Government Boosts Ex-Servicemen Support with 100% Hike in Financial Assistance

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the 100% increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen and their dependants has been implemented.  

The revised assistance applies to welfare schemes run by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board. Approval for the revision was granted in October 2025 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

Penury Grant Doubled 

Under the revised structure, the Penury Grant has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary.  

The grant is provided to aged, non-pensioner ex-servicemen and their widows who are above 65 years of age and have no regular source of income. The assistance is paid on a lifelong basis, subject to continued eligibility under the scheme. 

Education-Related Assistance Revised 

The Education Grant has also been revised upwards. Monthly assistance has been increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per child for up to 2 dependent children.  

The support covers education from Class I through graduation. Widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course are also eligible for the revised education assistance. 

Higher Marriage-Related Support 

Financial assistance under the Marriage Grant has been doubled from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary.  

The grant is available for the marriage of up to 2 daughters of an ex-serviceman. It also applies to widow remarriage, provided the marriage is solemnised after the issue of the revised government order. 

Funding Structure 

The welfare schemes are financed through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund. This fund operates under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund and is used to support ex-servicemen, widows and dependants who do not receive pension benefits. The Ministry said the funding structure for these schemes remains unchanged following the revision. 

Beneficiary Coverage 

According to the Ministry of Defence, the revised assistance targets non-pensioner ex-servicemen and their families, particularly those from lower-income groups.  

The updated rates apply to all eligible beneficiaries registered under the existing welfare framework at the state and district levels. 

Read More: Tamil Nadu Govt Announces ₹3,000 Cash for All Rice Ration Card Holders as Pongal Gift! 

Conclusion 

With the revised amounts now in effect, monthly and one-time financial assistance under key ex-servicemen welfare schemes has doubled, increasing support across income, education and marriage-related categories. 

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