Cabinet approves NSAP continuation for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with Rs 53,428 crore outlay

Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five more years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31. Total spending for this period is Rs 53,428 crore.

The scheme will now be called Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The sub-schemes have new names too. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is now Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme is Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, and National Family Benefit Scheme is Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.

Under the changed Divyangjan Pension Scheme, the pension is now Rs 375 for ages 0 to 79 and Rs 625 for those 80 and above. The disability level needed to qualify has come down from 80% to 40%. Disability pension can be claimed from birth now. Old age, widow and family benefit pensions will continue as they are.

New rules on who can apply, how many people are covered and the pension rates will be issued and put in place within three months.