Divorced Daughters Can Claim Father’s Pension? Here’s What You Should Know

In a major relief for divorced and separated daughters, the government has eased the process of claiming a deceased father’s pension. Earlier, women in such situations had to go through lengthy legal battles, often waiting years to get their rightful pension benefits.

However, now the rules are a bit different. If the divorce proceedings were initiated while the father was still alive, the daughter can directly claim the pension without waiting for a final court verdict.

In an exclusive interview with a news agency, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh stated that a divorced or separated daughter can now claim her deceased father’s pension. The minister announced this change which is a part of broader pension reforms that aim to provide financial security to women.

He further highlighted that the government is working to remove bureaucratic hurdles that make life difficult for pensioners and their families.

A Step Towards Financial Stability for Women

For years, many divorced and separated daughters might have faced financial hardship due to outdated pension rules that required them to complete lengthy legal formalities before receiving any benefits.

The change in pension rules ensures that women who are financially dependent on their parents don’t have to suffer due to prolonged court cases.

Other Pension Reforms for Women

Along with allowing divorced daughters to claim family pensions more easily, the government has also introduced other measures to support women facing challenging circumstances. These include;

Widows can still receive pensions after remarriage: If a widow remarries and her total income remains below the minimum pension threshold, she will continue to receive her deceased husband’s pension. This move is meant to help women rebuild their lives without losing financial security.

More pension rights for women in troubled marriages: Women who have filed for divorce or cases under domestic violence or dowry laws can now nominate their children for family pension instead of their husbands. The step has been taken in recognition of the challenges faced by women in marital discord.

The government has now allowed a woman pensioner to nominate her children for a family pension over her husband if she has filed for divorce or initiated proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act or Dowry Prohibition Act. This measure provides greater financial security to women who are facing domestic hardship.

Support for childless widows: Previously, widows without children would lose their deceased husband’s pension if they remarried. Now, they can continue receiving it as long as their other income remains below the minimum pension level.

Beyond Pension

Other than these pension reforms, the government has further introduced benefits for working women to bring-in more inclusivity for them. For instance, Child Care Leave (CCL) policies have been made more flexible. Now, the rules allow-

• Single mothers to avail themselves of the leave for up to two years in a phased manner

• Women employees to travel abroad with their children during the leave period

Moreover, maternity benefits have been extended to include provisions for women who suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth, ensuring they receive necessary paid leave and support during recovery.

Faster Resolution for Pensioners’ Issues

The government has further been working to streamline pension-related issues. In the latest session of the Pension Adalat, an initiative launched to resolve pension disputes, 490 out of 531 complaints were settled on the spot.

The minister also emphasised that these reforms are a step towards making women more financially independent.