Sikkim government is running Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme in 2026 to give a monthly pension of ₹1500 to ₹2500 to senior citizens above 60 years who belong to BPL families. Registration on the official portal pensionscheme.sikkim.gov.in stays open throughout the year, and eligible people can apply online or through their local Gram Panchayat or Municipal office.
Payments go straight to the beneficiary's bank account through DBT, and the amount changes as per the age group of the pensioner. This article explains the online application process, eligibility rules, benefit slabs, required documents and other details of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme for Sikkim residents.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme Sikkim 2026
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) in Sikkim is run by the Women & Child Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, under the wider National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). The scheme has been active since 2014 and pays a monthly pension to elderly citizens from BPL families so they can meet their daily needs without depending on others.
Sikkim gives a state top-up over the central NSAP amount, so the total pension in the state is higher than what many other states pay. As per the current slab, a beneficiary gets ₹1500, ₹2000 or ₹2500 per month, based on their age.
Apply Online for IGNOAPS Sikkim
Applying online is the easiest way for people who have internet access or someone in the family who can help. The portal is a single window for all Sikkim pension schemes, so the same login can be used later for status check as well.
STEP 1 - Open the official portal at pensionscheme.sikkim.gov.in in any browser on your phone or computer. On the homepage, click on the Create Account button and register using your name, email ID and mobile number. An OTP will be sent for verification.
STEP 2 - After registration, log in with your username and password. On the dashboard, click on Apply Now and select Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme from the list of schemes shown on the screen.
STEP 3 - Fill in the online form with your personal details, address, BPL card number, bank account details and Aadhaar number. Upload scanned copies of the required documents in the given size and format.
STEP 4 - Check all details once and submit the form. Note down the application number that appears on the screen. This number is required for status check and future correspondence with the department.
After submission, a selection committee at the district level reviews the application. Approval or rejection message is sent through SMS on the registered mobile number, and approved pensioners start receiving the monthly amount in their bank account.
Offline Application Process
People who are not able to apply online can visit their nearest Gram Panchayat, Municipality or Municipal Corporation office and collect the application form. Fill the form with correct details, attach self-attested copies of required documents and submit it at the same office. A receipt is given after submission, which should be kept safely till the pension is sanctioned.
Check Application Status
Applicants can check their status by logging into pensionscheme.sikkim.gov.in with the same account used at the time of applying. Approval and payment updates are also sent by SMS. For any issue, the local Block Office or the Women & Child Welfare Department office in the district can help track the file.
Benefits Under IGNOAPS Sikkim
The scheme pays a monthly cash benefit through direct bank transfer. The amount increases as the beneficiary grows older, so very old pensioners get a slightly higher amount to cover their extra needs. Payment continues for the whole life of the pensioner, as long as the yearly Life Certificate is submitted on time.
| Age Group | Monthly Pension Amount |
|---|---|
| 60 to 69 years | ₹1500 |
| 70 to 79 years | ₹2000 |
| 80 years and above | ₹2500 |
Highlights of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme Sikkim
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) |
| Launched By | Women & Child Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim |
| State | Sikkim |
| Eligible People | BPL senior citizens aged 60 years and above |
| Benefit Amount | ₹1500 / ₹2000 / ₹2500 per month as per age |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Payment Mode | DBT payment to bank account |
| Active Since | 2014 |
| Official Website | pensionscheme.sikkim.gov.in |
Eligibility for IGNOAPS Sikkim
Before applying, one should check who can apply and who cannot. The rules are simple and mostly meant to make sure the money reaches poor elderly people who really need it.
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Sikkim with valid Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification.
- Applicant should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family as per the state BPL list.
- Age should be 60 years or more on the date of application, proved by a valid age document.
- There should be no other regular source of income in the applicant's name.
- Applicant should not be receiving any other pension or salary from the Central or State Government.
- An active bank account, preferably opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, is required for DBT payment.
If both husband and wife are eligible, only one of them can get the pension. In case the pensioner passes away, the amount can be transferred to the surviving spouse if he or she is at least 60 years old and meets the other rules.
Who is Not Eligible
People already getting a pension from the Central Government, State Government, local statutory body or any organisation mostly funded by the government are not covered under this scheme. This rule stops the same person from getting benefit under two schemes at a time.
Required Documents
Keeping the papers ready before filling the form saves a lot of time. All documents should be clear scanned copies for online applications and self-attested copies for offline submission.
- Three recent passport-size photographs of the applicant.
- Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification as proof of residence.
- Income Certificate and Caste Certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Certificate or Priority Household or Antodaya Anna Yojana Ration Card as per Sikkim Food Security Rules.
- Proof of age such as Birth Certificate, Voter ID card or any valid government document.
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant linked with mobile number.
- Copy of bank or post office passbook showing account number and IFSC code.
Life Certificate Submission
Every pensioner has to submit a Life Certificate in the given format once a year to keep the pension running. If the certificate is not submitted, the department assumes the pensioner has migrated or passed away, and the payment is stopped. Pensioners are advised to submit the certificate well before the deadline announced by the Women & Child Welfare Department each year, either through the online portal or at the block or municipal office.
FAQ's
How much monthly pension is given under IGNOAPS in Sikkim?
Pensioners get ₹1500 per month from age 60 to 69, ₹2000 from 70 to 79, and ₹2500 for age 80 and above.
What is the minimum age to apply for this scheme?
Minimum age is 60 years on the date of application, along with BPL status and Sikkim residence.
Can I apply if I get pension from any other government scheme?
No, people already getting Central or State Government pension, salary or similar benefit are not eligible for this pension.
Can both husband and wife get this pension together?
No, only one member of the family gets the pension. It can pass to the surviving spouse later if that person meets the age and other rules.
How long does the pension continue?
Once sanctioned, the pension is paid every month for the whole life of the beneficiary, subject to yearly Life Certificate submission.
Is it required to have a Jan Dhan account?
A bank account is required for DBT payment, and an account opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is preferred by the department.
What happens if I miss the Life Certificate submission?
Pension payment is stopped till the certificate is submitted, as the department treats non-submission as migration or death of the pensioner.
What is the official website for applying?
Official portal for Sikkim pension schemes is pensionscheme.sikkim.gov.in, run by the Women & Child Welfare Department.
Can I apply offline if I do not have internet?
Yes, offline application is accepted at the local Gram Panchayat, Municipality or Municipal Corporation office with all required documents.
How will I know if my application is approved?
Approval or rejection message is sent by SMS on the registered mobile number, and status can also be checked on the official portal by logging in.