The Government of India has made major changes in old age, widow and disabled pension schemes with a view to providing economic security to the weaker sections of the society and improving their lifestyle. The purpose of these new rules is to make the pension system more transparent and profitable.
Under these new rules to be implemented from 15 April 2025, an increase in pension amount, amendment in eligibility criteria and digital payment system have been made mandatory. In this article, we will analyze these changes in detail and know how it will affect the life of the beneficiaries.
Older, Widow and Disabled Pension Scheme: Key things
The scheme provides financial assistance to the weaker sections of the society – old citizens, widowed women, and disabled persons. The new rules have made several significant changes to make the scheme more effective.
| Pension scheme details | Information |
| Name of the scheme | Older, widow and disabled pension scheme |
| Applied date | 15 April 2025 |
| Beneficiary | Old citizen, widowed women, disabled person |
| Monthly pension amount | ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 10,000 (as per category) |
| Eligibility age | Older: 60 years or more; Widow/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
1. Increase in pension amount
The government has increased the monthly pension amount of all categories to provide better financial assistance to the beneficiaries:
- Old age pension: increased from ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 4,500 per month.
- Widow Pension: Increased from ₹ 2,500 to ₹ 6,000 per month.
- Divyang pension: ₹ 10,000 per month for seriously disabled persons.
2. Direct Benefit Transfer – DBT
Now all the beneficiaries will be sent directly to their bank account.
- This will reduce corruption and ensure transparency.
- The implementation of digital payment system will ensure timely payment.
3. Amendment in eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria has been simplified under the new rules:
- The annual family income limit has now been reduced to ₹ 1,00,000 or less.
- The minimum limit of disability is now 40% to 40% (earlier it was 60%).
4. Benefits will also be available on remarriage
Now their pension will not be closed on remarriage of widows. This step will provide financial security to women and will give them an opportunity to make a new beginning.
5. Digital payment mandatory
Digital payment system has been made mandatory for all beneficiaries.
- The Aadhaar card based verification process will be applicable.
- The application status can be seen on the digital tracking portal.
Pension application process
Under the new rules, the application process has been made simple and user-friendly. Applicants can apply through both online or offline mediums.
Online application process
- Go to the government portal.
- Register a new user.
- Fill the required information.
- Upload the document.
- submit application.
Offline application process
- Go to the nearest government office.
- Get the application form.
- Fill the form and attach the required documents.
- Submit the form.
Required document
The following documents are required when applying for pension:
- Aadhar card
- Copy of bank passbook
- Age certificate
- Address proof
- Income certificate
- Disability Certificate (for Disabled Pension)
- Husband’s death certificate (for widow pension)
Eligibility criteria
The following are the eligibility criteria under the new rules:
- Older citizens: Age should be 60 years or more.
- Widow women: Age should be 18 years or more.
- Disabled person: There should be a minimum of 40% disability.
- The annual family income should be less than ₹ 1,00,000.
Pension payment process
The pension amount will now be deposited directly in the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
- The amount will be released on the first date of every month.
- SMS alert will be sent to the beneficiaries.
Purpose of the scheme
The main objective of this scheme is to provide financial security to the weaker sections of the society. This is an important step to make old citizens, widowed women and disabled persons self -sufficient.
Impact of new rules
These new rules will benefit millions of people.
- Older citizens will be able to meet their daily needs.
- Widows will get economic freedom.
- People with disabilities will get an opportunity to live a better life.
conclusion
These new rules, which have come into force from 15 April 2025, have made old, widow and disabled pension schemes more effective. The increased pension amount and the simple application process have provided relief to the weaker sections of the society.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is based on government notifications. Please confirm from official sources.
