Question 1

What is Dearness Allowance (DA)?

Accepted Answer

DA is a cost-of-living top-up paid as a percentage of your basic pay to offset inflation. It's revised twice a year (usually effective January and July) and, as of January 2026, stands at 60% of basic pay.

Question 2

What are DA arrears?

Accepted Answer

When a new DA rate is announced, it usually takes effect from an earlier date than when it's actually paid. Arrears are the difference between the new and old DA, owed for each month in that gap, paid as a lump sum.

Question 3

How is DA arrears calculated?

Accepted Answer

Arrears = (new DA % − old DA %) × your basic pay × the number of months of arrears. For example, a 2% DA rise on a ₹42,000 basic is ₹840 a month; over 3 months that's ₹2,520.

Question 4

When is DA revised?

Accepted Answer

Twice a year — typically with effect from 1 January and 1 July — based on the All-India Consumer Price Index. The announcement and payment often come a few months after the effective date, which is what creates arrears.

Question 5

Is this calculator official?

Accepted Answer

No. It's an illustrative tool based on the standard DA formula and the published 7th CPC pay matrix, and it's not affiliated with or endorsed by any government body. Refer to official notifications for exact figures.

How much DA arrears are you owed?

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