Widow Pension Scheme

Widow Pension Scheme is a social welfare scheme run by the Directorate of Social Welfare in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It gives steady monthly money help to poor and destitute widows so they can live with dignity and look after their basic needs.

The scheme stays open for eligible widows in the Union Territory. As of August 2026, the Directorate of Social Welfare continues to accept applications through the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) offices across the islands.

Widow Pension Scheme - Introduction

Widow Pension Scheme is made to support women who face money problems after losing their husband. It is meant for widows living in the Union Territory who are going through hard times. The monthly pension helps cover basic living costs like food, health and daily needs.

One important point to note is that the pension stops if a widow remarries or becomes financially independent. The department checks this regularly through official enquiries, so every beneficiary must inform the office about any such change.

Benefits

Eligible widows get a monthly pension of ₹2500 to manage their daily needs. The government credits this amount directly to the bank account every month, which makes the whole process easy and on time.

Eligibility

To apply for this pension, a widow should meet the following criteria:

1. She should be a permanent resident of Andaman and Nicobar Islands or have lived there for at least 10 years.
2. She should be a widow facing money problems.
3. Her total household monthly income should not exceed ₹4000.
4. She should not be getting any other government grants or money help from other sources.
5. She should inform the department if she remarries or becomes financially stable, because these changes make her ineligible for further payments.

Application Process

Applying for the pension is simple and the whole process is free. The steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Get the application form at no cost from the Directorate of Social Welfare, Port Blair, or visit the office of the local Child Development Project Officer (CDPO). The form can also be downloaded from the official website.

STEP 2 - Fill in the details carefully and attach the required documents. Then submit the completed application package to the office of the designated Child Development Project Officer for processing.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before filling the form:

• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Valid ID proof such as an Aadhaar Card.
• Official death certificate of the late husband.
• Local residential or domicile certificate.
• Community or category certificate, if applicable.
• Bank passbook copy for account verification.
• Income proof issued by an authorized official.
• Any other relevant documents asked by the office.

References

Official Website | Official Notification | Application Form

FAQ's

What is the objective of this scheme?

This scheme aims to give financial stability to poor and destitute widows living in Andaman and Nicobar Islands through a monthly pension.

How much money will I receive?

Eligible beneficiaries get a monthly allowance of ₹2500.

How do I receive the payment?

The monthly allowance is deposited directly into the bank account.

Am I eligible for this pension?

A widow qualifies if she is a permanent resident (or has lived there for 10 years), has a household income below ₹4000, and does not get other government help.

Where do I get the form?

The application form is available free at the Directorate of Social Welfare in Port Blair or at the local CDPO office.

Where should I submit my application?

The completed paperwork should be submitted to the office of the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in the area.

Is there an application fee?

No, the form and the application process are completely free.

What happens if I get help from another government program?

A widow should only apply if she is not currently getting any other financial help or government grants.

Will I stop getting the pension if I get married again?

Yes, the pension stops if a widow remarries or becomes financially independent, as per the rules of the scheme.