The Government of Haryana has consistently taken measures to ensure the welfare, security, and dignity of ex-servicemen and their families. One such noteworthy welfare initiative is the Additional Pension to Widow of Ex-Serviceman Having Children scheme. Implemented by the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department, Haryana, this scheme provides financial support to widows of ex-servicemen who passed away while in service but not during battle. Recognizing that widows with children often face significant emotional and economic challenges, this scheme aims to offer additional monthly financial assistance to help them raise their children with dignity and stability.

The scheme primarily focuses on supporting up to three children of the deceased ex-serviceman. The additional pension is granted until the children reach the age of 20 years, get married, become employed, or in unfortunate cases, pass away—whichever occurs first. By providing this continued financial assistance, the Government ensures that the dependents of ex-servicemen are not left vulnerable and receive systematic support during their upbringing.

This article provides a comprehensive guide explaining the scheme’s objectives, benefits, eligibility, application procedure, documentation requirements, and other important details.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Additional Pension to Widow of Ex-Serviceman Having Children scheme has been introduced with the following principal objectives:

1. Financial Support to the Widow

To offer an additional pension to the widow of an ex-serviceman who died during service (non-battle death), helping her meet the expenses of raising her children.

2. Welfare of the Children

To ensure that the financial needs of the children are met until they reach a certain age or achieve financial independence.

3. Stability and Dignity

To support widows during emotionally and financially challenging times by ensuring that they can care for their children without additional burden.

4. Structured Support System

To create a transparent and structured mechanism where widows receive pension regularly, based on children’s continued eligibility.

Key Features of the Scheme

The scheme offers several impactful features aimed at supporting the dependents of the deceased ex-servicemen:

1. Designed Specifically for Widows with Children

The scheme exclusively benefits widows of ex-servicemen who lost their lives during active service but not in battle.

2. Additional Monthly Pension

The pension is provided in addition to the widow’s existing pension and is offered for up to three children.

3. Duration of Assistance

The additional pension for each child continues until the child:

• Reaches the age of 20 years
• Gets married
• Gets employed
• Passes away

(Whichever occurs earliest)

4. Category-Based Benefits

The pension amount differs based on the rank category of the deceased ex-serviceman.

5. Quarterly Payment Mode

Payments are made quarterly by the Secretary of the District Sainik Board through money order or cash, depending on convenience.

6. Continuous Eligibility Verification

Widows are required to submit a half-yearly eligibility certificate in June and December.

7. Mandatory Reporting

Widows must inform the authorities whenever any child becomes ineligible for the scheme.

Additional Pension Amount

The amount of additional pension varies based on the rank of the deceased ex-serviceman. Below is the detailed structure:

Mode of Payment

• Payment is made quarterly.
• Payment is made via money order or in cash, whichever is convenient.
• Payments are processed by the Secretary, District Sainik Board.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the benefits of this scheme, the applicant must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:

1. Relationship with the Ex-Serviceman

• The applicant must be the widow of an ex-serviceman.
• “Widow” refers to the surviving wife of a member of the Armed Forces whose death occurred while in service but not in any battle.

2. Residency

• The widow must be a resident of Haryana.

3. Children Covered

• Benefits are available only for up to three children.
• Each child continues to receive support until they:
  • Turn 20 years old
  • Get married
  • Become employed
  • Pass away
    (Whichever comes first)

4. Submission of Eligibility Certificate

• A half-yearly certificate (Form III) must be submitted in June and December.

5. Mandatory Intimation

• The widow must notify the District Sainik Board if a child becomes ineligible due to age, marriage, death, or employment.

Reservation Policy

This scheme does not follow the traditional reservation model. It is meant exclusively for the widows of ex-servicemen who meet the eligibility criteria. No caste-based, income-based, or religion-based reservation applies. All eligible widows receive equal treatment under the scheme.

Distribution of Pension Benefits

The distribution method is transparent and systematically regulated.

1. Authority Responsible

The Secretary of the District Sainik Board manages all pension disbursement activities.

2. Payment Cycle

• The pension is paid quarterly.
• Payments may be disbursed in cash or via money order.

3. Verification and Monitoring

District authorities continuously verify:

• Eligibility of the widow
• Status of the children
• Mandatory reports and declarations

4. Adjustments in Pension

If one or more children become ineligible due to age, employment, marriage, or death, the pension amount is reduced proportionately.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The application process is conducted through the Haryana Antyodaya-SARAL Portal. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide:

A. Registration on Antyodaya-SARAL Portal

Step 1: Visit the Portal

Go to the official Antyodaya-SARAL Portal for Haryana services.

Step 2: Create a New Account

If not already registered:

• Click “New User” under the Sign In section.

Step 3: Enter Details

Fill in:

• Name
• Email ID
• Mobile number
• Password
• State

Click Submit.

Step 4: Verify Email and Mobile Number

• Enter the OTP received on your mobile number and email.
• Complete registration.

B. Login and Application Submission

Step 1: Log In

Use your registered email ID, password, and captcha to log in.

Step 2: Open Services Section

Click on:

• Apply for Services
• View All Available Services

Step 3: Search the Scheme

Type the scheme name and locate Additional Pension to Widow of Ex-Serviceman Having Children.

Step 4: Download Affidavit

Download the predefined affidavit form/template and fill it out as required.

Step 5: Application Form

Click Proceed to Apply.

Step 6: Enter Family ID

Enter your Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID).

Click Fetch Family Data.

Step 7: Select Beneficiary

Select the eligible widow’s name from the family list.

Step 8: Verify via OTP

An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number of the selected family member.

Step 9: Fill Application

Enter all required details.

Step 10: Upload Documents

Upload the required documents clearly and correctly.

Step 11: Review and Submit

Preview the complete form and click Submit.

C. Tracking the Application

To check the status:

• Visit the Antyodaya-SARAL Portal.
• Enter:
  • Department Name
  • Scheme Name
  • Application Reference ID

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:

• Copy of Ex-Serviceman / Widow of Ex-Serviceman Identity Card
• Family Identity Card (Parivar Pehchan Patra)
• Original Discharge Book of Ex-Serviceman
• Domicile Certificate (Haryana)
• Copy of Bank Passbook linked with Aadhaar
• Applicant’s Photo ID Proof (Ration Card / Driving License / Voter ID / PAN)
• PPO (Pension Payment Order)
• Aadhaar Card
• Affidavit (as per prescribed format)
• Any other document required by authorities

Monitoring and Implementation

The Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department ensures:

• Timely distribution of pension
• Regular verification
• Transparent record-keeping
• Immediate correction of pension amount when children become ineligible

Annual and half-yearly audits ensure accuracy and prevent misuse of benefits.