Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Living with a severe disability can make it difficult for an individual to earn a livelihood, meet everyday expenses, and live independently. For families living below the poverty line, these challenges become even more difficult due to limited financial resources. Recognizing this need, the Government of India launched the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) in February 2009 under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, the scheme provides monthly financial assistance to eligible persons with severe disabilities, helping them meet their essential needs and lead a life with greater dignity and financial security.

The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) is intended for individuals who have 80% or more disability, including persons with physical disabilities, mental disabilities, and eligible persons with dwarfism. By providing a regular monthly pension, the scheme offers financial support to those who have little or no means of earning a stable income, enabling them to better manage their day-to-day living expenses.

Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries aged 18 to 79 years receive a monthly pension of ₹300, while beneficiaries aged 80 years and above receive ₹500 per month from the Central Government. In addition, several State Governments supplement this amount by providing an additional pension from their own resources, allowing beneficiaries to receive a higher monthly pension depending on the state in which they reside.

The scheme is financed by the Central Government under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), while the responsibility for identifying eligible beneficiaries, verifying applications, sanctioning pensions, and ensuring timely disbursement rests with the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations in accordance with the prescribed NSAP guidelines.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme has been introduced with the following objectives:

• To provide monthly financial assistance to persons with severe disabilities belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
• To strengthen social security for individuals who are unable to earn a regular livelihood because of their disability.
• To reduce the financial burden on disabled persons and their families by providing regular pension support.
• To help eligible beneficiaries meet their essential day-to-day expenses with dignity.
• To improve the overall quality of life and encourage the social inclusion of persons with severe disabilities.

Scheme Benefits

Eligible beneficiaries receive the following benefits under the scheme:

• Monthly pension of ₹300 for eligible beneficiaries aged 18 to 79 years.
• Monthly pension of ₹500 for eligible beneficiaries aged 80 years and above.
• Financial assistance is provided to persons having 80% or more disability, including eligible persons with dwarfism.
• The Central Government pension may be supplemented by an additional contribution from the respective State
• Government, depending upon the state's social security policy.
• Regular pension support helps beneficiaries manage their basic living expenses and reduce financial dependence.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility conditions to receive benefits under the scheme:

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• The applicant must be 18 years of age or above.
• The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household.
• The applicant must be suffering from a physical or mental disability.
• The applicant must possess a disability of 80% or more, certified by the competent medical authority.
• Persons with dwarfism are also eligible to apply under the scheme.

Required Documents

Applicants should keep the following documents ready while submitting the application:

• Duly filled application form (where applicable).
• Aadhaar Card.
• BPL Card.
• Disability Certificate showing 80% or more disability, issued by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Community Health Centre (CHC), or Primary Health Centre (PHC).
• Age Proof such as Birth Certificate or School Leaving Certificate. If these are unavailable, Ration Card or EPIC (Voter ID) may be considered. Where no valid proof exists, an age certificate issued by a Medical Officer of a
• Government Hospital may be accepted.
• Passport-size photographs.
• Bank Account Passbook for pension disbursement.

Steps to Apply

Eligible applicants can apply for the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) through the UMANG App or the UMANG Portal by following these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the UMANG Platform
  • Download the UMANG App on your smartphone or open the UMANG Portal through your web browser.
• Step 2: Sign In or Register
  • Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP. If you are a new user, complete the registration process before proceeding.
• Step 3: Search for NSAP Services
  • After logging in, search for "NSAP" in the Services section and open the National Social Assistance Programme.
• Step 4: Start the Online Application
  • Click on the "Apply Online" option to begin the application process.
• Step 5: Select the Pension Scheme
  • Choose "Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)" from the list of pension schemes available under NSAP.

• Step 6: Fill in the Application Form
  • Enter your personal details, Aadhaar number, disability information, bank account details, and other required information accurately.
• Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents
  • Upload the required documents along with your recent passport-size photograph.
• Step 8: Review and Submit
  • Verify all the information entered in the application form and click "Submit" to complete the application.
• Step 9: Track Your Application
  • Applicants can check the status of their application and pension payment through the UMANG platform after submission.

Relevant Links

• Official Website of UMANG
• Official Website of National Social Assistance Programme
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) 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