AI SummaryDestitute Widow Pension Scheme is a state welfare scheme of Tamil Nadu that gives ₹1,000 every month to eligible widowed women so they can manage their daily needs. As of August 2026, fresh applications are being accepted through the e-Sevai portal and at Common Service Centers (CSC) across the state.
Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department runs this scheme along with the Revenue Department. Besides the monthly pension, eligible women get a free saree during Pongal and Deepavali and free rice at Anganwadi centers. This pension is mainly for widows aged 30 years and above. Women who are 60 years or older are asked to apply under the Old Age Pension Scheme instead.
An applicant needs a valid Citizen Access Number (CAN) and supporting papers such as widow certificate, husband's death certificate and income certificate. The application moves through the e-Sevai system, so it can be tracked online after submission.
There is no fixed last date for this scheme. Eligible women can apply any time of the year, and once the application is approved, the pension amount is credited to their bank account every month.
Destitute Widow Pension Scheme Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Destitute Widow Pension Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Women and Child, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Target Eligible People | Destitute widows aged 30 years and above |
| Sub Category | Financial Support, Pension, Food Security |
| Benefit Type | Composite (cash pension, saree and rice) |
| Monthly Pension | ₹1,000 |
| Application Mode | Online through e-Sevai and offline through CSC |
| Main Department | Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Revenue Department |
| Official Portal | e-Sevai portal of Tamil Nadu |
Benefits
Monthly pension: Eligible women receive ₹1,000 every month. The amount is credited to the bank account linked with the application after the Revenue Department approves it.
Festival support: One free saree is given during Pongal and Deepavali festivals.
Food security: Free rice is distributed at Anganwadi centers every month. The quantity depends on whether the applicant takes nutritious meals at the center.
| Condition | Quantity of Rice |
|---|---|
| If taking nutritious meals | 2 kg per month |
| If not taking nutritious meals | 4 kg per month |
Eligibility
Eligibility is checked by the Revenue Department while processing the application. A woman can apply if she meets all these conditions:
- Widow status: Applicant must be a widow living in Tamil Nadu.
- Age: Applicant must be 30 years of age or above. Widows aged 60 years or more should apply under the Old Age Pension Scheme.
- Destitute condition: Applicant should be without adequate means of livelihood or regular income.
- Asset limit: Total value of fixed assets such as land and house should not exceed ₹50,000.
Application Process
Applications for Destitute Widow Pension Scheme are accepted in two ways: online through the e-Sevai portal and offline through e-Sevai Maiyam or a Common Service Center.
Online application through e-Sevai
STEP 1 - Open the e-Sevai portal of Tamil Nadu and log in with the username and password.
STEP 2 - Go to the services section, select Revenue Department and choose REV-202 Destitute Widow Pension Scheme.
STEP 3 - If you do not have a Citizen Access Number (CAN), complete the CAN registration first with OTP verification.
STEP 4 - Fill the application form with bank details, family income and property details, then upload the required documents.
STEP 5 - Submit the form, complete the payment if any service fee is shown on screen, and save the acknowledgment receipt with the application number.
Offline application through CSC
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest e-Sevai Maiyam or Common Service Center location.
STEP 2 - Carry the original documents. The operator checks the papers and completes biometric verification.
STEP 3 - The operator fills the application form and uploads the documents on your behalf.
STEP 4 - Collect the printed receipt with the unique application number so that the application can be tracked later.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before applying for the pension:
- Recent photo: A recent passport-size photo for the application form.
- Aadhaar card: Aadhaar number is used for identity and bank verification.
- Proof of age: Birth certificate, school certificate or any valid age proof.
- Ration card or address proof: Smart ration card or any current address proof.
- Destitute Widow Certificate: Widow certificate issued by the Revenue Department under REV-109.
- Husband's death certificate: To confirm the widow status of the applicant.
- Income certificate: Income certificate from the Revenue Department to show the destitute condition.
- Citizen Access Number: CAN is needed to apply through the e-Sevai portal.
- Identity proof: Voter ID, PAN card or passport as a second identity proof.
- Bank passbook: Bank account details for the monthly pension transfer.
Widows in the state can also look at related state support like the Destitute-Deserted Wives Pension Scheme and the complete Tamil Nadu government schemes list.
References
For the latest process details, refer to these official sources:
- Destitute Widow Pension Scheme e-Sevai training manual (PDF)
- Tamil Nadu Widows and Destitute Women Welfare Board
- DT Next guide on Destitute Widow Pension Scheme application
FAQ's
What is the monthly pension amount?
Eligible widows receive ₹1,000 every month under this scheme.
What is the age limit for this pension?
Applicants should be 30 years or older. Widows aged 60 years or more should apply under the Old Age Pension Scheme instead.
Can I apply if my fixed assets exceed ₹50,000?
No. The scheme is only for widows whose total fixed assets such as land and house are within the ₹50,000 limit.
Can I apply online from my home?
Yes. The application can be submitted online through the e-Sevai portal with a CAN number. Biometric verification is done when applying through a CSC.
How do I get the widow certificate?
The Destitute Widow Certificate is issued by the Revenue Department under REV-109 through the e-Service center or e-Sevai portal.
How will I know if my application is submitted?
You get an acknowledgment receipt with a unique application number. The same number is used to check the status on the e-Sevai portal.
Is there a deadline to apply?
No. This is an ongoing scheme and applications are accepted throughout the year.
When do I get the saree and rice?
Sarees are given during Pongal and Deepavali. Free rice is distributed monthly at Anganwadi centers based on the meal status.
How long does the approval process take?
Verification normally takes about 4 to 6 weeks. The pension is credited within a month after approval.
Are there any charges for the application?
The pension application is free. If the e-Sevai portal shows any small service fee, it is clearly displayed before confirmation, and no agent at the CSC should ask for extra money.