Disability Pension Indian Army: Eligibility, Rules, Benefits, Income Tax Exemption

Disability pension Indian Army is a crucial financial support system provided to personnel who have suffered a disability during their service. The MoD or Ministry of Defence grant a monthly pension for disabled personnel, which includes all three wings, that is Army, Navy and Air Force. The disability pension is ruled under Pension Regulations for the Army, 1961, which was revised in 2008.

What is Disability Pension in the Indian Army?

Disability pension is a financial benefit that is provided to personnel who have been disabled due to causes that are attributable to or aggravated within the military service in the Indian Army. This benefit is aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals who are no longer able to serve in the armed forces since they retired on different medical grounds, such as permanent impairments or wounds caused during their service.

The pension amount is based on the severity of the disability, with higher amounts being provided for more serious disabilities. The objective is to ensure that those who have sacrificed their health and well-being in service to their country are able to live with dignity and security by providing them with a financial safety net. It is a vital support system for disabled veterans and their families who may need assistance with medical bills, housing, and other expenses.

Armed Forces Disability Pension Rules

Indian Army disability pension rules have recently been revised to ensure fair and timely disbursement of benefits to eligible personnel. The new rules focus on streamlining the application process, improving transparency, and increasing the quantum of benefits for disabled personnel.

The new rules "Entitlement Rules (ER) for Casualty Pension and Disability Compensation Awards to Armed Forces Personnel, 2023" were rolled out after a study was conducted focusing on the following areas of service - Armed Forces Medical Services and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. Nearly 40% of officers and 18% of personnel below officer rank withdraw disability pensions every year.

The new rules for disability pension have come into force from 21st September 2023 and have no retrospective effect.

Disability Pension Indian Army Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for disability pension armed forces include having a disability attributable to military service, being certified as medically unfit for further service, and satisfying certain service-related conditions. The disability should be assessed by a designated medical board to determine the percentage of disability.

 Indian Army Disability Pension Chart

The disability pension table or chart in the Indian Army outlines the percentage of disability and the corresponding pension amount payable to disabled personnel. The pension amount is calculated based on the rank, length of service, and the percentage of disability suffered by the individual. The amount of pension consists of two components - the service component and the disability component.

How to Apply for Disability Pension Online?

Applying for disability pension in the Indian Army can be done online through the official website of the Armed Forces “Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare”. The applicant needs to fill out the necessary forms, provide supporting documents, and undergo a medical examination by a designated medical board to assess the disability.

Disability Pension Indian Army Benefits

The benefits of disability pension in the Indian Army include –

• Monthly financial assistance
• Access to medical facilities
• Rehabilitation support, and
• Other welfare measures to ensure the well-being of disabled personnel and their families

The pension amount is determined based on the severity of the disability.

Disability Pension Indian Army Taxable or Not

Disability pension in the Indian Army is exempt from income tax under Section 10(14) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This exemption applies to the entire pension amount received by disabled personnel and is aimed at providing financial relief to individuals who have suffered a disability during their service.

How to Show Disability Pension in ITR?

To show disability pension in the Income Tax Return, disabled personnel need to mention the total amount received as disability pension under the exempt income section of the ITR form. This amount should be mentioned separately to ensure proper tax treatment and compliance with income tax laws.