About Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)
The Tamil Nadu Government has introduced a new pension system called the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) to make sure government employees get a safe and guaranteed income after retirement.
This scheme brings back the idea of an assured pension instead of depending only on market-based pension systems.
Let’s understand what this scheme offers and how it helps employees and their families.
Let’s understand what TAPS is, who is eligible, and how it works.
Summary of Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Assured pension | 50% of last salary |
| Employee contribution | 10% |
| DA increase | Twice a year |
| Family pension | 60% |
| Gratuity | Up to ₹25 lakhs |
| Minimum pension | Yes |
| Special pension for CPS retirees | Yes |
50% Assured Pension
Under TAPS, government employees will get 50% of their last drawn monthly salary as pension after retirement.
To make this possible:
Employees will contribute 10% of their salary every month.
The Tamil Nadu Government will provide the remaining amount needed to ensure the full 50% pension.
So the pension is guaranteed and not dependent on market returns.
Dearness Allowance (DA) Increase Every Year
Just like serving government employees, pensioners will also get Dearness Allowance (DA) increases twice a year.
This helps the pension amount keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
Family Pension – 60%
If the pensioner passes away, the family will not be left without support.
The nominated family members will receive 60% of the pension amount as family pension.
Gratuity Up to ₹25 Lakhs
When an employee retires or if they die during service, they will receive a gratuity amount of up to ₹25 lakhs, depending on their length of service.
This is a one-time financial support given at retirement or death.
Minimum Pension for Everyone
Even if an employee retires without completing the full qualifying service required for pension, they will still receive a minimum pension.
This ensures that no government employee is left without any retirement income.
Special Pension for CPS Retirees
Employees who:
- Joined under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), and
- Retired before the new TAPS scheme started, and
- Did not receive any pension
will now be given a special compassionate pension.
This corrects the gap faced by employees who retired during the transition period.
Similarities with Old Pension Scheme
- 50 % of Pay Last Drawn is the Pension
- Dearness Relief equivalent to DA
- Family Pension
- DCRG – Death Cum Retirement Gratuity
- Minimal Pension for those who don’t have enough Qualifying Service
The Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) is a positive step to ensure financial security for government employees after retirement. It brings back stability, removes uncertainty, and protects both retirees and their families.
FAQs: TAPS
What is the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)?
TAPS is a pension scheme introduced by the Tamil Nadu Government that guarantees a fixed pension to government employees after retirement, instead of depending on market-linked returns.
How much pension will I receive under TAPS?
You will receive 50% of your last drawn monthly salary as pension.
Do employees have to contribute to this scheme?
Yes. Employees will contribute 10% of their salary. The Tamil Nadu Government will provide the remaining amount needed to ensure the full pension.
Will pension increase over time?
Yes. Pensioners will receive Dearness Allowance (DA) increases twice a year, just like serving government employees.
What happens to the pension if the pensioner dies?
If the pensioner passes away, the nominated family members will receive 60% of the pension amount as family pension.
Is gratuity available under this scheme?
Yes. At retirement or death during service, employees will receive a gratuity amount up to ₹25 lakhs, depending on their length of service.
What if I retire without completing the full qualifying service?
Even if you do not complete the full qualifying service, you will still receive a minimum pension under TAPS.
I retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and did not get any pension. Will I get anything now?
Yes. Such retirees will be given a special compassionate pension under TAPS.
Is TAPS better than the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)?
TAPS offers a guaranteed pension backed by the government, while CPS depends on market returns. So TAPS provides more stability and predictability.
Who should consider this scheme important?
All current and future Tamil Nadu government employees, as well as CPS retirees without pension, should understand TAPS because it directly affects retirement income and family security.