National Social Assistance Programme (Old Age, Widow & Disability Pension)

What is it

A monthly pension to support elderly people, widows, and persons with disability from families below the poverty line.

Am I eligible

There are three pensions, all for families below the poverty line: old-age pension for people aged 60 and above; widow pension for widows aged 40 and above; and disability pension for people aged 18 and above with severe or multiple disability. Your local office can tell you which one applies to you or your family member — you do not have to work out the rules yourself.

What you get

A monthly pension paid into the bank account of the person who qualifies. The central share is ₹200 a month for old-age (₹500 from age 80), ₹300 for widows (₹500 from age 80), and ₹300 for disability (₹500 from age 80). Most states add more on top, so the amount you actually receive is usually higher — ask your local office.

Documents needed

Tick off what you have. Use “Download checklist” to print a clean list to carry.

How to apply

1. Visit your Gram Panchayat, Block office, or the local municipal office and ask about the NSAP pension.
2. Ask which of the three pensions applies, and collect the right form.
3. Submit the form with your documents; a helper at the office can assist if you find the paperwork hard.
4. Once approved, the pension is paid into the bank account every month.

Official link

Last verified: 2026-07-18