- Provides a monthly pension to senior citizens aged 60 years and above from below-poverty-line households.
- Gives ₹200 per month as central assistance for beneficiaries aged 60 to 79 years, and ₹500 per month from the age of 80.
- Upgrades the pension amount automatically once a beneficiary turns 80, without any fresh application.
- Pension is provided via DBT directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.
- NSAP 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 Vridhavastha Pension Yojana |
| Benefits |
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| Beneficiary | Eligible senior citizens aged 60 years or above 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 Vridhavastha Pension Yojana
In old age, many people from poor households have no regular income. The Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana is a central old-age pension scheme that gives eligible senior citizens from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households a monthly pension through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), now renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, which was launched on 15 August 1995 and is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Latest Update: New Name, Same Scheme
On 14 October 2026, the Government of India renamed the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) as Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana. The existing provisions stay the same. The Union Cabinet also approved continuing the programme for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore.
The application portals have not yet reflected the new names. On UMANG, search for “NSAP” and select “Old Age Pension” for now. If you already receive a pension under IGNOAPS, the renaming does not change your benefit.
Key Benefits
- ₹200 per month as central assistance for beneficiaries aged 60 to 79
- ₹500 per month from age 80, upgraded automatically with no fresh application
- Most states add a top-up from their own funds, so the amount you receive is usually higher than the central share
- Paid into the beneficiary’s bank or post office account by DBT
- Not limited to one person per household. Every eligible member of a BPL family aged 60 or above can receive it.
- Continues for life, subject to annual verification
- Funded entirely by the Central Government, so the minimum assistance is the same in every state and UT
Who Can Apply?
- An Indian citizen aged 60 or above, men and women
- Belonging to a BPL household under Government of India criteria
- No upper age limit. The amount simply rises at 80.
- Open to residents of rural and urban areas
- No cut-off date. Identifying beneficiaries is a continuous process.
- If an eligible person’s name is missing from the BPL list, they should not be left out. Their eligibility is to be established separately and their name added to the select list.
Documents Required
The final list varies by state, so confirm with your local pension authority.
- Filled and signed application form with a recent photograph
- Age proof, such as a birth certificate or school certificate
- Aadhaar card, ration card, and voter ID (EPIC)
- BPL details, including survey year, location, family identification number, and member identification number
- Bank or post office account details
- Signature or thumb impression on the form
How to Apply
Online (UMANG app or portal)
- Open UMANG and log in with your mobile number and OTP.
- Search for NSAP in the services section.
- Click Apply Online and select Old Age Pension.
- Fill in the details carefully and submit.
Offline (Gram Panchayat or Municipality)
- Collect the application form free of cost from the Gram Panchayat, Ward, or Municipal office, or download it from your state’s website.
- Fill it in, attach the documents, and submit it at the Gram Panchayat (rural) or Ward or Municipal office (urban).
- A Verification Officer or team checks eligibility and records a recommendation.
- The list goes before the Gram Sabha, Ward Sabha, or Area Sabha, then the Gram Panchayat or Municipality.
- The Sanctioning Authority at Block or Municipality level issues a sanction order.
- You receive a Pension Passbook with the sanction order and disbursement details.
You may not always need to come forward yourself. The guidelines expect Gram Panchayats and Municipalities to work from the BPL list and reach out to households directly. Several states also run their own pension portals and common service centres.
Related Support
Eligible senior citizens may also explore the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, which provides assisted-living devices.
Contact
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
Email: mis-nsap@nic.in