Can Both Spouses Claim HRA and Separate Quarters in the Same Organization?

Entitlement to HRA for Spouses in the Same Organization

If a husband and wife are employed in the same office and organization, are both entitled to HRA?

Allocation of Family Quarters

If family quarters are allotted, do both need separate quarters?

Understanding House Rent Allowance (HRA)

HRA is House Rent Allowance. If yours is a progressive organization, then HRA is given to both spouses, as notionally both incur some expenses. A declaration can be taken from both employees stating that each one is incurring expenses not less than the HRA amount, for record purposes. If not, there is no need to pay both.

In the early '80s, if one was staying in a government accommodation allotted to a relative, then the employee was not entitled to HRA. Progressively, this rule changed.

This is not a legal riddle, as there is no binding legal provision in any statute applicable in the matter. Nevertheless, it is a riddle.