Destitute Widow Pension Scheme

Destitute Widow Pension Scheme gives monthly financial support to widows in Uttarakhand who have low family income or hold a BPL card and are not getting any other government pension. The scheme is run by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Uttarakhand, and helps widows cover their basic living costs.

As per the latest 2026 update, the government has increased the monthly widow pension from ₹1,500 to ₹1,875 and raised the income limit for eligibility from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per month. Applications are accepted online through the official state portal, and the pension is paid directly into the bank account of the eligible widow.

Destitute Widow Pension Scheme - Introduction

Destitute Widow Pension Scheme creates a supportive financial base for women who have lost their husbands. Managed by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Uttarakhand, the scheme provides a monthly pension to help widows manage their daily needs with dignity.

If you are a widow, at least 18 years old and a permanent resident of Uttarakhand, you can apply for this pension provided your family income is within the set limit or you hold a valid BPL card, and you are not already receiving another government pension. The updated benefit amount and income limit for 2026 are given in the table below.

Key Information

Benefits

You will receive a monthly pension of ₹1,875 directly into your linked bank account. This amount was revised upward by the state government in 2026 to help widows manage their daily expenses with more ease. The pension is paid through the Direct Benefit Transfer system, so the money reaches your account without any middleman.

Apart from the monthly amount, the increase in the income limit from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 means more widows from poor families now fall within the scope of the scheme and can apply for the pension benefit.

Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility conditions set by the Social Welfare Department. The main points are given below.

• You should be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand and a widow who is at least 18 years of age.
• Your family monthly income should not exceed ₹6,000, unless you hold a valid BPL certificate.
• You should have been selected in an open meeting of the Gram Sabha or through the Councillor for the pension.
• You should not be receiving any other pension benefit from the government.

For example, if Sunita lives in Dehradun and earns ₹5,500 through small jobs, she now qualifies for this scheme because her income is below the revised limit of ₹6,000.

Application Process

Online Application Steps

You can complete your online application through the official government portals. The main apply online form is hosted on the State Pension Portal, which you can reach from the official widow pension page of the Social Welfare Department.

STEP 1 - Visit the official widow pension page at socialwelfare.uk.gov.in/service/widow-pension/ and click on the apply online link given there.

STEP 2 - The online application form opens on the State Pension Portal. Fill in your personal details such as name, address, Aadhaar number and bank account details.

STEP 3 - Upload the required documents like the income certificate or BPL card, husband's death certificate, family register copy and a certified photograph.

STEP 4 - Submit the form and note down the application reference number for future tracking. You can also apply through the UMANG Mobile App or the Apuni Sarkar e-services portal, or seek help at your nearest Common Service Center (CSC).

After you submit your application, local officials such as the Gram Panchayat Development Officer or the Assistant Social Welfare Officer verify your details. Once the District Social Welfare Officer approves it, the pension is credited to your bank account within one month.

Documents

Keep the required documents ready before you start your application, so the process goes smoothly. You will need the following items.

• Valid mobile number and Aadhaar card for identity and contact details.
• Passport-size photograph attested by the Gram Pradhan, V.P.D.O. or a Councillor.
• Income certificate of up to ₹6,000 per month issued online, or a photocopy of your BPL card.
• Copy of the family register issued by the V.P.D.O. for rural applicants, or a ration card copy for urban applicants.
• Husband's death certificate and a copy of the proposal selected in the open meeting of the Gram Panchayat or Councillor.
• CBS bank account passbook copy, with the account linked or seeded with your Aadhaar.

Please note that you should obtain all these documents from the same district where you submit your application.

References

Official Widow Pension Page | Destitute Pension Page | UMANG Mobile App | Apuni Sarkar Portal

FAQ's

Who is eligible for this pension?

Any widow aged 18 or above who is a permanent resident of Uttarakhand, has a monthly family income up to ₹6,000 or holds a BPL certificate, and does not receive any other pension, is eligible.

What is the minimum age requirement to apply?

You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for this scheme.

Is there an income limit to access the benefits?

Yes, your family monthly income should not be more than ₹6,000, or you should have a valid BPL certificate.

How much pension will I get now?

The government provides a monthly pension of ₹1,875, which was increased from ₹1,500 in the 2026 update.

Can I apply if I already receive another pension?

No, you should not be receiving any other pension benefit to qualify for this scheme.

How do I apply for this pension?

You can apply online through the official widow pension page of the Social Welfare Department, the UMANG Mobile App, or the Apuni Sarkar Portal.

How soon will I receive the pension after approval?

After your application is approved, the pension amount will reach your bank account within one month.