veteran’s death and is essential for initiating the process of reporting the death to the defense and pension authorities.
Contact the Relevant Military or Pension Office:
The family or legal heirs should contact the Defence Pension Disbursing Office (DPDO) or the Zila Sainik Welfare Office (District Ex-Servicemen Welfare Office) to report the death. The specific office depends on where the veteran was registered for pension and other benefits.
Prepare and Submit Required Documents:
The family or heirs should submit the following documents to the concerned office:
- Death Certificate of the veteran.
- Pension Payment Order (PPO) or details of the veteran’s pension account.
- Discharge Book or Service Records to verify military service details.
- Identity Proof of the legal heirs (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.).
- Marriage Certificate (if the widow or spouse is the claimant).
- Children’s Birth Certificates (if the children are claiming benefits).
This documentation helps verify the claim and initiates the pension transfer process.
Inform the Bank:
If the veteran received their pension through a bank, the family should inform the bank where the pension was being disbursed about the veteran’s death. The bank will stop the pension payments and assist in transferring any dues to the entitled family members.
Apply for Family Pension:
After reporting the death, if the surviving spouse or children are entitled to family pension or widow pension, they need to submit a formal application for this benefit. This is usually done at the Defence Accounts Department or the relevant pension office, depending on where the veteran was registered.
Check for Posthumous Benefits:
If the veteran’s death occurred due to service-related causes, the family may be eligible for enhanced benefits, such as a Liberalised Family Pension. In this case, the family should ensure that they submit documentation proving the service-related nature of the death.
Follow Up and Receive Benefits:
After submission of the necessary documents, the pension authorities will process the family pension and other benefits, such as medical care under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). The family should follow up regularly to ensure that the process is completed and the entitled benefits are provided.
Complete the Formalities with the ECHS:
The surviving spouse or family members should also report the death to the ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) if the deceased veteran was a member. This is essential for ensuring that the family can continue to receive medical care through the ECHS network, where applicable.
Example:
If a retired Army veteran passes away, the family will:
- Obtain the death certificate from the local registrar.
- Visit the Defence Pension Disbursing Office (DPDO) and submit the necessary documents like the death certificate, PPO, and the veteran’s discharge book.
- If the widow is the claimant, she will also submit the marriage certificate to prove eligibility for the family pension.
- The family will apply for the family pension at the appropriate office, and the authorities will verify the documents and process the claim.
- Once verified, the family will begin receiving the family pension and may also apply for enhanced benefits if the death was service-related.
Conclusion:
Reporting the death of a veteran is a critical step to ensure that the family or legal heirs receive the due benefits, such as family pension, medical assistance, and other welfare support. By following the correct procedure—gathering necessary documents, contacting relevant authorities, and applying for the appropriate posthumous benefits—families can ensure that they are properly supported during a difficult time. The process involves coordination between the pension office, military authorities, and other government agencies to facilitate the transfer of entitlements and benefits.
