Updated ECHS Membership Eligibility Criteria for Dependents of ESM in 2025

The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a government initiative to provide comprehensive healthcare to Ex-Servicemen and their eligible dependents. While primary membership is granted to the Ex-Serviceman (ESM), several categories of family members and dependents can also avail benefits, subject to certain eligibility conditions.

Below is the structured summary of eligibility criteria for sons, daughters, spouses, and other dependents.

Eligible Dependents under ECHS

A. Spouse

Automatically eligible.
Must be legally wedded.
No age or income restriction.

B. Son

Eligible till the age of 25 years or till he starts earning, whichever is earlier.
If physically or mentally challenged for life and dependent on the ESM, eligibility continues beyond 25 years, with proper medical certification.

C. Daughter

Eligible till she starts earning or gets married, whichever is earlier.
If divorced or widowed and dependent, she may be eligible again, subject to conditions and documents.
Disabled daughters (physically/mentally challenged for life) are eligible for lifetime membership, if dependent.

D. Step-Children / Legally Adopted Children

Treated at par with biological children.
Must fulfill the same criteria as sons/daughters above.

E. Parents

Both mother and father are eligible if they are dependent on the ESM.
Must be residing with the ESM.
Dependency is defined as having income less than ₹9,000 + DA per month (as per the latest GOI orders).

F. Siblings (Brother/Sister)

Generally not eligible unless:
- They are wholly dependent on the ESM.
- Are unmarried, mentally/physically disabled, and residing with the ESM.
- Appropriate dependency certificate and medical proof are required.

8th Central Pay Commission & Pensioners’ Concerns – July 2025 Update

📜 2. Documents Required for ECHS Membership of Dependents

Dependents’ Aadhar card
Dependency certificate (for parents/siblings)
Income proof (e.g., affidavit, pension slip)
Disability certificate (if claiming permanent disability)
Birth certificate or proof of relationship (for children)
Marriage certificate (in case of spouse)
Divorce/death certificate (for divorced/widowed daughters)

⚖️ 3. Important Conditions and Clarifications

Annual renewal or verification may be required for dependents crossing the age threshold.
ECHS Smart Cards must be issued individually for each eligible dependent.
Married daughters, earning sons/daughters, and non-dependent relatives are not eligible.
No dual benefits: Dependents receiving benefits from another government medical scheme (CGHS, etc.) are generally not allowed ECHS benefits.

📝 4. Special Cases

A. Disabled Children

Must be declared permanently disabled.
Certificate from a Government Medical Board is mandatory.
Must be financially and physically dependent.

B. Divorced/Widowed Daughter

If living with ESM and financially dependent.
Must not be earning and not remarried.
Documentary evidence (divorce decree/death certificate) required.

❌ 5. Who is NOT Eligible?

Children above age threshold and earning.
Married daughters.
Parents earning above the prescribed income limit.
Distant relatives or dependents not part of the immediate family unit.
Step-parents and foster children (unless legally adopted and proven dependent).

📌 6. Procedure to Include Dependents

Log in to the ECHS online portal.
Apply for smart card for each dependent.
Upload relevant documents.
Wait for verification by Record Office & Station HQ.
On approval, card is printed and activated.

🛡️ 7. Final Notes

It is the responsibility of the ESM to update the status of dependents regularly.
Any false declaration may lead to cancellation of ECHS benefits.
Ensure timely renewal of documents and smart cards.