New Delhi, Oct. 30 -- The Union Cabinet has approved a 3-percentage-point increase in Dearness Relief (DR) for central government pensioners, taking the rate from 60% to 63% of basic pension with effect from 1 July 2026.

The announcement came alongside the 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for central government employees on Wednesday. The revision will also benefit eligible family pensioners receiving benefits under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

The increase is intended to help pensioners and their families manage rising living costs. However, the additional amount will vary depending on the basic family pension payable under the respective pension arrangements.

Dearness Relief is an inflation-linked all...