A major announcement by Ministry of Defence for ex-servicemen and dependents, financial assistance increased by 100%.

New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali 2025, there’s significant good news for ex-servicemen and their families. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has announced a 100 percent increase in financial assistance to ex-servicemen and their dependents. The Ministry of Defense issued an official statement stating that this increased benefit will be available under schemes run by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Central Military Board.

The Ministry of Defense stated that the poverty grant has been doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing lifelong assistance to elderly and non-pensioner ex-servicemen over the age of 65 and their widows who do not have a regular income.

The education grant for two dependent children (from Class 1 to graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year graduate course has been increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per person. The marriage grant has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹100,000 per beneficiary. This grant is applicable to marriages solemnized after the issuance of this order, up to a maximum of two daughters of ex-servicemen, and for widow remarriage.

The revised rates will apply to applications submitted from November 1, with an annual financial implication of approximately ₹257 crore. This will be paid from the AFFDF. These schemes are funded through the Defence Minister’s Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). This decision will strengthen the social security system for non-pensioner ex-servicemen, widows, and dependents from low-income groups.