AI SummaryIndira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme supports senior citizens from families living below the poverty line by providing a monthly financial pension. If you are a resident of Punjab aged 60 years or older and meet the financial criteria, you can apply for this support to help cover your basic living expenses.
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 is a dedicated social welfare scheme managed by the Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children, Government of Punjab. This scheme aims to provide a reliable monthly pension to elderly citizens, ensuring they receive support in their golden years. Because it focuses on financial inclusion, it serves individuals who belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Eligible State | Punjab |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Target Eligible people | Individual |
| Sub Category | Financial support |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children |
| Tags | Pension, Old Age, Below Poverty Line, BPL, Senior Citizen |
Benefits
| Age Group | Monthly Pension Amount |
|---|---|
| 60 to 79 years | ₹200 |
| 80 years and above | ₹500 |
The scheme makes sure that eligible senior citizens receive a stable, monthly income to fulfill their basic needs independent of other sources.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, you should meet the following criteria:
- You should be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- You should be 60 years of age or older.
- You should belong to a family identified under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- You should not already receive a pension from any other social security scheme, such as a state-specific old age allowance.
For example, if Ramesh, a 65-year-old resident of Punjab, is listed as a BPL cardholder and does not receive any other government pension, he is eligible to apply for this monthly benefit.
Application Process
Offline Application
Visit your local District Social Security Officer. Request the official application form, fill in all details, affix a recent passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of your documents. Submit the completed application to the District Social Security Officer. Always ask for a formal receipt with a unique identification number to track your application progress.
Online Application
You can also use the digital route via the UMANG portal:
- Register on the official UMANG website using your mobile number and an OTP.
- Create your unique MPIN to securely log in.
- Search for the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) page and select the option to apply online.
- Enter your personal details accurately and upload digital copies of your required documents.
- Review your application carefully, accept the terms, and submit your request.
- Keep a safe record of your confirmation message and application reference number.
Documents
When preparing to apply, please keep the following documents ready:
- A valid Identity Proof (such as your Voter ID Card or Driving License)
- Your official residence proof
- A formal document verifying your age
- Your current Below Poverty Line (BPL) card
- Any valid address proof
- Details of your active bank account for direct transfers
References
For further information and official updates, you can refer to the following official resources:
FAQ's
What is the age requirement for the basic pension tier?
If you are between 60 and 79 years old, you are eligible for a monthly pension of ₹200.
How much will I receive if I am 80 years or older?
Senior citizens aged 80 and above receive an enhanced monthly pension of ₹500.
Must I be a resident of Punjab to apply?
Yes, you must be a resident of Punjab to benefit from this specific state-implemented scheme.
Is the BPL card very important for my application?
Yes, since this is a targeted welfare scheme, proving your BPL status via a valid card is a very important requirement.
Can I receive this pension if I am already enrolled in another social security program?
No, this scheme is intended for those who do not currently receive other pension benefits. You should not be an eligible person enrolled in another social security plan to qualify.
What if I have trouble filling out the forms offline?
You should visit the District Social Security Officer for personal support and to receive the correct application format.
How can I ensure my application was submitted correctly?
Always request a physical acknowledgement receipt from the office or keep the digital reference number generated by the UMANG portal.