Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

To provide financial assistance and social security to economically weaker and vulnerable sections of society, the Government of India launched the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) on 15 August 1995 under the Ministry of Rural Development. The programme was introduced to support people who are unable to earn a regular income due to old age, widowhood, disability, or the loss of the family's primary breadwinner. Through this initiative, the Government aims to ensure that such individuals receive a minimum level of financial assistance to help meet their basic needs and lead a life with dignity.

The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) currently consists of the following five social assistance schemes:

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNNWPS)
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
• National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
• Annapurna Scheme

Among these, the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is specifically designed to provide monthly financial assistance to elderly citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. As many senior citizens have little or no regular source of income after reaching old age, the scheme offers financial support to help them manage their day-to-day expenses and reduce their dependence on others.

Under the scheme, eligible Indian citizens aged 60 years and above receive a monthly pension from the Central Government. Beneficiaries aged 60 to 79 years receive ₹200 per month, while beneficiaries aged 80 years and above receive ₹500 per month. In addition to the Central Government's contribution, many State Governments also provide an additional pension amount from their own funds, resulting in a higher monthly pension for beneficiaries depending on their state.

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, while its execution, beneficiary identification, and pension disbursement are carried out by the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations in accordance with the NSAP guidelines.

Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme has been launched with the following objectives:

• To provide monthly financial assistance to elderly citizens belonging to BPL households.
• To ensure minimum social assistance for eligible senior citizens across the country.
• To provide uninterrupted pension support to eligible beneficiaries.
• To improve the financial security and quality of life of elderly citizens.
• To gradually expand pension coverage to all eligible BPL senior citizens.

Scheme Benefits

Eligible beneficiaries receive the following benefits under the scheme:

• Monthly pension of ₹200 for beneficiaries aged 60 years to 79 years.
• Monthly pension of ₹500 for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above.
• Regular financial assistance to help meet daily living expenses.
• Improved financial security for elderly citizens with limited or no regular income.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must fulfil the following eligibility conditions:

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household.
• The applicant must be 60 years of age or above.

Required Documents

Applicants should keep the following documents ready while applying:

• Duly filled and signed application form.
• Domicile Certificate.
• Residential Proof (Voter ID Card, BPL Card, Aadhaar Card, etc.).
• Age Proof (Birth Certificate, School Certificate, Municipal Certificate, or Medical Board Certificate).
• Aadhaar Card.
• Bank Passbook.
• Ration Card.
• Affidavit stating that the applicant is not receiving any other pension or financial assistance from any other source.

Steps to Apply

Eligible applicants can apply for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) online through the UMANG App or the UMANG Portal by following these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the UMANG Portal or App Download and open the UMANG App on your mobile phone. If you do not have the app installed, you can also visit the UMANG Portal using any web browser.
• Step 2: Register on UMANG If you are a new user, click on the "Login/Register" option and select "Registration." Enter your mobile number and verify it by entering the OTP received on your registered mobile number. Once the verification is complete, your UMANG account will be created.
• Step 3: Go to the Scheme Section After logging in, navigate to the Services section to access the available government services.
• Step 4: Search for NSAP In the search bar, type "NSAP." From the search results, select the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) service.
• Step 5: Click on "Apply Online" On the NSAP service page, click on the "Apply Online" option to begin the application process.

• Step 6: Select the Old Age Pension Scheme The application form will appear on your screen. From the list of available pension schemes, select "Old Age Pension" (Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme - IGNOAPS).

• Step 7: Fill in the Application Form Carefully enter all the required details in the application form and ensure that the information provided is correct and complete.
• Step 8: Submit the Application After filling in the application form, review the details and submit your application. Once submitted successfully, your application will be registered for further verification and processing under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).

Relevant Links

• Official Website of UMANG
• Official Website of National Social Assistance Programme
• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) Guidelines

Contact Information

Department of Rural Development

• Address: National Social Assistance Programme Division, Kartavya Bhavan 3, New Delhi - 110114
• Email ID: [email protected]
• Help Desk Portal: https://servicedesk.nic.in