Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

Monthly central pension for widows aged 40+ from BPL families under NSAP, topped up by states and paid by DBT.

Ministry of Rural Development

🟢 Active👤 Women

💰 Benefit: ₹300/month central assistance (age 40-79), ₹500/month from age 80, plus state top-up (varies by state)

Who Can Apply

  • Age limit: 40 years or above
  • Income: BPL household
  • Category: All
  • State: Central (All India)

Eligibility Criteria

  • •Widow aged 40 years or above
  • •Belongs to a below-poverty-line (BPL) household
  • •Resident of the state where applying (state rules apply)

Documents You Need

  • ☐Aadhaar Card
  • ☐Husband's death certificate
  • ☐BPL ration card / BPL proof
  • ☐Bank or post office account passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
  • ☐Age proof
  • ☐Passport size photo
📋 Download Checklist📧 Email Me This Checklist

How to Apply for Widow Pension (Vidhwa Pension)

  1. 1Check you are a widow aged 40 or above from a BPL household.
  2. 2Get the widow pension form from your Gram Panchayat or block office (villages) or municipal office (towns), or use your state's social welfare portal or a CSC centre.
  3. 3Fill in your details and attach Aadhaar, your husband's death certificate, BPL proof, age proof, a photo and your bank passbook.
  4. 4Submit the form and keep the acknowledgement or application number.
  5. 5After verification and sanction, the pension is credited monthly to your Aadhaar-linked bank or post office account by DBT.
  6. 6Keep the account active and complete the annual life certificate (now possible through the NSAP Digital Life Certificate app).
🌐 Apply on Official Website →
⚠️

Always verify eligibility on the official website before applying. Scheme rules may change. Facts last checked against the official source on 15 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for widow pension under IGNWPS?+

You must be 40 or older. Widows aged 40-79 get ₹300 a month from the Centre, and from age 80 the central amount rises to ₹500.

How much is the widow pension per month?+

The Centre pays ₹300 a month (₹500 from age 80). Your state adds its own top-up, so the total you get depends on your state.

Is there an income limit?+

Yes. The widow must belong to a below-poverty-line (BPL) household as identified by the government.

Can a widow below 40 get a pension?+

Not under the central IGNWPS. Some states run their own widow pension schemes with a lower age limit, so check with your state social welfare department.

Which documents are needed?+

Usually Aadhaar, your husband's death certificate, BPL proof, age proof, a photo and an Aadhaar-linked bank passbook. The exact list is set by your state.

How is the pension paid?+

It is paid by direct benefit transfer into your Aadhaar-linked bank or post office account.

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