Integrated Social Security Scheme - Women in Distress

Jammu and Kashmir government runs the Integrated Social Security Scheme - Women in Distress for destitute widows, divorced women and deserted women. From 1 April 2025, the monthly pension is ₹1,250 below 60 years of age, ₹1,500 at 60 to 79 years, and ₹2,000 at 80 years and above, up from the earlier flat ₹1,000.

Social Welfare Department revised these rates through Government Order No. 96-JK (SWD) of 2025. The money goes straight to the pensioner's bank account through DBT payment.

Integrated Social Security Scheme - Women in Distress 2026

This scheme has been running since 1995. Women in Distress is one part of the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), which also covers old age persons, physically challenged persons and transgender persons. ISSS is funded by the UT government of Jammu and Kashmir.

Widows from BPL families aged 40 years and above can also check the centrally sponsored Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, which pays at the same revised rates.

Benefits

Women below 60 years of age get ₹1,250 a month. The amount rises to ₹1,500 at 60 years and to ₹2,000 at 80 years. The higher rate is paid from the month after the pensioner enters the new age group. Payment is made monthly to the bank account once the District Level Sanctioning Committee approves the case.

Eligibility

To get this pension, you should meet the following conditions:

• You must be a resident of Jammu and Kashmir.
• You should be a destitute widow, a divorced woman, or a woman who has been deserted.
• Your total annual income should be less than ₹75,000, or you should belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
• You should be at least of legal marriageable age. There is no upper age limit, as the revised rates cover women aged 80 and above.

Application Process

Applications are submitted offline at the social welfare office:

STEP 1 - Collect the application form free from your local District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) or Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO). You can also view the form here: Official Application Form.

STEP 2 - Fill out the form and attach proof of age, income certificate, proof of your marital status, and address proof.

STEP 3 - Submit the signed application with documents to your local Tehsil Social Welfare Officer and get a receipt to track the status later.

STEP 4 - The office checks your details and sends the application to the District Level Sanctioning Committee, headed by the Director General of the Social Welfare Department, for approval.

STEP 5 - Once approved, the pension is paid to your bank account every month.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready for your application:

• Proof of residence (such as your Ration Card or Voter Card).
• Death certificate of your husband (required if you are applying as a widow).
• Income certificate showing annual income of less than ₹75,000 or proof of BPL status.
• Copy of your Aadhaar card.
• Copy of your bank passbook.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.

References

• Pension Enhancement Order (GO 96 of 2025)
• Department of Social Welfare, UT of Jammu and Kashmir
• Official Guidelines (PDF)
• Download Application Form
• Widows/Women in Distress - J&K Kashmir Directorate

FAQ's

How much is the widow pension in J&K now?

From 1 April 2025, it is ₹1,250 a month below 60 years, ₹1,500 at 60 to 79 years, and ₹2,000 at 80 years and above.

Can divorced or deserted women apply?

Yes. Divorced and deserted women with income below ₹75,000 a year or BPL status get the same rates as widows.

Who approves the pension applications?

A District Level Sanctioning Committee led by the Director General of the Social Welfare Department, Jammu or Kashmir, depending on your district.