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All StatesWomen EmpowermentCentral Scheme
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
Managed by: Ministry of Rural Development (State Social Welfare Departments)
About the Scheme
Provides monthly pension assistance to widows aged 40-79 belonging to Below Poverty Line families in India.
Welfare Benefits & Assistance
- •Monthly pension of Rs. 300, supplemented by state contributions (totalling Rs. 1,000/month in WB) credited directly to bank account
Eligibility Criteria
State ResidencyResident of India / West Bengal
Age Limits40 to 79 years (widows)
Family Income CapMust belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) family
Social Class / CategoryAll categories
Additional Prerequisites
- Must provide husband's death certificate
- Must not have remarried
Documents Required for Application
Tip: Keep scanned color copies of these documents ready before starting your application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
1
Apply through the NSAP Portal (nsap.nic.in)
1
Submit application at local BDO office or municipal office
Who Should Apply?
- ✓Widows aged 40-79 belonging to BPL households in India
Who Should NOT Apply?
- ✗Widows who remarried
- ✗Non-BPL widows
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens when the widow turns 80?
She is automatically transitioned to the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) at the higher rate.
Related Welfare Schemes
Widow Pension
Who Can Apply:
Destitute widows in WB with no income
Key Benefits:
•Monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 via DBT
Updated: June 2026
Old Age Pension
Who Can Apply:
BPL seniors aged 60+ not covered by Jai Bangla
Key Benefits:
•Monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 via DBT
•No beneficiary contribution required
Updated: July 2026
Samajik Suraksha Yojana (BSY/BMSSY)
Who Can Apply:
Unorganized sector workers in WB aged 18-60
Key Benefits:
•Provident fund contributions by government
•Accident insurance cover up to Rs. 2 Lakhs
Updated: July 2026
Lakshmir Bhandar
Who Can Apply:
Women aged 25-60 who are the head of their household in West Bengal
Key Benefits:
•Monthly direct cash transfer of Rs. 1,000 to General category female heads of households
•Monthly direct cash transfer of Rs. 1,200 to SC/ST category female heads of households
Updated: July 2026
Scheme Details
State / CentralCentral Government
AuthorityState Social Welfare Departments
SubcategoryWidow Support
Launch Date2009
Target Beneficiarywomen
Official Helpline1800-345-5505