Widow and Old Age Pension: Registration & Benefits – A Simple Guide
In India, many people, especially the elderly and widows, live in poverty and struggle to meet their daily needs. To support such vulnerable groups, the Indian government has introduced various pension schemes. These include the Old Age Pension Scheme (Vridhavastha Pension) and the Widow Pension Scheme (Vidhwa Pension).
These schemes aim to give monthly financial support to help elderly and widowed women live with dignity. In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about Widow and Old Age Pension – how to apply, who can get it, and what the benefits are – in simple and easy language.
๐ง What is the Old Age Pension Scheme?
The Old Age Pension Scheme is for senior citizens who have no regular income or support. The scheme provides a monthly pension to help them buy food, medicines, and meet daily expenses.
There are both central and state versions of this scheme. One of the most popular is the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
๐ฉ๐ฆณ What is the Widow Pension Scheme?
The Widow Pension Scheme provides financial help to women whose husbands have died and who do not have enough income or family support. Just like the old age pension, this scheme is also available under NSAP and by individual states.
The pension amount may vary from state to state, but the purpose is the same – to help widowed women live with dignity.
✅ Who Can Apply?
For Old Age Pension:
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Applicant must be a citizen of India
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Age must be 60 years or above
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Belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) or low-income category
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Must not be receiving a regular salary or other pension
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Should not be financially supported by family
For Widow Pension:
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Must be a widow (husband is no more)
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Age between 40 and 59 years (may vary by state)
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Must belong to BPL or low-income category
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Must not have remarried
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Should not be receiving other pension or regular income
๐ธ Pension Amount
The amount given under these pension schemes depends on the government and the state you live in.
Central Government Pension:
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₹200 to ₹500 per month under NSAP
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Additional amount is provided by State Governments
Example:
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In Uttar Pradesh, the pension for widows is ₹500/month
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In Delhi, old age pension is ₹2,000/month for those above 70 years
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In Rajasthan, widows and old people get ₹750–₹1,000/month depending on age
The pension is usually directly credited to the beneficiary’s bank account every month.
๐ Documents Required
To apply for these pension schemes, you need to submit the following documents:
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Aadhaar card
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Age proof (Birth certificate, Aadhaar, or voter ID)
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Death certificate of husband (for widow pension)
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Income certificate
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Bank account passbook
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BPL card or Ration card
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Passport-size photograph
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Domicile/residence certificate
All documents must be self-attested or attested by a local authority.
๐ฅ️ How to Register for Widow/Old Age Pension?
There are two main ways to apply for these schemes:
1. Online Registration
Most states have online portals where you can register for pension schemes.
Steps:
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Go to your state’s official Social Welfare Department or Pension Yojana Portal
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Select the scheme you want to apply for – Old Age or Widow Pension
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Fill in personal details – name, address, age, income, bank account etc.
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Upload all necessary documents
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Submit the application
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Note down your registration/application number
๐ Once approved, the pension will start coming to your bank account directly every month.
2. Offline Registration (Through Jan Seva Kendra or Panchayat)
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can apply through:
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Jan Seva Kendra (CSC)
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Block Office or Gram Panchayat
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Social Welfare Department Office
Take your documents, fill out the form, and submit it to the officer. They will process your application.
๐ How Long Does It Take?
After applying, it usually takes 30 to 60 days for the application to be verified. Once approved, the pension amount is credited every month.
๐ฒ How to Check Status?
You can check the status of your pension application online by:
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Visiting your state pension scheme website
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Clicking on “Application Status” or “Beneficiary List”
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Entering your application number or Aadhaar number
You’ll see whether your application is approved, pending, or rejected.
๐งพ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can a person get both widow and old age pension?
No, a person can get only one type of pension at a time under NSAP.
❓ What if I get remarried?
If you apply for widow pension and get remarried, you must inform the authorities. Your pension will be discontinued.
❓ Is there any fee for applying?
No, registration is free. If someone demands money, you can complain to the local authority or helpline.
❓ Can I update my bank account or mobile number?
Yes, you can visit the pension office or apply online to update details.
☎️ Helpline Numbers
Most states have a toll-free number for pension-related queries. You can also call National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) Helpline or visit your local CSC or Block office.
✅ Final Thoughts
Widow and Old Age Pension Schemes are an important support system for people who have no source of income in their later life. These schemes help them live independently and with dignity.
The application process is simple, and the benefits are real. If you are eligible or know someone who might be, please help them register today. A small step can bring big relief in their life.
Remember:
“Pension is not charity – it is a right.”
Let’s ensure that every eligible widow and senior citizen gets what they truly deserve.
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