IGNOAPS- Old Age Pension, Amount, Eligibility & Process

India’s commitment to the welfare of its senior citizens is exemplified through various Old Age Pension schemes, both at the central and state levels. These initiatives aim to provide financial support to the elderly, ensuring they lead a life of dignity and security. While the central government has established the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), individual states have designed their own programs to meet the specific needs of their senior citizens.

Central Government Scheme: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

Launched under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), IGNOAPS offers financial assistance to senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Eligible beneficiaries aged 60 to 79 receive a monthly pension of ₹200, while those aged 80 and above receive ₹500. States often supplement this amount with additional contributions.

Old Age Pension Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Old Age Pension scheme, applicants must meet the following general criteria:

  1. Age Requirement: The applicant must be 60 years or older.
  2. Income Limit: The applicant’s annual income should be below a specified threshold, which varies by state.
  3. Residency: The applicant must be a resident of the state or union territory where they are applying.
  4. BPL Status: In most cases, applicants must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.

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Old Age Pension Application Process

The application process for Old Age Pension is straightforward and can be completed both online and offline. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Online Application

Many states and union territories have digitized the application process. Follow these steps:

  • Visit the official website of your state’s Social Welfare Department or the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) portal.
  • Look for the Old Age Pension scheme and click on the application link.
  • Fill out the application form with details such as name, age, income, Aadhaar number and bank account information.
  • Upload necessary documents, such as proof of age, income certificate and residence proof.
  • Submit the form and note the application reference number for future tracking.

Offline Application

For those who prefer offline methods:

  • Visit the nearest Block Development Office (BDO), Municipal Corporation or Social Welfare Office.
  • Collect the Old Age Pension application form.
  • Fill out the form and attach the required documents.
  • Submit the form to the concerned authority.

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Required Documents

The following documents are generally required for the Old Age Pension application:

  • Aadhaar card
  • Proof of age (birth certificate, school certificate, etc.)
  • Income certificate
  • Residence proof
  • Bank account details (linked with Aadhaar)
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • BPL ration card (if applicable)

Old Age Pension Amounts Across India

The pension amount varies by state and union territory. Under the central government’s IGNOAPS, beneficiaries receive:

  • ₹200 per month for individuals aged 60-79.
  • ₹500 per month for individuals aged 80 and above.

Many states provide additional funds, increasing the total pension amount. For example:

  • Delhi: ₹2,000 per month for individuals aged 60 and above.
  • Tamil Nadu: ₹1,000 per month for individuals aged 60 and above.
  • Kerala: ₹1,600 per month for individuals aged 60 and above.

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Benefits of Old Age Pension in India

Old age pension schemes in India provide crucial financial support to senior citizens thereby ensuring a dignified and self-dependent life in the last years of their life. Below are the key benefits of this scheme:

  • Financial Security– The scheme offers a monthly pension to eligible senior citizens, helping them manage their daily expenses, including food, medical care and other essential needs.
  • Social Welfare Support– By providing financial aid, the government ensures that elderly individuals, especially those from economically weaker sections, do not face financial hardships due to lack of income.
  • Medical Assistance– Many states provide additional medical benefits under the pension scheme, ensuring that senior citizens can afford treatment and medicines without depending on others.
  • Encouragement for Independent Living– With a steady source of income, beneficiaries can maintain a sense of independence and dignity, reducing dependency on family members for financial support.
  • Support for the Underprivileged– The scheme primarily benefits Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, ensuring that even the most vulnerable sections of society receive adequate financial aid.
  • Government Backed Security– The Old Age Pension is a government-supported scheme, ensuring timely disbursement of funds, making it a reliable source of income for eligible elderly citizens.
  • Simple Application Process– Most states and union territories have digitized the application process, allowing beneficiaries to apply online and track their application status conveniently.
  • Reduction of Elderly Poverty– With regular financial aid, the scheme helps reduce the poverty rate among senior citizens, preventing them from struggling with a lack of basic necessities.
  • Special Benefits for Women and Disabled Citizens– Some states offer higher pension amounts or additional benefits for widows, disabled elderly individuals and those from Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) backgrounds.
  • Improved Quality of Life– With financial assistance, senior citizens can lead a better and stress-free life, focusing on their well-being without worrying about financial burdens.

The Old Age Pension Scheme plays a crucial role in social welfare, ensuring that elderly citizens live with dignity, security and financial stability.

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State-wise Old Age Pension Schemes and Application Processes

Each state in India has developed its own procedures and criteria for disbursing old age pensions. Below is an overview of the application processes and relevant links for various states:

Andhra Pradesh

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 2250/-
  • Scheme Name: YSR Pension Kanuka
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted through the village/ward secretariats.
  • More Information: YSR Pension Kanuka

Arunachal Pradesh

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 500/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Pension
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above.
  • Application Process: Applicants need to fill out the prescribed form and submit it to the Department of Social Welfare.
  • Application Form: Applicant needs to contact Registering Officers, APB&OCWWB of the respective District.

Assam

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 200-500/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted through the local Panchayat or Municipal Office.
  • Application Form: Download Here

Bihar

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 400-500/-
  • Scheme Name: Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above.
  • Application Process: Online applications can be made through the official portal.
  • More Information: SSUPSW Bihar

Chhattisgarh

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 500-650/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications are processed through the Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Bodies.
  • More Information: Chhattisgarh Social Welfare Department

Goa

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 200-500/-
  • Scheme Name: Dayanand Social Security Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above.
  • Application Process: Applicants can apply through the Department of Social Welfare.
  • More Information: Goa Social Welfare Department

Gujarat

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 1000-1250/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National old pension (vayvandana scheme)
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted through the Mamlatdar office.
  • More Information: Click Here

Haryana

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 3000/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above with an annual income less than ₹2 lakh.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted online through the official portal.
  • More Information: Haryana Social Justice Department

Himachal Pradesh

  • Pension Amount: ₹ 1000-1700/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications are processed through the Panchayat or Municipal Office.
  • Application Form: Download

Jharkhand

  • Amount: ₹ 1,000/-
  • Scheme Name: Mukhyamantri Rajya Bridhhabasta Pension Yojana
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above.
  • Application Process: The interested applicant should request the prescribed format of the application from the office of Block Development Officer (BDO) / Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) / Circle Officer.
  • More Information: Jharkhand Social Welfare Department

Karnataka

  • Amount: ₹600-1000/-
  • Scheme Name: Sandhya Suraksha Yojana
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted through the online portal.
  • More Information: Seva Sindhu Portal

Kerala

  • Amount: ₹ 1100-1500/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications are processed through the online portal.
  • More Information: ISG Kerala Portal

Madhya Pradesh

  • Amount: ₹600/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted online through the official portal.
  • More Information: MP Social Security Portal

Maharashtra

  • Amount: ₹600/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 65 and above with an annual income less than ₹21,000.
  • Application Process: Applicant should visit (during office hours) the Collector Office/Tahsildar/Talathi of your district, and request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned authority.
  • More Information: Maharashtra Social Welfare Department

Manipur

  • Pension Amount: ₹200-500/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 60 years old (men) or 55 years old (women)
  • Application Process: Application shall be submitted in form MOAP-I by intending applicant to the DCs/SDO of the districts or Dub division in which the applicant reside
  • More Information: More Details

Meghalaya

  • Pension Amount: ₹200-500/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted through the local administration.
  • More Information: Application Form

Mizoram

  • Pension Amount: ₹1200-1500/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted at the Social Welfare Department.
  • More Information: Mizoram Social Welfare Department

Nagaland

  • Pension Amount: ₹300-600/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted at the local village councils.
  • More Information: More Details

Odisha

  • Pension Amount: ₹1000-1200/-
  • Scheme Name: Madhu Babu Pension Yojana
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above, including widows and persons with disabilities.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted online.
  • More Information: Apply Online

Punjab

  • Pension Amount: ₹2000/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above with an annual income below ₹60,000.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted through the village Panchayat or online.
  • More Information: Apply Online | Application Form

Rajasthan

  • Pension Amount: ₹1150/-
  • Scheme Name: Vridhjan Pension Yojana
  • Eligibility: Female aged 55 years, Male aged 58 years and above residents from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted online or at the nearest E-Mitra center.
  • More Information: Apply Online & Get More Details

Sikkim

  • Pension Amount: ₹1500-2500/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted online.
  • More Information: Apply Online

Tamil Nadu

  • Pension Amount: ₹1200-1500/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above without a stable source of income.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted through the online portal.
  • More Information: Apply Online

Telangana

  • Pension Amount: ₹200-1000/-
  • Scheme Name: Aasara Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 57 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted through Gram Panchayats or online.
  • More Information: Aasara Pension Scheme | More Details

Tripura

  • Pension Amount: ₹2000/-
  • Scheme Name: Mukhyamantri Samajik Sahayata Prakalpa
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: The applicant should visit the Office of the Child Development Project Officer and request a hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form free of cost.
  • More Information: Application Form | More Details

Uttar Pradesh

  • Pension Amount: ₹1000/-
  • Scheme Name: UP Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from economically weaker sections.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted online or at the Tehsil office.
  • More Information: Apply Online | More Details

Uttarakhand

  • Pension Amount: ₹1500/-
  • Scheme Name: Vridhavastha Pension Yojana
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted at the local district offices.
  • More Information: Apply Online | Application Form

West Bengal

  • Pension Amount: ₹1000/-
  • Scheme Name: Jai Bangla Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from weaker economic backgrounds.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted at the local municipality offices.
  • More Information: Apply Online | Application Form

The Union Territories (UTs) of India offer various old age pension schemes to assist their senior citizens. Below are the application procedures and relevant links for each UT:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  • Pension Amount: ₹2500-3000/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
  • Application Process: Applicants should visit the Directorate of Social Welfare in Port Blair or the nearest Social Welfare office to obtain and submit the application form along with necessary documents.
  • More Information: Application Form | More Details

Chandigarh

  • Pension Amount: ₹1000/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Pension Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above with an annual family income not exceeding ₹1.50 lakhs and who have resided in Chandigarh for more than 3 years.
  • Application Process: Applicants can download the application form from the official website, fill it out and submit it along with the required documents to the Social Welfare Department.
  • More Information: Application Form – English or Hindi | More Details

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

  • Pension Amount: ₹1500-2000/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applicants should visit the Social Welfare Department offices in their respective regions to obtain and submit the application form along with necessary documents.
  • Application FormClick Here
  • More Information: Dadra and Nagar Haveli Social Welfare Department and Daman and Diu Social Welfare Department

Delhi

  • Pension Amount: ₹2500/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age Assistance Scheme
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above with an annual family income not exceeding ₹1 lakh.
  • Application Process: Applications can be submitted online through the e-District Delhi portal or at the nearest District Social Welfare Office.
  • More Information: Apply Online | Delhi Social Welfare Department

Jammu and Kashmir

  • Pension Amount: ₹2000/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) & Old Age Pension (OAP)
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applicants should visit the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO) in their area to obtain and submit the application form along with necessary documents.
  • Apply Online: IGNOAPS | OAP
  • More Information: IGNOAPS Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh

  • Pension Amount: ₹2000/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applicants should visit the Social Welfare Department offices to obtain and submit the application form along with necessary documents.
  • Apply OnlineClick Here
  • More Information: Ladakh Social Welfare Department

Lakshadweep

  • Pension Amount: ₹1500/-
  • Scheme Name: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 60 and above from BPL families.
  • Application Process: Applicants should visit the Department of Social Welfare in Kavaratti or the nearest Social Welfare office to obtain and submit the application form along with necessary documents.
  • More Information: Lakshadweep Social Welfare Department

Puducherry

  • Pension Amount: ₹2000-3500/-
  • Scheme Name: Old Age and Destitute Pension
  • Eligibility: Residents aged 55 and above for old age pension; other categories include widows above 18 years, deserted women deserted for the past seven years, unmarried women above 40 years and transgender individuals above 21 years.
  • Application Process: Applicants should submit the application form along with necessary documents to the Department of Women and Child Development in Puducherry or the respective offices in Karaikal, Mahe or Yanam.
  • More Information: More Details

Each Union Territory has specific procedures and eligibility criteria for their Old Age Pension schemes. Applicants are advised to consult the respective Social Welfare Departments for detailed information and assistance.

1. What is the Old Age Pension Scheme?

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to senior citizens aged 60 years and above who live below the poverty line. Beneficiaries aged 60 to 79 receive a monthly pension of ₹200, while those aged 80 and above receive ₹500. State governments may contribute additional amounts to this pension.

2. Who is eligible for the Old Age Pension under IGNOAPS?

To be eligible for IGNOAPS, an individual must:
-Be 60 years of age or older.
-Belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household.
There is no restriction on the number of eligible persons in a single family; all qualifying members can receive the pension

3. How can one apply for the Old Age Pension?

Applicants should approach their respective state or union territory’s Social Welfare Department or designated local bodies. The application process typically involves:
Filling out the prescribed application form.
Providing necessary documents such as age proof, BPL status, and residency proof.
Submitting the application to the relevant local authority or office.
Some states offer online application facilities through their official portals.

4. Are there any income criteria for the Old Age Pension?

Yes, the primary income criterion is that the applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household. Some states may have additional income criteria or guidelines, so it’s advisable to check with the local Social Welfare Department for specific details.

5. How is the pension disbursed to the beneficiaries?

Pension amounts are typically disbursed monthly through various channels, including:
1) Direct bank transfers to the beneficiary’s account.
2) Postal money orders.
3) Cash payments at designated centers in some regions.
The mode of disbursement may vary based on the state’s infrastructure and policies.

6. What documents are required to apply for the Old Age Pension?

While requirements can vary by state, commonly required documents include:
Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any valid ID showing date of birth).
1) Proof of residence.
2) BPL certificate or proof of income.
3) Bank account details.
4) Recent passport-sized photographs.
Applicants should verify the specific document requirements with their local authorities.

7. What should be done if the pension is not received on time?

If a beneficiary does not receive their pension on time, they should:
1) Contact the local Social Welfare Department or the designated authority responsible for disbursing pensions.
2) Provide relevant details such as pension ID, bank account information, and any recent correspondence.
3) Follow up regularly until the issue is resolved.
It’s essential to keep copies of all submitted documents and maintain a record of communications for reference.

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