New Delhi. The Central Government has taken an important relief decision for the pensioners and their families covered under the National Pension System (NPS). Now the process of obtaining Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) has been made completely simple and digital. The main objective of this change is to provide relief to pensioners from unnecessary paperwork and visits to offices.

Now you will not have to make rounds for medical allowance

According to the new rules, pensioners will no longer need to submit any separate bill, form or document for medical allowance. The payment process will start automatically once the bank receives the necessary approval from the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO). The biggest change in this system is that the money will be automatically transferred directly to the pensioner’s bank account, and will not require any manual intervention. This payment will be made every three months i.e. on quarterly basis.

Necessary condition for continuous allowance

Although the government has simplified the process, pensioners will have to complete an important formality every year. It will be mandatory for them to submit their life certificate every year in November. If this certificate is not submitted on time, payment of the next installment may be stopped. Payment for the period September to November will be released in early December only when the life certificate has been updated.

Rules in case of change of bank or death of pensioner

Even if a pensioner transfers his bank account to another branch, his medical allowance will not be affected and payment will continue. At the same time, in case of death of the pensioner, if the name of the already authorized family member is present in the records, then the bank can proceed with the payment process only on the basis of the death certificate. If the name is not recorded, it will be necessary to take new permission from the concerned department.

Steps towards making the system more digital

The government aims to make this entire process completely digital and transparent. For this, system integration between the Central Pension Processing Center (CPPC) and CPAO of banks is being strengthened. This will not only speed up the payment process but will also reduce the chances of delays and errors to a great extent. The government claims that pensioners will not have to wait for any pension amount in future.