To make sure government employees receive their pension and gratuity on time after retirement, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has issued a clear and structured timeline.
This timeline is based on the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 and explains all the steps that must be completed before an employee retires. Here are the complete details.
What Is a Superannuation Pension?
Superannuation pension is the pension an employee receives when they retire after reaching the official retirement age.
The retirement age is 58 years for superior service and 60 years for basic service.
Retirement upon reaching this prescribed age is known as superannuation.
DoPPW’s New Timeline for Pension Processing
15 Months Before Retirement – Retirement List (Rule 54)
Each Head of Department (HoD) must prepare a list of employees who will retire within the next 15 months.
This list must be updated by the 15th of every month.
12 Months Before Retirement – Government Accommodation Verification (Rule 55)
If an employee is living in government accommodation, all details must be verified one year before retirement.
This ensures timely issuance of the No Demand Certificate (NDC).
6–12 Months Before Retirement – Service Record Check (Rules 56 & 57)
The employee’s service book must be checked and corrected if needed.
This step is important for accurate pension calculations.
6 Months Before Retirement – Submission of Pension Form (Form 6-A)
Under Rule 57(2)(a), the employee must submit Form 6-A six months before retiring.
4 Months Before Retirement – Pension-Related Processing (Rules 59 & 60)
The Head of Office must complete Part I of Form 7.
Documents like the Pension Calculation Sheet (Format 10) should also be prepared.
2 Months Before Retirement – Issue of PPO
The Accounts Office must issue the Pension Payment Order (PPO) two months before the retirement date.
As per Rule 63(4)(a), a copy of the PPO and Form 6-A must be sent to the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO).
CPAO will issue the Special Seal of Authority within 21 days (Rule 63(4)(b)).
Within 21 Days – Special Seal of Authority
CPAO sends the Special Seal of Authority to the Pension Disbursing Authority.
Pension Payment on Retirement Day
On the day of retirement, the Pension Disbursing Authority releases the pension immediately to the employee.
