Retd radar engineer - airforce marries at age 86 after first wife dies

Dear Sir,

If a retired pensioner remarries after the death of the first wife, the second wife is legally entitled to family pension, provided:

The marriage was lawful and valid under personal law,

It was intimated to the Pension Sanctioning Authority (PSA) / Record Office / AFRO, and

The name of the new spouse was recorded in the service and pension records during the lifetime of the pensioner.

If these formalities were done — Yes, she will get the family pension after his death.


If marriage was after retirement but not notified

Even if the marriage was after retirement, it doesn’t invalidate the claim, because:

The Pension Rules do not restrict family pension to pre-retirement marriages only.

However, intimation to the Air Force Record Office (AFRO) / PCDA (Pensions) is required so that her name is recorded as “family”.

If the pensioner did not inform or update the records before death, the new wife must produce:

Marriage Certificate (registered),

Death Certificate of first wife,

Affidavit of lawful marriage,

Legal heir / next-of-kin certificate (from local Tehsildar or court),

Proof of dependency (if required).

The AFRO / PCDA may then verify and update records posthumously, often after obtaining administrative approval from Air HQ or MoD (Pensions).