The Government of India has made significant changes in old age, widow and disabled pension schemes to provide financial assistance to the weaker sections of the society. The purpose of these changes is to provide more financial assistance to the beneficiaries and improve their lifestyle. This new system has been implemented from 22 February 2025, including an increase in pension amount, compulsory Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and amendment in eligibility criteria.
These changes will benefit old, widowed women and disabled persons. The government has increased the pension amount from ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 10,000, which will be decided according to the category of the beneficiary. In addition, their pension will not be closed on remarriage of widows, which will give them financial security.
Pension New Rules 2025: Overview
| 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 scheme
The main objective of these changes is to make the pension system more transparent and profitable. Let us know these changes in detail:
- 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.
- Direct profit transfer (DBT): The pension amount will be sent directly to all the beneficiaries to their bank account. This will reduce corruption and ensure transparency.
- 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%).
- Improvement in application process: Online application process has been simplified. The beneficiaries can also apply by visiting their nearest panchayat or municipal corporation office.
- 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.
- Reinforcement status: Their pension will not be closed on remarriage of widows. This step will help women make a new beginning.
Benefits of pension scheme
These changes will provide many benefits to the beneficiaries:
- Economic Security: The increased pension amount will provide economic security to the beneficiaries.
- Transparency: Payment from Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) will be transparent.
- Social support: Widows will get social support even after getting pension even after remarriage.
- Simple application process: Online and offline application process will facilitate beneficiaries.
How to apply for pension scheme
Follow the following stages to apply:
- Online application: Go to the official website of the state government and fill the online application form.
- Offline application: Go to your nearest Panchayat or Municipal Corporation office and apply.
- Necessary documents: Income certificate, age certificate, disability certificate (if applied), and bank account details.
- Submission of the form: submit the filled form and the required documents.
Eligibility criteria for pension scheme
The following are eligibility criteria:
- Old Age Pension: The age of the applicant should be 60 years or more.
- Widow Pension: Applicant should be widow and should be 18 years or older.
- Divyang Pension: Applicant’s disability should be 40% or more and age should be 18 years or more.
- Annual income limit: The annual family income of the applicant should be less than ₹ 1,00,000.
Necessary documents for pension scheme
The following documents are required to apply:
- Income certificate
- Age certificate
- Disability certificate (if applied)
- Bank account statement
- Aadhar card
- Ration card (if available)
Questions often asked for pension scheme
Question 1: Does widow pension get even after remarriage?
Answer: Yes, widow pension is found even after remarriage.
Question 2: What is the minimum disability limit for disabled pension?
Answer: The minimum disability limit for disabled pension is 40%.
Question 3: Is online application possible?
Answer: Yes, online application is possible. You can apply by visiting the official website of the state government.
Disclaimer: This article is written only for the purpose of giving information. Changes in older, widow and disabled pension scheme are real and have been declared by the government. Before applying, go to the concerned government website and confirm all the information.
