Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is a social security scheme of the Government of India that provides monthly financial assistance to widows belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. The scheme is implemented under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) by the Ministry of Rural Development in partnership with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. In addition to IGNWPS, the NSAP also implements other social assistance schemes such as the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS). The primary objective of IGNWPS is to provide a regular source of income to eligible widows, helping them meet essential day-to-day expenses and improve their financial security.

Under the NSAP Widow Pension scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹300 as Central Assistance. After attaining the age of 80 years, the pension amount increases to ₹500 per month under NSAP. In addition to the Central Assistance, many State Governments provide an extra pension from their own funds, enabling beneficiaries to receive a higher monthly pension based on the rules applicable in their respective State or Union Territory. The pension is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account or post office savings account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

To avail the benefits of the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, the applicant must be a widow aged 40 to 79 years and belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household. The scheme is available in both rural and urban areas, subject to the implementation guidelines of the respective State Government. Applicants are generally required to submit documents such as a widow certificate, age proof, death certificate of the husband, BPL proof, Aadhaar (if available), residence proof, and bank or post office account details. After verification by the designated authority, eligible applicants are included in the beneficiary list and begin receiving the monthly pension.

Eligible widows can apply for the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme either offline through the Gram Panchayat, Municipality, Block Office, or other designated authority, or online through the UMANG Portal where the service is available. As per the official NSAP Guidelines, applications should normally be processed within 60 days after successful verification. Since the scheme is implemented by individual States and Union Territories, beneficiaries may also receive additional financial assistance, simplified application facilities, and other support as notified by their respective State Governments.

Scheme Benefits

• Provides a monthly pension of ₹300 as Central Assistance to eligible widows.
• After attaining the age of 80 years, the beneficiary receives a monthly pension of ₹500 under NSAP.
• The pension amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account or post office savings account.
• Many State Governments provide an additional pension from their own funds, allowing beneficiaries to receive a higher monthly pension.
• The scheme provides regular financial support to help eligible widows meet their basic day-to-day expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be a widow.
• The applicant must be between 40 years and 79 years of age.
  • After reaching 80 years of age, the beneficiary receives the higher pension amount under NSAP.
• The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household.
• The applicant can be a resident of either a rural or urban area.
• The applicant must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the State Government for implementation of the scheme.

Required Documents

• Passport-size Photograph.
• Aadhaar Card (if available).
• Age Proof (any one of the following):
  • Birth Certificate
  • School Certificate
  • Ration Card (if Birth or School Certificate is not available)
  • Voter ID (EPIC) (if Birth or School Certificate is not available)
  • Age Certificate issued by a Government Medical Officer (if no other age proof is available)
• Widow Certificate.
• Death Certificate of the deceased husband.
• Below Poverty Line (BPL) proof or BPL Family Identification details.
• Residence Proof.
• Bank Account or Post Office Savings Account details.
• Ration Card (if available).
• Voter ID (EPIC) (if available).

Steps to Apply

The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is implemented by the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Eligible widows can apply either online through the UMANG Portal or offline through the Gram Panchayat, Municipality, Block Office, or any other authority designated by the respective State Government.

Online Application Process (UMANG Portal)

• Visit the UMANG Portal or open the UMANG mobile application.
• Log in using your registered mobile number.
• Search for National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) or the pension services available for your State.
• Select Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS).
• Fill in the online application form and upload the required documents.
• Submit the application and note the application reference number for future tracking.

Offline Application Process

• Visit the Gram Panchayat, Municipality, Block Office, or the designated office responsible for implementing the scheme in your area.
• Obtain the IGNWPS application form free of cost.
• Fill in the application form with the required details.
• Attach the required documents, including age proof, widow certificate, death certificate of the husband, BPL proof, residence proof, photograph, and bank or post office account details.
• Submit the completed application form to the designated authority.
• The concerned authority will verify the application and documents.
• Upon approval, the pension will be credited directly to the beneficiary's bank or post office account.

Note: Under the NSAP Guidelines, applications should normally be processed within 60 days after submission, subject to successful verification. Online availability through UMANG may vary depending on the State or Union Territory.

Relevant Links

• NSAP Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme Application Form.
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme Guidelines.
• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) Portal

Contact Information

• NSAP (National Social Assistance Programme) Contact Details