The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for another five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total budget of Rs 53,428 crore. The decision includes renaming all scheme components, revising eligibility rules for disability pensions, and maintaining existing old age and widow support schemes. The programme will serve approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and union territories.
Key facts
- Total budget approved: Rs 53,428 crore for five years (2026-27 to 2030-31)
- Beneficiaries: 3.20 crore people across 36 states and union territories
- Timeline for implementation: Guidelines to be issued and implemented within three months
- Disability pension rates: Rs 375 per month for ages 0-79 years; Rs 625 per month for 80 years and above
- Disability benchmark: Reduced from 80% to 40%
- Minimum age for disability pension: Now from birth (previously had a higher age limit)
Renaming of schemes
All five sub-schemes under NSAP have been given new names aligned with the Pradhan Mantri branding. The National Social Assistance Programme itself becomes Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is now called Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana. The widow support scheme becomes Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, while the disability scheme is renamed Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana. The family benefit scheme is now known as Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana. These changes are primarily nomenclature-based and do not affect the core functioning of old age and widow schemes.
Major changes to disability pension scheme
The Cabinet has made significant changes to the disability pension component to align with the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016. The benchmark disability level required to qualify for the pension has been lowered from 80% to 40%, making it easier for people with disabilities to access support. This change recognises that persons with disabilities face economic challenges even at lower disability levels.
Eligibility has also been expanded to include people with disabilities from birth. Previously, there was a higher minimum age requirement. The monthly assistance has been enhanced to Rs 375 for beneficiaries aged 0 to 79 years and Rs 625 for those aged 80 and above. The law requires disability assistance to be at least 25% higher than assistance given under other similar schemes, and these new rates reflect that requirement.
Old age and widow pensions unchanged
The Cabinet decision confirms that the old age pension scheme (now Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana) and widow pension scheme (now Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana) will continue operating under their current eligibility rules, coverage limits and benefit amounts. No changes have been made to these schemes as part of this approval. Similarly, the family benefit scheme continues without modification.
Background and constitutional mandate
NSAP was first launched on 15 August 1995 to provide assistance to poor households. The programme exists to fulfil the central government’s responsibility under Article 41 of the Indian Constitution, which lists social security as a Directive Principle of State Policy. By providing 100% central funding, the government ensures that beneficiaries receive uniform assistance regardless of which state they live in. The scheme predates modern disability rights legislation and has been updated to comply with current legal standards.
What this means for you
If you receive an old age pension or widow pension under NSAP, your benefits will continue without change. However, if you have a disability certified at 40% or higher, you may now be eligible for the disability pension for the first time. Young people and children with disabilities from birth can now access support, whereas this was not possible under previous rules. The enhanced monthly assistance rates mean higher income support for people aged 80 and above with disabilities. As a beneficiary, you will notice the scheme operating under new names, but the actual payment mechanisms and eligibility verification will remain similar to the current system.
What happens next
The Department of Rural Development will issue revised guidelines detailing the new eligibility criteria, beneficiary numbers and assistance rates for the disability pension scheme. These guidelines must be finalised and implementation must begin within three months of the Cabinet approval.