Pension arrears are the additional pension amounts payable to retired central government employees when their pension is revised due to new pay commissions or other government orders. Understanding how to calculate pension arrears is crucial for pensioners to verify their dues correctly.
What Are Pension Arrears?
Pension arrears refer to the difference between the old pension amount and the revised pension amount, calculated from the effective date of revision until the arrears are actually paid. When a new pay commission is implemented or pension benefits are enhanced, pensioners become eligible for arrears from the retrospective date.
Formula for Calculating Pension Arrears
The basic formula for pension arrears calculation is:
Pension Arrears = (Revised Pension – Old Pension) × Number of Months
Key Components to Consider:
Basic Pension: The primary pension amount before any additions
Dearness Relief (DR): Applicable DR percentage during the arrears period
Medical Allowance: Any revised medical allowance
Commutation: Impact on commuted pension if applicable
Step-by-Step Calculation Process
Step 1: Determine the effective date of pension revision and the date from which arrears need to be calculated.
Step 2: Calculate the difference between revised pension and old pension for each month, including DR increments.
Step 3: Account for any changes in DR percentage during the arrears period, as DR rates change every six months.
Step 4: Add any additional benefits like enhanced medical allowance or family pension revisions.
Step 5: Deduct applicable income tax based on total arrears amount.
Important Considerations
Tax Implications: Pension arrears may attract income tax. However, relief under Section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act can be claimed.
DR Variations: Since DR rates change every January and July, each period must be calculated separately for accurate arrears.
Commutation Impact: If pension was commuted, the arrears for commuted portion should be calculated differently.
Family Pension: In case of family pensioners, arrears calculation may differ based on applicable rates.
Documents Required for Claiming Arrears
PPO (Pension Payment Order) copy
Last pension slip before revision
Revised pension fixation order
Bank account details
Form 16 or income tax returns for claiming tax relief
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not accounting for DR variations during different periods
Forgetting to include medical allowance revisions
Incorrect calculation of tax deductions
Missing out on claiming Section 89 relief
Not verifying the effective date of revision
Conclusion
Pension arrears calculation requires careful attention to various components and time periods. Pensioners should maintain proper records and verify calculations with their pension disbursing authorities. For complex cases, consulting with pension cell offices or chartered accountants is advisable to ensure accurate calculation and proper tax planning.