The Government of India has made major changes in old age, widow and disabled pension schemes than 2025. The aim of these changes is to provide financial assistance to the weaker sections of the society and improve their lifestyle. This new system has been implemented from 22 February 2025. In this article we will discuss these new rules, their benefits and application process in detail.
Purpose of the scheme
The main objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to the economically weaker sections. Older, widow and disabled are beneficiaries of this scheme. The government has implemented several new rules to make this scheme more transparent and beneficial.
Abbreviation of the scheme (Overview Table)
Pension scheme details | Acquaintance |
Name of the scheme | Older, widow and disabled pension scheme |
Applied date | 22 February 2025 |
Beneficiary | Older, widowed women and disabled person |
Monthly pension amount | ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 10,000 (as per category) |
Eligibility age | Older: 60 years or more; Widow: 18 years or more; Divyang: 18 years or more |
Annual income limit | Less than ₹ 1,00,000 |
Application process | Both online and offline medium |
Financial source | Joint contribution of central and state government |
Main changes in pension rules
1. Increase in pension amount
- The monthly pension amount for widow women has been increased from ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 6,000.
- This amount has been increased to ₹ 10,000 per month for seriously disabled persons.
- Old age pension has also been increased, which will provide relief to the elderly.
2. Direct Benefit Transfer – DBT
- The pension amount will be sent directly to all the beneficiaries to their bank account.
- This will reduce corruption and ensure transparency.
3. Amendment in eligibility criteria
- Now only those people whose annual family income is ₹ 1,00,000 or less.
- The minimum limit of disability is now 40% to 40% (earlier it was 60%).
4. Improvement in application process
- The online application process has been simplified.
- The beneficiaries can also apply by visiting their nearest panchayat or municipal corporation office.
5. Digital payment mandatory
- Digital payment system has been made compulsory for all pensioners.
- This will ensure timely payment and eliminate the need for cash transactions.
6. Reperate status
- Their pension will not be closed on the remarriage of widows.
- This step will help women make a new beginning.
How to Apply for Pension Scheme)
Online application
- Go to the official portal.
- Upload required documents:
- Aadhar card
- Bank account statement
- Income certificate
- Disability certificate (if applied)
- After filling the form, submit and get the receipt.
Offline application
- Visit the nearest panchayat or municipal corporation office.
- Get the application form and fill it and attach the required documents.
- After submitting the form, you will be given a receipt.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Financial assistance: providing financial stability to weaker sections.
- Health Care: Pension amount can be used to meet medical expenses.
- Improvement in standard of living: The lifestyle of old, widow and disabled persons will be better.
- Transparency: Digital payment system will reduce corruption.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility conditions | Acquaintance |
age | Older: 60 years or more; Widow/Divyang: 18 years or more |
Annual income limit | Less than ₹ 1,00,000 |
Disability percentage | Minimum 40% |
Remarriage status | Eligibility will remain even after remarriage |
Required documents
- Aadhar card
- Bank account passbook
- Income certificate
- Life certificate
- Disability certificate (if applied)
Potential problems and solutions
issues:
- There may be difficulty in adopting a digital payment system in rural areas.
- The online application process can be challenging due to lack of technical knowledge.
Solution:
- Awareness campaign should be conducted at the panchayat level.
- The offline application process should be made more accessible.
conclusion
These new rules, which came into force in 2025, will prove to be very beneficial for the weaker sections of the society. The government has tried to increase transparency with these changes and provide timely assistance to the beneficiaries.
Disclaimer:
The purpose of this article is only to provide information. Please visit the official government portal for accurate information related to the scheme.