- Gives widows from poor households a dependable monthly pension, not a one-time payout.
- Funded by the Central Government, with many states adding their own top-up on top.
- Pays a higher monthly amount once the beneficiary crosses into advanced old age.
- The pension amount will be credited to the beneficiary’s bank account via DBT.
- NSAP (National Social Assistance Programme) Contact Details
- National Social Assistance Programme Email: mis-nsap@nic.in
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Summary of the Scheme
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|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana |
| Benefits |
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| Beneficiary | Eligible widows belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. |
| Nodal Agency | Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Online and Offline. |
Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana
For a widow from a poor household, a regular monthly pension can make the difference in meeting basic expenses. The Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana is a central social security scheme that pays eligible widows from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families a monthly pension through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It runs under the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (formerly the National Social Assistance Programme, NSAP), administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Latest Update: New Name, Same Scheme
On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved renaming the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) as Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, as part of continuing the programme for 2026-27 to 2030-31. The announcement did not introduce a new pension amount or revised eligibility rules.
The other NSAP pension schemes were renamed too:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is now Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme is now Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana.
The application portals have not yet reflected the new names. On UMANG, search for “NSAP” and select “Widow Pension” for now.
Key Benefits
- ₹300 per month for eligible widows aged 40 to 79
- ₹500 per month once the beneficiary reaches 80 years
- These are central amounts. State governments may add their own top-up, so the total varies by state.
- Pension is credited to the beneficiary’s bank or post office savings account through DBT
- Available to eligible widows in rural and urban areas
Who Can Apply?
- A widow aged 40 to 79 years for the standard central category
- Belonging to a BPL household under the applicable criteria
- Meeting the verification requirements of her State or Union Territory
Confirm current rules with your local pension authority, as states handle verification and implementation.
Documents Required
The accepted list may vary by state.
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card, if available
- Proof of age, any one of: birth certificate, school certificate, ration card, or voter ID (EPIC). If none exists, an age certificate from a Government Medical Officer.
- Widow certificate confirming marital status
- Late husband’s death certificate
- BPL proof
- Proof of current residence
- Bank or post office savings account details
How to Apply
Online (where available in your state)
- Open the UMANG portal or app and log in or register with your mobile number.
- Search for NSAP and choose Widow Pension for your state.
- Fill in your personal, age, residence, and bank details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review, submit, and save the reference number.
Offline
- Visit your Gram Panchayat, Block Office, Municipality, or the designated pension office.
- Get the widow pension application form.
- Fill it in and attach the documents.
- Submit it and keep the acknowledgement.
- Wait for verification. After approval, check payment status through your state portal or local office.
Contact
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
Email: mis-nsap@nic.in