Pension for Journalists Family is a Tamil Nadu government scheme that gives a monthly pension to the wife of a deceased journalist who was receiving a pension from the state. Eligible families can apply under the scheme at any time and the payment continues as a regular monthly support after the journalist passes away.
Launched in 1998, the scheme is handled by Tamil Development, Religious Endowments and Information Department of Government of Tamil Nadu. When a journalist who is a pension beneficiary dies, the spouse becomes eligible for this family pension support.
Pension for Journalists Family - Introduction
This scheme is made for the wife of a journalist who was already receiving an official pension from the state. On the death of such a journalist, the pension continues for the surviving spouse so that the family does not lose its regular income. The support is given in cash every month.
As of August 2026, the scheme remains available for eligible families and there is no specific deadline to apply. Families of deceased journalists can approach the department and submit the required documents at any time.
Key Information
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pension for Journalists Family |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Family |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment, Women and Child |
| Eligible People | Spouse of deceased journalist |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Monthly Pension | ₹2,000 |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Tamil Development and Information Department |
| Tags | Spouse, Pension, Widow, Death |
Benefits
Eligible families receive ₹2,000 per month in cash under this scheme. As of August 2026, this is the listed monthly amount for the scheme. The payment helps the widow cover basic household expenses after the death of the journalist.
Journalist Pension Update 2026
In March 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced an increase in the pension and family pension given to journalists in the state. As per a report in The Hindu, the monthly journalist pension was raised from ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 and the family pension from ₹6,000 to ₹7,500. The announcement came after representatives of the Chennai Press Club met the Chief Minister at the Secretariat.
The state also directed officials to provide medical insurance under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme to journalists holding accredited identity cards, and to allot house plots in Chengalpattu district through the Tamil Nadu Housing Board. Beneficiaries of Pension for Journalists Family should check with the department to confirm the exact amount applicable to them, since the revised rates are part of the journalist pension framework.
Retired journalists can read the details of their separate monthly pension in the Pension Scheme for the Journalists post.
Eligibility
To get the benefit of this scheme, the applicant has to meet these conditions:
- The applicant must be the legal spouse of the deceased journalist.
- The deceased journalist should have been a contributor to the journalist pension program at the time of death.
- The benefit starts only on the death of the journalist who was receiving the pension payments.
Application Process
The application for this scheme is made offline. Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Tamil Nadu government scheme page for Journalists Pension and check for the application form. The prescribed form can also be collected from the office of Tamil Development, Religious Endowments and Information Department.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required fields in the form and attach self-attested copies of the documents asked for.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed and signed application form along with the documents to the Director, News Public Relations Department, Head Secretariat, Chennai-9.
STEP 4 - Take a receipt or acknowledgment from the office. The receipt should contain the date and time of submission and an identification number if it is given.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Two passport-size photographs attested by a government registered officer.
- Original death certificate of the deceased journalist.
- Proof of marriage to establish that the applicant is the spouse of the deceased journalist.
- Educational certificate of the applicant.
- Succession certificate issued by the appropriate revenue department office.
References
Official Scheme Page - Journalists Pension, Tamil Nadu Government
The Hindu - Tamil Nadu Raises Journalist Pension and Family Pension
FAQ's
What is Pension for Journalists Family?
It is a state scheme launched by Government of Tamil Nadu in 1998 to give a monthly pension to the wife of a journalist who was a pension beneficiary and has died.
How much money will the family get under this scheme?
The listed benefit is ₹2,000 per month under this scheme. Beneficiaries can check the exact rate with the department.
Who can apply for this scheme?
The spouse of a deceased journalist who was receiving a pension from the state at the time of death can apply.
When was this scheme launched?
Government of Tamil Nadu introduced this scheme in 1998.
Which department runs this scheme?
Tamil Development, Religious Endowments and Information Department handles the scheme.
Where should the application form be submitted?
Submit the form to the Director, News Public Relations Department, Head Secretariat, Chennai-9.
Is there any age limit to apply?
No age limit has been fixed by the government for this scheme.
Is there any deadline to apply?
No. There is no specific deadline and applications are accepted through the year.
Does the scheme give any extra payment apart from the monthly pension?
No. The scheme is limited to the monthly pension amount.