Old Age Pension Scheme

Launched by: Government of India
Under: Ministry of Rural Development
Main Component: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
Objective: To provide financial assistance in the form of a monthly pension to poor senior citizens.

🔹 Purpose

The Old Age Pension Scheme ensures basic financial support to senior citizens who have no regular source of income. It aims to:

  • Protect the dignity of elderly people

  • Reduce old-age poverty

  • Enable them to meet basic daily needs such as food and medicine

🔹 Key Features

Feature Description
Eligibility Senior citizens aged 60 years or above from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families
Pension Amount ₹200/month for ages 60–79, ₹500/month for 80 years and above (central share only)
State Contribution Many state governments add extra pension, ranging from ₹300–₹2000+ depending on the state
Mode of Payment Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s bank or post office account
Scheme Name Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) (under NSAP)

🔹 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify:

  • Must be 60 years or older

  • Must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household

  • Should not be receiving any other regular pension from government or employer

  • Should be a resident of India

Some states have their own state-level old age pension schemes with different age limits or benefits, often including non-BPL senior citizens as well.

🔹 Documents Required

  • Aadhaar Card

  • Age Proof (Birth certificate, Aadhaar, etc.)

  • Income Certificate or BPL card

  • Domicile/residence proof

  • Bank account details (linked with Aadhaar)

  • Passport-sized photograph

🔹 How to Apply

  1. Visit the local Gram Panchayat, Block Office, or municipal office.

  2. Submit the filled application form with required documents.

  3. Verification is done by authorities.

  4. On approval, pension is credited monthly through DBT.

In many states, online application portals are also available.

🔹 Impact

✅ Helps elderly poor citizens lead a life with dignity
✅ Provides basic income security for food, medicine, and daily needs
✅ Reduces dependence on others
✅ Complements other welfare schemes like free healthcare and ration

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