Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (Now Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana)

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme provides monthly financial assistance to senior citizens aged 60 and above who live below the poverty line. Launched under the National Social Assistance Programme, it ensures a basic level of support to elderly individuals across India. Beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹200 for those aged 60 to 79 and ₹500 for those aged 80 and above, helping them meet their daily needs.

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 (₹200 a month for 60 to 79 years and ₹500 a month for 80 years and above), 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

The government of India runs Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme as part of the National Social Assistance Programme. This scheme gives monthly pension to senior citizens who belong to families living below the poverty line and have reached 60 years of age. The pension helps elderly people cover basic expenses and live with dignity.

National Social Assistance Programme started in August 1995 as a centrally sponsored scheme. It supports people who do not have regular income or financial stability. The Ministry of Rural Development administers this programme across rural and urban areas in all states and union territories.

The programme follows the directive principles of state policy in the Constitution which aim to improve living standards for all citizens. It shows the commitment to welfare of seniors, widows, and people with disabilities.

National Social Assistance Programme currently has five sub-schemes:

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
• National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
• Annapurna Scheme

The main goals include giving social assistance to poor households during hardship and keeping uniform social protection standards across the country. In 2007, the government expanded Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme to cover all eligible individuals living below the poverty line.

Highlights

Benefits

Eligible beneficiaries get a fixed monthly pension from the central government. If you are between 60 and 79 years old, you will receive ₹200 per month. For those who are 80 years or older, the pension amount is ₹500 per month. Many state governments also add their own contribution on top of this central amount, so the total pension you receive depends on which state you live in. For example, some states provide combined pension of ₹1,000 or more per month.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Rural Development, as of 2026-27 there are over 2.36 crore beneficiaries under this scheme. The central government transferred more than ₹7,900 crore in pension payments during 2025-26 through the Direct Benefit Transfer system.

Eligibility

To qualify for financial support under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, you need to meet these conditions:

• You must be a citizen of India
• You must belong to a household living below the poverty line as per government criteria
• You must be at least 60 years of age
• You should not be receiving any other central government pension

Beneficiaries are identified from the Below Poverty Line lists prepared by states and union territories. In rural areas, the BPL list from the Ministry of Rural Development guidelines is used. In urban areas, identification follows the BPL list prepared under the urban poverty alleviation programme.

How to Apply

You can apply for the pension through both online and offline modes.

STEP 1 - For online application, download the UMANG app or visit the official UMANG portal at https://web.umang.gov.in/web_new/home. Log in using your mobile number and verify through OTP.

STEP 2 - Search for the National Social Assistance Programme section on the UMANG platform. Select Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme registration.

STEP 3 - Fill in your basic details including name, age, address, Aadhaar number, bank account details for DBT, and upload a recent photograph.

STEP 4 - Submit the application and save the acknowledgement receipt or application number for future reference.

For offline application, visit your nearest Gram Panchayat office, Block Development Office (BDO), or District Social Welfare Office in rural areas. In urban areas, go to the Municipality office or local Social Welfare Department. Collect the application form, fill it completely, attach self-attested copies of required documents, and submit it to the concerned authority.

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready for a smooth application process:

• A fully completed and self-attested application form
• A valid Domicile Certificate
• Proof of residence such as voter ID, electricity bill, or Aadhaar card
• Documentary proof of age (birth certificate from school authorities, municipal records, or medical board certificate)
• Aadhaar number
• Bank passbook for direct benefit transfers
• Ration card
• An affidavit attested by a judicial or executive magistrate stating that you do not receive any other pension or financial support

Check Application Status

You can track your application status online through the official NSAP portal.

STEP 1 - Visit the official NSAP portal at https://nsap.dord.gov.in/

STEP 2 - Click on the Reports option on the homepage.

STEP 3 - Under the Beneficiary Search, Track and Payment Details section, select Application Tracker.

STEP 4 - Enter your application number and the captcha code.

STEP 5 - Click Submit to view your application status. The portal will show whether your application is pending, approved, or rejected.

Check Pension Payment Details

Beneficiaries can also check their pension payment details online.

STEP 1 - Visit the official NSAP portal at https://nsap.dord.gov.in/

STEP 2 - Click on the Reports option on the homepage.

STEP 3 - Select Pension Payment Details under the beneficiary services section.

STEP 4 - Choose your preferred search method such as Application Number, Sanction Order Number, Mobile Number, or Applicant Name.

STEP 5 - Enter the required details along with the captcha code.

STEP 6 - Click Submit to view the pension payment status and transaction details.

References

You can access more details via the following official links:

• Official NSAP Portal
• Annual Allocation of Funds Under NSAP 2026-2027
• Scheme Guidelines and Details
• UMANG Portal for Online Application
• Press Information Bureau Release on NSAP Pension

FAQ's

What is the National Social Assistance Programme?

It is a welfare initiative launched by the government in 1995 to provide financial aid to poor households during old age, death of a breadwinner, or disability.

Who is eligible for the old age pension?

Any Indian citizen aged 60 years or older who belongs to a family living below the poverty line is eligible. You should not be receiving any other central government pension.

How much is the pension amount?

The central government provides ₹200 per month for people aged 60 to 79, and ₹500 for those 80 years or older. Many states add their own top-up, so the total amount varies by state. Some beneficiaries receive ₹1,000 or more per month including state contribution.

Is there a limit on the number of beneficiaries per family?

No, every individual who meets the age and poverty line criteria in a family can receive benefits separately.

How does the registration work for urban vs rural areas?

Registration follows the BPL lists maintained by your local state or union territory. Rural areas use the BPL list from the Ministry of Rural Development. Urban areas use the BPL list prepared under the urban poverty alleviation programme. This ensures assistance reaches eligible people regardless of location.

Can I apply online for this pension?

Yes, you can apply online through the UMANG app or the UMANG portal at web.umang.gov.in. You need to register with your mobile number, verify via OTP, and then fill the application form with your details and documents.

How long does it take to get the pension after applying?

After approval, pension usually starts within 1 to 3 months. The amount is credited directly to your bank or post office account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

What if my name is not on the current BPL list but I was getting pension earlier?

Existing beneficiaries whose names are not on the new BPL list will continue to get pension without interruption, provided they were eligible under the old criteria.