Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana (earlier Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Rural Development, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Monthly pension, earlier Rs 300, paid under NSAP |
| Who can apply | Poor widows aged 40 and above, living below the poverty line |
| How it is paid | Direct transfer to the beneficiary's bank account |
| Apply at | nsap.nic.in, or your gram panchayat, block or urban local body office |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- The widow pension is Rs 300 a month under the central scheme, as last revised.
- Only widows living below the poverty line can apply.
- The scheme was renamed in the recent Cabinet decision, but the widow pension continues in its existing form.
- Apply through your local panchayat, block or urban body office.
So what does a widow actually get?
The central government pays a monthly pension to eligible widows.
The amount was raised to Rs 300 a month from October 2012, and it is paid every month.
The money goes straight into the bank account of the beneficiary. No middleman handles it.
Amounts can change, so please confirm the current figure on nsap.nic.in.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The widow must be living below the poverty line.
She must be aged 40 years or above. The age limit was revised to 40 to 79 years in 2012.
Widows who already get a pension under another central or state scheme are generally not eligible for this one.
Check the latest guidelines on the official site before applying, as rules can be revised.
What is changing with the scheme name?
The Union Cabinet approved continuing the National Social Assistance Programme until 2030-31.
As part of the renaming, the widow pension is now called Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana.
The government said the pension schemes for the aged and widows will continue in their existing form.
So your application and your benefit do not change because of the new name.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card, and a bank account or passbook linked with Aadhaar.
Keep proof that your husband has died, such as a death certificate.
Keep a document showing your poverty status, such as a BPL card or income proof.
Keep a recent 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 widow pension scheme.
Fill in your Aadhaar number, name, age, address and bank details.
Upload the scanned documents, check the details, and submit the form.
Note the application number, so you can track it later.
- 1Go to nsap.nic.inLook for the pension application option under the widow pension scheme.
- 2Fill in your detailsEnter your Aadhaar number, name, age, address and bank details.
- 3Upload and submitUpload the scanned documents, check the details, and submit the form.
- 4Note the application numberKeep the application number so you can track your application later.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
How do you apply offline?
You can also apply at your gram panchayat, block office, or urban local body office.
Ask for the widow pension application form and fill it with help from the office staff.
Submit the form with copies of your documents, and ask for a receipt.
How do you check status, and what if the pension stops?
Use the application number on nsap.nic.in to check the status of your application.
If the pension is stuck, check that your bank account is linked with Aadhaar and that your details match.
You can also go to your panchayat or block office and ask them to check the record.
Helpline and important tips
For help, contact the NSAP office in your district or state, or visit nsap.nic.in for contact details.
Never pay any agent or person to get your pension. Government application is free.
Be careful of fake websites and calls asking for your OTP or bank details.
Frequently asked questions
Has the widow pension been removed?
No. The Cabinet renamed the scheme, but the widow pension continues in its existing form.
How much is the widow pension?
The central pension was raised to Rs 300 a month in 2012. Please check nsap.nic.in for the latest figure.
What is the age limit?
Widows aged 40 years or above can apply. The upper age limit was revised to 79 years.
Is the pension paid to the bank account?
Yes. The pension is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account.
Can I apply without going to an office?
Yes, you can apply online on nsap.nic.in. You can also apply offline at your local office.
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.
