40% disability threshold, no age limit under Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

Union Cabinet approved the National Social Assistance Programme's continuation for 2026-27 to 2030-31 and renamed it the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore. Approved on October 14, 2026, the decision raises overall coverage from about 3.09 crore to 3.20 crore people across all 36 States and Union Territories.

For disability pension, eligible people can qualify from birth with at least 40% benchmark disability, replacing the earlier age-18 minimum and 80% threshold. Monthly central support is ₹375 up to age 79 and ₹625 from age 80; coverage for this component rises from 8.33 lakh to 27.48 lakh. Old-age, widow and family benefit components remain in their existing forms.

Households must meet the below-poverty-line condition, and applicants need the required disability certificate. States and Union Territories may add to central payments. Revised guidelines on eligibility, coverage and rates are due within three months of the October 14 decision.