AI SummaryIndira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme supports persons with disabilities in Tamil Nadu through a monthly pension. Under the current state rules, eligible residents receive ₹1,500 per month for a benchmark disability of 40% or more, and ₹1,800 per month for those with a severe disability of 80% or above. The scheme continues to operate through the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department and the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Update (17 October 2026): Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) has a new central name: Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana. Union Cabinet approved the change on 14 October 2026 and also changed the central rules of this pension:
- Disability needed under the central scheme comes down from 80% to 40% (benchmark disability, in line with the RPwD Act 2016). Tamil Nadu already covers 40% or more disability under its state rules.
- The minimum age of 18 years is removed, so a person with disability can get the pension from birth.
- Central pension goes up from ₹300 to ₹375 a month up to 79 years, and from ₹500 to ₹625 a month for 80 years and above.
Ministry of Rural Development will issue new guidelines, and the new rules will be put in place within three months. Till then, the current Tamil Nadu rules and amounts given on this page apply. Any change in the state amount will be added here once the state announces it.
The pension is paid directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the beneficiary through direct benefit transfer. The state contribution is combined with the central Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme amount, which is part of the National Social Assistance Programme. Applications are accepted through the e-Sevai portal and at Common Service Centres across the state.
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme - Introduction
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme is a social security pension run by the Government of Tamil Nadu for persons with disabilities. The central government launched the scheme in February 2009 under the National Social Assistance Programme to give a monthly pension to people with severe and multiple disabilities from below poverty line families. Tamil Nadu runs its own state disability pension along with this central support.
As of 2026, the state provides a monthly pension of ₹1,500 to persons with a benchmark disability of 40% or more, and ₹1,800 to those with a severe disability of 80% or above. The scheme covers all 21 disabilities listed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, including visual, hearing, locomotor, intellectual and multiple disabilities.
The pension amount is a combination of the Tamil Nadu state contribution and the central scheme amount. Around 12 lakh disability pension beneficiaries receive support under this scheme in Tamil Nadu as of 2026. The pension is credited through direct benefit transfer to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the beneficiary.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme - Tamil Nadu |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Social Welfare, Disability Support |
| Benefit Amount | ₹1,500 per month (40%+ disability), ₹1,800 per month (80%+ severe disability) |
| Benefit Type | Cash pension through DBT |
| Application Mode | e-Sevai portal and Common Service Centre |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department |
| Official Website | e-Sevai portal |
Benefits
This scheme provides regular financial support to help eligible persons with disabilities manage their daily needs. The main benefit is the monthly pension credited directly to the bank account.
| Benefit Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Monthly Pension | ₹1,500 per month for benchmark disability of 40% or more |
| Severe Disability Pension | ₹1,800 per month for severe disability of 80% or above |
| Payment Mode | Direct benefit transfer to Aadhaar-linked bank account |
Eligibility
To benefit from this support, the applicant should meet the following criteria. The rules have been widened in recent years to cover more people with disabilities.
- The applicant must be a resident of Tamil Nadu and aged 18 years or above. There is no upper age limit for this pension.
- The applicant must hold a benchmark disability certificate of 40% or more, and a UDID card is required. All 21 disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 are covered.
- The annual family income should be below ₹1.2 lakh, and the applicant should not be receiving any other pension above ₹1,500 per month.
Application Process
Applying for the pension is a simple process that can be completed online or at a Common Service Centre. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - First obtain a UDID card with a benchmark disability of 40% or more. If the card is not yet issued, apply through the Swavlamban portal at swavlambancard.gov.in.
STEP 2 - Visit the nearest Common Service Centre or the District Differently Abled Welfare Office. The applicant can also register on the e-Sevai portal at tnesevai.tn.gov.in and apply online.
STEP 3 - Fill out the application form carefully and submit the UDID card, Aadhaar card, domicile certificate, income certificate, bank passbook and a passport size photograph.
STEP 4 - A field verification is carried out by the Block Welfare Officer to confirm the disability and income status. After approval by the District Welfare Officer, the pension is sanctioned by the Director of Welfare.
STEP 5 - The pension of ₹1,500 or ₹1,800 per month is credited through direct benefit transfer to the Aadhaar-linked bank account. An annual life certificate in November is required to continue receiving the pension.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready to make the application process smooth and easy.
- UDID card with benchmark disability of 40% or more, and the disability certificate from the Medical Board
- Aadhaar card of the beneficiary, and of the guardian if the beneficiary is a minor
- Tamil Nadu domicile certificate and annual income certificate from the Tahsildar
- Bank passbook details of the Aadhaar-linked account and a passport size photograph
References
More detailed information is available through these official resources.
FAQ's
What is the pension amount under this scheme?
Persons with a benchmark disability of 40% or more get ₹1,500 per month, while those with a severe disability of 80% or above get ₹1,800 per month. The amount is credited directly to the bank account.
Can I apply if my disability is below 80%?
Yes. The eligibility has been widened, and persons with a benchmark disability of 40% or more can now apply. A UDID card is required as proof.
Is there an upper age limit?
No. The applicant must be 18 years or above, and there is no upper age limit for this pension.
Can a child with a disability apply?
Yes, a minor with a disability can apply through the guardian's bank account, provided the benchmark disability and income conditions are met.
How can I apply if I do not have internet access?
Visit the nearest Common Service Centre or the District Differently Abled Welfare Office. The staff there will complete the digital submission on your behalf.
Do I need to apply every year?
No. Once approved, the pension continues. An annual life certificate in November is required to keep receiving the amount.
Is a medical certificate mandatory?
Yes. A UDID card and a disability certificate from the Medical Board are required as official proof of the disability.
What if my family income is slightly above ₹1.2 lakh?
The annual family income should be below ₹1.2 lakh to qualify. If the income is higher, the applicant may not be eligible for this pension.