AI SummaryIndira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is a social welfare scheme run by the Government of Tamil Nadu for destitute senior citizens. It supports people aged 60 and above living below the poverty line with a monthly pension of ₹1,000, along with extra support like free clothing and food security through Anganwadi centers. The scheme is still open and eligible senior citizens can apply through the e-Sevai portal or a Common Service Center.
Update (17 October 2026): Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) has a new name: Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana. Union Cabinet approved the change on 14 October 2026 and also continued the National Social Assistance Programme, now called Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with ₹53,428 crore. Only the name has changed for old age pension. Eligibility, pension amount, documents and the way to apply stay the same, and existing pensioners keep getting their pension as before.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme - Introduction
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme helps destitute senior citizens in Tamil Nadu live with dignity. It is supported by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department and provides a monthly pension of ₹1,000 to eligible people who are at least 60 years old and belong to households below the poverty line. For those aged 80 and above, the total support can go up to about ₹1,500 a month.
Beyond the cash support, the scheme honors senior citizens with free sarees for women and free dhotis for men during Pongal and Deepavali. It also makes sure of food security by providing free rice at Anganwadi centers to those in need.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Target Beneficiary | Individual |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Department | Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
Benefits
This scheme provides complete support to help senior citizens meet their basic needs:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Pension | ₹1,000 (up to about ₹1,500 for those aged 80 and above) |
| Festival Clothing | One free saree (for females) or dhoti (for males) during Pongal and Deepavali |
| Food Security | 2kg rice/month for those in a nutritious meal program; 4kg/month for others |
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, a person should meet the following criteria:
- Be a destitute person without a reliable source of income.
- Be 60 years of age or older.
- Belong to a household classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL).
Application Process
Since this is a state-managed scheme, the application is done through the e-Sevai (e-District) portal or a Common Service Center (CSC). Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Prepare your document copies. For example, if your name is Ramesh, make sure your Aadhaar and BPL card copies are ready.
STEP 2 - Visit the nearest e-Sevai web portal or a Common Service Center to start the application.
STEP 3 - Register for a Citizen Access Number (CAN) if you do not already have one, and complete the biometric verification.
STEP 4 - Fill in the application form with your personal, address, bank and family income details and upload the required documents.
STEP 5 - Make the payment and collect the acknowledgment receipt, which carries your application reference number for future tracking.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before visiting the application center:
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of age
- Smart Ration Card or alternative address proof
- Bank Passbook
- BPL Card number
- Any valid identity proof like a Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License
References
You can find more official information here:
FAQ's
Can I apply for this scheme online without visiting the CSC?
You can apply through the e-Sevai web portal, but you may still need to visit a Common Service Center for the biometric verification required during the application process.
What should I do if I lack access to technology?
The staff at your nearest Common Service Center will help you with the entire form-filling process.
Can someone else collect the food provided by the center?
Yes, you may authorize a trusted family member to collect the rice on your behalf by completing the required authorization at the Anganwadi center.
Do I need to renew my application every year?
No, you do not need to reapply annually. Once your eligibility is verified and your status is approved, you will continue to receive the benefits.
Can I choose the style of clothes provided?
The scheme provides standard garments during the festival season; you cannot choose specific colors or designs.
Is the pension paid directly to the bank?
Yes, the financial support is typically credited directly into your bank account provided during the registration process.