Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, implemented by the Department of Rural Development, provides monthly financial assistance to eligible widows from poor households. The Central Government provides ₹300 per month to widows aged 40 to 79 years and ₹500 per month to those aged 80 years and above. States and Union Territories may provide an additional pension contribution. The Union Cabinet approved the scheme’s new name on 14 October 2026. It was previously known as the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme.

Introduction of Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana: A Brief Insight

When a woman loses her husband, she may also lose the family’s main source of income. For widows from poor households, even a small monthly pension can help cover essential expenses such as food, medicines and rent. The Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana provides financial support to eligible widows.

The scheme started in February 2009 under the name Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved its renaming as the Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana. It operates as a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, the new name of the broader social assistance programme.

The Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, implements the scheme in coordination with State and Union Territory governments. Its main objective is to provide regular financial assistance to eligible widows without requiring them to make any contribution, helping them maintain a basic standard of living with dignity.

The Central Government provides ₹300 per month to eligible widows aged 40 to 79 years and ₹500 per month to those aged 80 years and above. States and Union Territories may add their own contributions, ranging from ₹50 to ₹3,800 per month. In many States, the combined pension averages around ₹1,000 per month. The pension rates and eligibility conditions remain unchanged following the renaming.

Widows aged 40 years or above who have not remarried and belong to eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) households can apply. The Central Government’s scheme does not cover widows below 40 years, but many States offer separate pension schemes for younger widows.

Eligible applicants can apply through the UMANG website or mobile app, their State’s pension portal, or an offline government office. They should keep their husband’s death certificate, age proof, BPL proof and bank details ready. For application assistance, they can contact their local Block office or District Social Welfare Office.

Readers can also explore our guide to the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. Senior women aged 60 years and above from eligible BPL households can learn about the Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana. Families affected by the death of their primary earner can also check the Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.

Widows, their families and other readers looking for national-level social security and welfare support can explore more programmes on our Central Government Welfare Schemes page.

What the October 2026 Renaming Means for Widows

• 14 October 2026: The Union Cabinet renamed the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme as the Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana.
• Pension Continues: The widow pension carries on in its existing form, so the Rs. 300 and Rs. 500 central rates and the eligibility stay the same.
• Bigger Programme: The Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana has been approved for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with Rs. 53,428 crore for about 3.20 crore beneficiaries.
• No Fresh Application: Existing pensioners keep getting their pension, and only new applicants need to apply.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana provides regular financial assistance to eligible widows to help them manage their daily expenses. The Central Government provides a fixed monthly pension, while State and Union Territory governments may add their own contributions.

• ₹300 per month from the Centre for eligible widows aged 40 to 79 years.
• ₹500 per month from the Centre for eligible widows aged 80 years and above.
• Additional State or UT pension support ranging from ₹50 to ₹3,800 per month, depending on the applicable State or UT scheme.
• Combined monthly pension averaging around ₹1,000 in many States.
• No premium or personal contribution required from beneficiaries.
• Pension payments transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank or post office account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• More than 67.83 lakh widows covered under the scheme, according to the figures provided.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana provides financial assistance to eligible widows from economically weaker households. Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive the pension.

• Must be a widow who has not remarried.
• Must be aged 40 years or above. The central pension of ₹300 per month covers eligible widows aged 40 to 79 years.
• Must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household under the applicable eligibility criteria.
• Must be an Indian citizen residing in the State or Union Territory where she applies.
• Eligible widows aged 80 years and above continue to receive pension support under the same scheme at a higher central rate.
• Widows below 40 years are not covered under the Central Government’s scheme, but they may qualify for separate widow pension schemes run by their respective State Governments.

Documents Required to be Attached

Applicants must submit the required documents to apply for the Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana. The husband’s death certificate is a key document, while age and BPL status help establish eligibility. The exact document requirements may vary slightly across States and Union Territories.

• Husband’s death certificate mentioning the deceased’s name and details of the surviving wife
• Aadhaar Card
• Age proof, such as a birth certificate or school certificate
• Ration card or Voter ID, if a birth or school certificate is unavailable
• Age certificate issued by a Medical Officer at a Government hospital, if other age proof is unavailable
• BPL card or other valid proof of Below Poverty Line (BPL) status
• Residence proof of the concerned State or Union Territory
• Bank or post office passbook showing the account number and IFSC code
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Mobile number for application updates

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

Eligible widows can apply for the Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana through the UMANG website, the UMANG mobile app, their State’s pension portal or a nearby government office. Choose the method that suits you best. Before applying, keep your husband’s death certificate, Aadhaar Card, age proof, BPL proof, bank passbook and a recent photograph ready. These documents will help you complete the application without unnecessary delays.

Method 1: Apply Online on the UMANG Website

Step 1: Visit the official UMANG website using your mobile phone or computer.

Step 2: Click on the Register option and enter your mobile number to create an account.

Step 3: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number and complete the registration process.

Step 4: Search for the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. UMANG may still display the scheme under its earlier name.

Step 5: If the service is available for your State, select your State and click on Apply.

Step 6: Enter your personal details, including your name, husband’s name, address, age and bank account information.

Step 7: Upload clear scanned copies of the required documents and submit your application.

Step 8: Save the application or reference number displayed on the screen. You may need it to check your application status later.

Method 2: Apply Through the UMANG Mobile App

Step 1: If you use an Android phone, open the Google Play Store and search for UMANG. If you use an iPhone, get the app from the Apple App Store.

Step 2: Install and open the app, then choose your preferred language.

Step 3: Tap Register, enter your mobile number and verify it using the OTP sent to your phone.

Step 4: Search for the widow pension scheme in the app. Check whether the service is available for your State.

Step 5: Select your State and tap Apply if the pension application service is available.

Step 6: Fill in the application form with the correct details. Upload clear photographs or scanned copies of your documents wherever the app asks for them.

Step 7: Review the information, submit the application and save the application number for future reference.

Method 3: Apply on Your State’s Pension Portal

Step 1: Visit the official pension or Social Welfare Department portal of your State.

Step 2: Register using your mobile number or Aadhaar details, as required by the portal. If you already have an account, log in with your existing credentials.

Step 3: Find the widow pension option and open the application form.

Step 4: Enter your personal, age, residence and bank details. Upload the required documents in the specified format.

Step 5: Check all the details before submitting the form. Save the registration or application number so you can track its progress later.

Method 4: Apply Offline

Step 1: If you live in a village, visit your Gram Panchayat office. If you live in a town or city, you can visit the Municipal office.

Step 2: You can also approach your Block Development Office or District Social Welfare Office to ask about the widow pension application process.

Step 3: Ask the concerned officer for the widow pension application form and confirm which pension scheme applies to you.

Step 4: Fill in the form carefully. Enter your name, husband’s details, age, residential address and bank account information correctly.

Step 5: Attach photocopies of all the required documents, including your husband’s death certificate, age proof, BPL proof and bank passbook.

Step 6: Submit the completed form and documents to the concerned officer. Collect an acknowledgement receipt or application number so you have proof of submission.

If You Cannot Apply Yourself

Step 1: Visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) and ask the operator for help with the widow pension application.

Step 2: Provide the required documents and personal details. The operator can help you fill in the online form and submit it through the available service.

Step 3: Collect the receipt or application number from the operator. Keep it safe so you can check the status of your application later.

After You Submit Your Application

Step 1: The concerned local or Block-level officer checks your application and verifies your documents, age and BPL eligibility.

Step 2: The competent authority reviews the application and approves it if you meet the scheme’s conditions.

Step 3: After approval, the government transfers the pension to your registered bank or post office account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), as applicable.

Step 4: Keep your application number ready when checking your pension details or application status. You can also contact your local pension office for assistance. Use the official portal applicable to your State to access the available services.

Important: The widow pension service may not be available through UMANG or every State portal. If you cannot find the application option online, contact your local pension office or apply through the prescribed offline process. Existing beneficiaries do not need to submit a fresh application solely because the scheme’s name has changed.

From IGNWPS to Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana: What Changed

• What remains unchanged: The central pension remains ₹300 per month for eligible widows aged 40 to 79 years and ₹500 per month for those aged 80 years and above. The BPL eligibility condition also continues.
• What has changed: The scheme has a new name and now operates under the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
• What existing pensioners need to do: Beneficiaries do not need to submit a fresh application solely because of the name change.

Widow Pension vs Old Age Pension: Which One Is Right for You?

A widow from an eligible BPL household who is aged 60 to 79 years can qualify for the widow pension scheme, subject to its other eligibility conditions. The central pension under this scheme is ₹300 per month, compared with ₹200 per month under the old age pension scheme. Applicants should check the applicable State or Union Territory rules before applying.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (NSAP) official portal
• Apply for widow pension on UMANG
• UMANG website for pension services
• UMANG app on the Apple App Store
• Social Security Pension portal, Uttar Pradesh
• Social Security Pension portal, Bihar
• Online widow pension application form, Uttarakhand
• Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Central Ministry: Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
• UMANG Helpline: 1800-11-5246 (for help with applying on UMANG)
• UMANG Email: customercare@umang.gov.in
• State Level: Social Welfare or Social Justice Department of your State or UT
• District Level: District Social Welfare Officer
• Local Level: Block Development Office, Gram Panchayat or Municipal office

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.