Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
₹300–500/month widow pension · BPL families · India
This central government scheme provides a monthly pension to widows aged 40–79 from Below Poverty Line households to help them meet basic living needs. Eligible widows receive ₹300/month up to age 79, increasing to ₹500/month from age 80 onwards. Apply online through the UMANG app or submit a form at your nearest Gram Panchayat or Municipal office.
About This Scheme
This central government scheme provides a monthly pension to widows aged 40–79 from Below Poverty Line households to help them meet basic living needs. Eligible widows receive ₹300/month up to age 79, increasing to ₹500/month from age 80 onwards. Apply online through the UMANG app or submit a form at your nearest Gram Panchayat or Municipal office.
Full official description
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is implemented by Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. It is a non-contributory pension scheme to provide social security to widows of poor family (BPL) of the society.
Benefits
- ₹300/month pension for widows aged 40–79
- ₹500/month pension for widows aged 80 and above
- Pension paid directly to bank or post office account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For widows below the poverty line, this pension provides basic income security — a foundation that, combined with small self-employment support schemes, can help build toward greater financial independence.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a widow aged between 40 and 79 years
- Must belong to a BPL (Below Poverty Line) household as per government criteria
- Pension stops if the widow remarries or moves above the poverty line
Exclusions
- Pension discontinued upon remarriage or if the widow moves above the poverty line
How to Apply
- Download the UMANG App or visit the UMANG website.
- Log in using mobile number and OTP.
- Submit husband's death certificate showing the surviving wife's name, BPL card, and age proof.
- Complete the application through the app/website.
- Pension is credited monthly after approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are different modes of receiving Pension?
One can receive pension amount in Bank Account, Post Office Account, Postal Money Order or in hand cash.
Who will disburse in hand cash?
In hand cash will be disbursed by Pension Disbursement Authority of respective Sub District/Municipal Area. One can select the pension disbursement authority while filling online application form on UMANG.
What Is The Eligibility For Getting Pension Under IGNWPS?
The eligibility criteria under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is:-
- The applicant must be a widow in the age group of 40-79 years.
- The applicant should belong to a household living below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Govt. of India
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Death certificate of husband (naming the surviving wife)
- BPL card
- Age proof