AI SummaryNational Family Benefit Scheme is a government scheme that gives a one time lump sum support of ₹20,000 to families living below the poverty line (BPL) who have lost their primary breadwinner. Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra runs this scheme for households in Maharashtra, and the payment is made through the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) portal.
The scheme stays open for eligible BPL families in Maharashtra. When the main income earner of a poor family passes away, this one time payment helps the family manage immediate living costs during a difficult time. As of 11 August 2026, the scheme continues to accept applications through the local Collector, Tahsildar, or Talathi office.
National Family Benefit Scheme - Introduction
National Family Benefit Scheme is a social welfare scheme managed by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra. It gives a one time, lump sum payment of ₹20,000 to help families cope after the loss of their primary breadwinner.
If a family is classified as living below the poverty line (BPL), this scheme works as a support system to ease the sudden money burden that follows such a personal tragedy. For example, if a family of four in a rural district loses its only earning member, they can rely on this support to cover immediate living expenses.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Family Benefit Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Financial Benefit | ₹20,000 |
| DBT | No |
| Department | Social Justice and Special Assistance Department |
| Official Portal | nsap.dord.gov.in |
Benefits
Eligible families receive a one time financial support of ₹20,000 to get immediate relief and money help after the death of the primary earning member. This amount is paid as a single lump sum, not as a regular monthly payment.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the family should meet the following criteria:
- The family should be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- The applicant should be a family member or a dependent of the deceased breadwinner who was the main source of income.
- The family must fall under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- The deceased person should have been between 18 and 59 years old at the time of passing.
Application Process
Application for this scheme is done offline through the local revenue office. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the local Collector Office, Tahsildar, or Talathi office during official working hours to ask for the official application form. In some districts the form is handled at the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana Branch.
STEP 2 - Fill out all required details in the form carefully. Attach a recent passport sized photograph and keep all mandatory documents ready.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed and signed application along with self attested copies of the documents to the designated authority.
STEP 4 - Ask for an official receipt. Make sure this receipt includes the submission date and a unique reference number so the application can be tracked.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application:
- Aadhaar Card or Voter ID as identity proof.
- Aadhaar Card of the deceased person.
- Official Death Certificate of the deceased person.
- Copy of the FIR, if applicable.
- Documentary proof of the age of the deceased.
- Valid BPL Card or Ration Card.
- Caste Certificate, if applicable.
- Proof of address.
- Bank passbook or official account details.
- Any other supporting document asked by the authorities.
References
View Official Guidelines on Maharashtra SJSA
Visit National Social Assistance Programme Portal
FAQ's
What is the National Family Benefit Scheme?
It is a welfare scheme that gives essential money help to families living below the poverty line (BPL) after they lose their main breadwinner.
Who manages this scheme in Maharashtra?
The Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra handles the implementation.
Who is eligible to receive benefits?
Families are eligible if the deceased primary breadwinner was between the ages of 18 and 59 and the household is classified as BPL.
What is the total financial support amount?
The government provides a one time lump sum payment of ₹20,000.
What if the deceased was older than 60?
Eligibility is limited to breadwinners aged between 18 and 59 years as per the Maharashtra official guidelines.
Must the family be from the BPL category?
Yes, being classified as Below the Poverty Line (BPL) is a required condition for this scheme.
Who is allowed to submit the application?
Any dependent family member of the deceased breadwinner can submit the application.
Where should the completed form be submitted?
The application is submitted to the local Collector Office, Tahsildar, or Talathi office.
Which documents are needed for the application?
The BPL certificate, death certificate, age proof of the deceased, and identity documents are needed.
How do I get the application form?
The physical application form can be picked up from the nearest Collector Office, Tahsildar, or Talathi office during working hours.
Are non-BPL families covered?
No, the scheme is only for families living below the poverty line (BPL).