Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, now renamed Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Rural Development, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Rs 300 a month for ages 60 to 79, and Rs 500 a month for ages 80 and above, under the earlier rates |
| Who can apply | Citizens aged 60 and above who live below the poverty line |
| How it is paid | Directly into the beneficiary's bank account |
| Apply at | nsap.nic.in, your gram panchayat, urban local body or district social welfare office |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- Pension is for citizens aged 60 and above who are below the poverty line.
- The scheme has been renamed as Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.
- Those aged 80 and above get a higher monthly amount.
- Applications are checked by the local government before the pension starts.
So what exactly does a senior citizen get?
Under the older rates, a beneficiary aged 60 to 79 gets Rs 300 a month. Of this, Rs 200 is from the Centre and Rs 100 is from the state.
Those aged 80 and above get Rs 500 a month.
Some states add their own top-up over the central amount, so the total can be higher in some places.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The government has recently announced changes to amounts for some categories. Amounts can change, so please confirm the current figure on nsap.nic.in.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The main rule is age. You must be 60 years or above.
You must also live below the poverty line, as shown in your household records.
Only Indian citizens are eligible.
People who already get a pension under another government scheme for the elderly may not be eligible for a second one.
What has changed with the scheme name?
The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.
The National Social Assistance Programme itself has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
The rules for the old-age pension continue in their existing form, so you can apply under either name.
Why did the government start this pension?
The NSAP was launched on August 15, 1995.
It is based on Article 41 of the Constitution, which asks the State to help citizens in old age and other cases of need.
The Centre pays the full central share, and money goes directly to bank accounts.
The scheme now runs under a fresh five-year approval up to 2030-31.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card and your age proof, such as a birth certificate or school certificate.
Keep your BPL card or other proof that your household is below the poverty line.
Keep a bank account or passbook in your name, linked with Aadhaar if possible.
Keep a passport size photograph and a mobile number.
How do you apply online?
Go to nsap.nic.in and look for the pension application option under the old-age pension scheme.
Fill in your name, age, Aadhaar number, address and bank details.
Upload your documents if the portal asks for them, then submit the form.
Note down the application number you receive.
How do you apply offline?
You can apply at your gram panchayat, urban local body or the district social welfare office.
Ask for the old-age pension application form and submit it with your documents.
Staff may verify your details before the case is approved.
How do you check status, and what if the pension is stuck?
Check the status of your application on the NSAP portal using your application number.
If the pension is not coming, check that your bank account is active and linked with Aadhaar.
You can raise a complaint with your gram panchayat, block office or district social welfare office.
Never pay any agent or middleman to get your pension approved. Such requests are fraudulent.
Is there any helpline or important tip?
Contact your local gram panchayat or urban body office for help with the form.
Keep copies of all your documents and your application number safe.
Verify any information on the official portal nsap.nic.in before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
Can both husband and wife get the old-age pension?
Yes, each person aged 60 or above can apply separately if they meet the rules. Each application is checked on its own.
Is there a last date to apply?
This pension is generally open throughout the year. Confirm the current process on nsap.nic.in or with your local office.
Is the pension the same in every state?
The Centre gives a base amount. Some states add extra money, so the total may differ from state to state.
Is there any fee to apply?
No, applying for the pension is free. Do not pay any agent who asks for money.
Does the scheme have a new name?
Yes, it is now called Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana. The old name still appears in many records.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
