This guide explains NOK action after defence pensioner death, outlining the exact steps to report the death on SPARSH, initiate family pension, manage ECHS/CSD/ZSB cards, and complete bank, AGIF, and municipal formalities. You’ll find a practical checklist, documents required, deadlines (like DSP-PAI within one year), and tips to avoid delays caused by name mismatches or missing life certificates. Follow this step-by-step roadmap to secure benefits smoothly and protect your family’s entitlements.
Quick Overview (What to Do First)
- If death was due to an accident, Lodge FIR and obtain written police permission before the last rites.
- For all cases:
- Obtain a Medical Certificate with the cause of death.
- Coordinate last rites with the nearest Station HQ (if required/feasible).
- Obtain at least 20 copies of the Death Certificate from the Registrar of Birth & Death/Municipality (ensure name matches PPO).
- Report death on SPARSH → Start Family Pension → Upload Life Certificate (family pension will not commence until this is uploaded).
- Complete ECHS/CSD/ZSB, bank, AGIF, ZSWO and other follow-ups (see checklists below).
SPARSH: NOK Action After Defence Pensioner Death
Where: SPARSH Portal → Services → For Family → Report Event → Start Family Pension/Death Reporting
Steps:
- Log in and feed details of the deceased and the eligible family pensioner.
- Upload: Death Certificate, Cancelled Cheque of spouse/claimant, and other documents as asked.
- PCDA (P) Prayagraj approves the request, and a PPO in the spouse’s name is generated.
- Credentials for the spouse are provided via SPARSH.
- The spouse must log in and submit a Life Certificate (essential: pension starts only after the Life Certificate is uploaded).
Pro tip: Keep scans (PDF/JPG) of the Death Certificate, Aadhaar, PPO, bank passbook/cheque, PAN, marriage certificate, and mobile/email ready.
Essential Post-Death Actions (NOK Checklist)
| Task | What to Do | Notes/Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| ECHS/CSD/ZSB Cards | Apply for DSP PAI (if eligible) through the bank with a copy of the Death Cert. | Process primary membership changes and return cards to the deceased’s family. |
| Bank/DMAT Accounts | Close or update accounts clearly; shift pension destination to spouse’s account as per SPARSH. | Carry Death Cert., PPO, KYC, relationship proof. |
| DSP-PAI | Dispose of as per rules if any weapon is registered on NSP. | Within 1 year. |
| NSP Weapon | Take help from the licensing authority/Police. | Contact AGIF with the required forms. |
| AGIF | Claim Extended Insurance (if applicable). | Contact AGIF with the required forms. |
| ZSWO | Visit Zila Sainik Welfare Office for ID card, guidance, grants, and endorsements. | Very helpful for document vetting. |
| Station HQ | For Demise Grant (JCOs/OR where applicable). | Check local policy/record office. |
Inform & Coordinate with Concerned Agencies
- Records Office (for your regiment/arm/service)
- PCDA (P) Prayagraj (pension sanction & PPO)
- Banks for LTA (leave encashment/dues if applicable)
- AGIF (extended insurance benefits)
- ZSWO (identity card for dependents, counselling)
- Station HQ (demise grant for JCOs/OR where applicable)
- ADLR for Dependent Canteen endorsement (where applicable)
Where Applicable: Civil Side Updates to Avoid Future Problems
- Municipal authorities (electricity/water/gas name change/closure)
- Telecom (landline/post-paid) termination or transfer
- IT Department (final returns/closing file as needed)
- UIDAI (Aadhaar) and PAN updates for spouse/nominee
- Licensing authorities (motor vehicle transfer; arms license formalities)
- LIC/GIC/PLI/other insurers for policy claims
- Clubs/associations (membership closure/transfer)
- Court for Probate of Will and Succession Certificate (when required)
Documents You’ll Commonly Need
- Original Death Certificate + 20 attested copies
- PPO (original & copy)
- Aadhaar, PAN, Address proof of spouse/NOK
- Marriage Certificate (or legal proof of relationship)
- Bank documents: Passbook/Cancelled Cheque of spouse
- Service documents: Discharge book/Service book (if available)
- Photographs of spouse/NOK (passport size)
- Any relevant Nomination papers (AGIF, bank, PLI, etc.)
Common Mistakes That Delay Family Pension
- Name mismatch between Death Certificate and PPO → Ensure exact spelling
- Not uploading the Life Certificate after SPARSH approval
- Forgetting to block the ECHS/CSD/ZSB cards of the deceased
- Missing the DSP-PAI 1-year deadline
- Submitting unclear scans (blurry or clipped documents)
Suggested Timeline (You Can Print & Tick ✅)
Day 0–3
- FIR (if accident) + police written permission (before last rites)
- Medical Certificate with cause of death
- Coordinate with the nearest Station HQ (if needed)
- Apply for Death Certificate (ask for 20 copies)
Day 4–10
- Report death on SPARSH → Start Family Pension request
- Keep documents/soft copies ready; watch for PCDA (P) approval
- Spouse logs in with credentials → Uploads Life Certificate
Day 10–30
- Visit ZSWO, Bank, AGIF, ECHS/CSD/ZSB
- Block/return cards; initiate AGIF/LTA claims
- Dispose of NSP weapon (if any)
Within 1–3 Months
- Civil side updates (Aadhaar/PAN/utility/telecom/vehicle)
- Begin court formalities for Probate/Succession if assets require it
Within 12 Months
- DSP-PAI application (if eligible)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) When will the family pension actually start?
After PCDA (P) approves your SPARSH request, and the spouse uploads the Life Certificate. Pension credit typically begins with the next cycle post-approval.
2) How many Death Certificate copies should I carry?
The process commonly needs multiple attestations; keep 20 to avoid repeated visits.
3) Do I need to return the ECHS/CSD card immediately?
Yes. Block/return the deceased’s cards and process dependent endorsements via ECHS/ZSB to avoid misuse and to continue lawful benefits for dependents.
4) What if names differ between documents?
Correct the Death Certificate or update bank/SPARSH records so the name matches the PPO exactly; mismatches cause delays.
5) Is court involvement always necessary?
Not always. Probate/Succession is needed when banks/insurers require it or when there’s no clear nomination.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one is hard. This step-by-step 2025 roadmap helps the Next of Kin move through the essential SPARSH, bank, ECHS/CSD/ZSB, AGIF, and civic processes without missing critical deadlines. Keep copies of all documents, maintain a simple file naming system for uploads, and lean on your ZSWO and Records Office—they’re there to help.
