In shortNSAP provides monthly central assistance of Rs 200 (age 60-79) or Rs 500 (80+) for elderly; Rs 300/500 for widows aged 40+; Rs 300/500 for disabled aged 18+; one-time Rs 20,000 family benefit on breadwinner death; and 10 kg free monthly foodgrains for uncovered senior citizens. States add top-ups.
Key facts
- Nodal ministry
- Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development
- Level
- Central and State
- Launched
- 1995
- Last date
- Open all year
NSAP is the country’s safety net for the very poorest people who cannot work. It has five parts. Three are pensions, for the elderly, for widows and for people with severe disability. The fourth is a one time payment of Rs 20,000 to a poor family that loses its main earner. The fifth, Annapurna, gives 10 kg of free foodgrains a month to old people who get no pension at all.
The central amounts are modest. An old age pensioner aged 60 to 79 receives Rs 200 a month from the centre, rising to Rs 500 once they turn 80. Widows get Rs 300 and persons with disability Rs 300, both rising to Rs 500 at 80.
Almost every state adds its own contribution on top, so what actually reaches your account is usually far more. Apply at your Gram Panchayat or Municipality with proof of age, BPL status and a bank account.
What you get
Monthly central assistance of Rs 200 for old age pensioners aged 60 to 79 and Rs 500 from age 80, Rs 300 for widows aged 40 to 79 and Rs 500 from 80, and Rs 300 for persons with severe disability aged 18 to 79 and Rs 500 from 80. The National Family Benefit Scheme pays a one time grant of Rs 20,000 on the death of the primary breadwinner, and the Annapurna scheme gives 10 kg of foodgrains a month free to eligible uncovered senior citizens. Most states add their own top-up to these amounts.
Who is eligible
- The household must be below the poverty line as per the state's BPL list
- For the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme the applicant must be 60 years or older
- For the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme the applicant must be a widow aged 40 years or older
- For the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme the applicant must be 18 years or older with 80 percent or more disability
- For the National Family Benefit Scheme the deceased primary breadwinner must have been aged between 18 and 59 years, and the claim must be made within a set period of the death
- For Annapurna the applicant must be an eligible senior citizen who is not receiving an old age pension
Documents you need
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- BPL card or income certificate
- Age proof such as birth certificate, school record or voter identity card
- Death certificate of the spouse for the widow pension, or of the breadwinner for the family benefit
- Disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority for the disability pension
- Bank or post office account passbook for Direct Benefit Transfer
How to apply
- Get the application form from your Gram Panchayat, Block Development Office, Municipality or the NSAP portal
- Fill the form for the relevant component and attach age, BPL, disability or death proof as required
- Submit it to the Gram Panchayat or Municipality, which verifies the details and forwards it to the sanctioning authority
- The district or block level authority sanctions the pension and the amount begins arriving by Direct Benefit Transfer
- Pensioners must submit an annual life certificate, which can now be done digitally through the NSAP app
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for NSAP old age pension?
You must be 60 years or older and your household must be below the poverty line as per your state's BPL list. You need Aadhaar, BPL card, age proof and a bank account to receive the monthly pension.
How much is the NSAP old age pension?
Central government pays Rs 200 per month for pensioners aged 60 to 79, and Rs 500 per month from age 80. Most states add their own top-up, so you receive more than the central amount.
What is the NSAP widow pension amount and eligibility?
Widows aged 40 years or older with BPL status get Rs 300 monthly (age 40-79) or Rs 500 from age 80. You need a death certificate of your spouse, Aadhaar, BPL proof and age proof to apply.
What is the NSAP disability pension?
Persons aged 18 or older with 80 percent or more disability and BPL status receive Rs 300 monthly (age 18-79) or Rs 500 from age 80. A medical disability certificate and BPL proof are required to qualify.
How much does NSAP family benefit give?
The National Family Benefit Scheme pays a one-time grant of Rs 20,000 to a poor family when the primary breadwinner, aged 18 to 59, dies. The claim must be submitted within the specified period after death.
How do I apply for NSAP pension?
Get the application form from your Gram Panchayat, Block Development Office or Municipality. Attach age proof, BPL card, Aadhaar and bank passbook. Submit to your Gram Panchayat or Municipality for verification and approval.
Before you apply: confirm every date, fee and eligibility rule on the official website linked on this page. Public and Policy is an independent portal, not a government body, and details change without notice.
