Pension to Unmarried Poor, Incapacitated Women of age 50 years and above

Pension to Unmarried Poor, Incapacitated Women of age 50 years and above is a social welfare scheme of the Tamil Nadu government for unmarried, poor and incapacitated women who have completed 50 years of age. Under this scheme, eligible women get a monthly pension of ₹1,000 so that they can manage their daily needs without depending on others.

Applications for the 2026-27 financial year are open. Women can apply through the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or through the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal under the Unmarried Women Pension Scheme (UWPS) service code REV-204.

Pension to Unmarried Poor, Incapacitated Women of age 50 years and above - Introduction

The scheme is implemented by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department of Tamil Nadu as part of the state social security pension program. It is meant for destitute women who have never married and do not have a regular source of income. Besides the monthly pension, these women also get free rice and a free saree during festival seasons.

As per the 2026 updates, the pension of ₹1,000 per month continues for eligible women, and the state government keeps processing new applications throughout the year through district offices and common service centers.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme gives three types of support to eligible women:

Monthly Pension: Eligible women receive a pension of ₹1,000 every month directly into their bank account.

Festival Saree: One free saree is given during Pongal and Deepavali festivals every year.

Free Rice: Eligible women get free rice through Anganwadi Centres. The quantity depends on whether they take nutritious meals:

Eligibility

Women must meet these conditions to qualify for the pension:

1. Must be a woman and unmarried.
2. Must be 50 years of age or above and in a state of destitution.
3. Total fixed assets should not exceed ₹1,00,000.
4. Must not have a regular source of income or financial support.

Application Process

Applications are processed through common service centers and the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal. Follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Keep the required documents ready: Aadhaar card, age proof, ration card, bank passbook, self-declaration and identity proof.

STEP 2 - Visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) in Tamil Nadu and ask the operator to open the Unmarried Women Pension Scheme (UWPS) service under code REV-204 on the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal. Biometric verification is done at the center.

STEP 3 - If you do not have a Citizen Access Number (CAN), the operator will register one using your Aadhaar and OTP. Then fill in the application form with personal details, family income, BPL status, property details and bank account details.

STEP 4 - Upload the required documents, complete the payment step and collect the acknowledgement receipt. Keep this receipt safe because it shows the application number and submission date. You can use it later to check the status of your application.

Documents

Keep these documents ready before going to the center:

• Individual photograph
• Aadhaar card
• Valid age proof
• Aadhaar consent form
• Smart ration card or alternative address proof
• Personal self-declaration
• Identity proof such as voter ID card, passport, PAN card, or driving license
• Bank passbook for fund transfers

References

Official details of the scheme are available on these pages:

• Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Tamil Nadu
• Old Age Pension Back Office portal
• Social Security Schemes list - Karur district
• UWPS application user manual (Tamil Nadu e-District PDF)
• Zee News Tamil update on 2026 application process

FAQ's

Is the scheme still open for new applications in 2026?

Yes, the scheme continues in 2026 and applications are accepted throughout the year through the nearest CSC or the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal.

Who can apply for this pension scheme?

Unmarried, destitute women of Tamil Nadu who have completed 50 years of age and whose total fixed assets are not more than ₹1,00,000 can apply.

I am 48 years old. Can I apply for the scheme now?

No, the minimum age to qualify is 50 years. You can apply once you turn 50.

Is the application process free of cost?

There is no fee for the pension itself. A small service charge of around ₹10 may be collected at the CSC or e-Sevai center for processing the online application.

Is there a specific deadline to apply?

No, there is no fixed deadline. You can apply at any time of the year.

Can I apply online without visiting a CSC?

At present, applications are processed through the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal with the help of a CSC or e-Sevai operator. Biometric verification needs to be completed at the center.

Can someone else collect the free rice from the Anganwadi center on my behalf?

Yes, you can authorize a trusted family member to collect the rice. An authorization form may need to be completed at the center.

Can I choose the color or design of the free saree?

No, the government provides sarees with pre-selected colors and designs during the festive period.

Is the pension amount credited directly to my bank account?

Yes, the pension is deposited directly into the bank account or post office account mentioned at the time of registration.

Do I need to renew my application every year to continue receiving benefits?

You do not need to reapply, but you should update your information whenever the state authorities ask for it.

I am separated from my husband due to family problems. Can I apply?

Separated or divorced women may be considered under the Destitute or Deserted Wives Pension Scheme. For this unmarried women pension, the applicant should be unmarried. Contact the local Social Welfare Department office to know which scheme fits your case.