Karnataka Maithri Scheme: Pension to Transgenders

Introduction of Karnataka Maithri Scheme: A Brief Insight

Many transgender persons face difficulties in finding regular employment and earning a stable income. These challenges become even harder for those who belong to economically weaker families and struggle to manage everyday expenses such as food, rent and medicines. The Maithri Scheme (Maithri Yojane, also written as Mythri Scheme) provides monthly pension assistance to eligible transgender persons to help them meet their basic needs.

According to available reports, the Government of Karnataka introduced the scheme in 2013, making it one of the early pension initiatives for transgender persons in the country. The scheme aims to improve their financial security and help them live with dignity and independence.

The Directorate of Social Security and Pensions under the Revenue Department implements the scheme. The Directorate also manages other social security pension programmes, including old-age, widow and disability pensions.

The main objective of the Maithri Scheme is to provide a regular source of income to transgender persons from economically weaker families. This financial support helps beneficiaries depend less on uncertain employment and access social security assistance.

Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly pension directly in their bank accounts. According to reports, the Karnataka Budget 2024-25 increased the pension amount from ₹800 to ₹1,200 per month. Applicants should confirm the currently applicable amount with the concerned service centre before applying.

To qualify, an applicant must be a transgender person belonging to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family and must be between 25 and 64 years of age. Available reports also indicate that beneficiaries cannot receive another social security pension along with the Maithri pension. Applicants should confirm this condition with the concerned authorities.

Eligible applicants can submit their applications through the Seva One portal or visit a nearby Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One service centre. The application process does not require any fee, and the department aims to complete the service within 45 days. Applicants also receive an acknowledgement number to track their application status.

Applicants need to keep seven documents ready: address proof, bank passbook, ration card, EPIC (voter ID), identity proof, medical certificate and transgender medical certificate. For application-related assistance, they can contact the concerned Directorate office in Bengaluru or visit their nearest service centre.

Transgender persons looking for additional government support for livelihood development and healthcare can also explore the SMILE Scheme. Senior citizens from economically weaker households can learn about the Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, which provides pension assistance to eligible elderly persons.

Women who need support for rehabilitation and self-employment can explore the Chethana Scheme. Transgender persons and women who travel by bus can also check the Karnataka Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel benefits to eligible women and transgender persons.

Readers looking for more pension, social security and welfare programmes can explore our complete list of Karnataka Government Welfare Schemes. It covers various government initiatives designed to support eligible residents across different sections of society.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Maithri Scheme of the Government of Karnataka’s provides monthly pension assistance to eligible transgender persons belonging to economically weaker families. The Directorate of Social Security and Pensions administers the scheme to help beneficiaries meet their basic needs and maintain financial independence.

Monthly Pension Assistance

• Eligible transgender persons receive a monthly pension under the scheme.
• The government transfers the pension amount directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
• The scheme covers eligible beneficiaries between 25 and 64 years of age.

Monthly Pension Amount

• According to available reports, the Karnataka Government increased the monthly pension from ₹800 to ₹1,200.
• The pension amount was reportedly ₹500 per month when the scheme started in 2013.
• At a monthly rate of ₹1,200, beneficiaries receive ₹14,400 annually.
• Applicants should confirm the currently applicable pension amount with the concerned authorities before applying.

No Application Fee

• Eligible applicants do not have to pay an application fee to avail the scheme benefits.
• Applicants should avoid paying unauthorised persons for application approval or pension assistance.

Application Processing Time

• The department aims to complete the application process within 45 days.
• Applicants receive an acknowledgement number after submission, which they can use to track their application status.

Pension Support After 64 Years of Age

• Available reports indicate that beneficiaries may become eligible for an old-age pension after crossing 64 years of age.
• Beneficiaries should contact the concerned service centre to understand the transition process and the documents required.

How the Pension Supports Beneficiaries

• Provides a regular source of income to eligible transgender persons.
• Helps beneficiaries manage essential expenses such as food, rent and medicines.
• Reduces financial dependence on others and uncertain sources of income.
• Offers social security support to transgender persons from economically weaker families.

Important Points to Remember

• The reported monthly pension amount is ₹1,200. Applicants should confirm the current rate with the concerned department.
• Receiving another social security pension may affect eligibility, depending on the applicable rules.
• The department verifies each application before approving pension benefits. Applicants should therefore submit complete and accurate documents.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Maithri Scheme of the Karnataka Government provides monthly financial assistance to transgender persons belonging to economically weaker families. Applicants must meet the prescribed age, residency, income and identity requirements to receive the pension. Check the following eligibility conditions before submitting your application.

Basic Eligibility Conditions

• The applicant must be a transgender person.
• The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
• The applicant must be between 25 and 64 years of age.
• The applicant must be a resident of Karnataka.

Age Requirements

• The applicant must have completed 25 years of age.
• The applicant must not be older than 64 years.
• The applicant’s age details should match the information recorded in the submitted identity documents.

Family Income Requirements

• The applicant must belong to an eligible economically weaker family.
• The family ration card may be used to establish the applicant’s household and income category.

Transgender Identity Documents

• The applicant must provide a transgender medical certificate confirming their identity.
• The applicant must also submit the required medical certificate.

Restrictions on Receiving Other Pensions

• As per available scheme-related reports, applicants receiving another social security pension may not be eligible to receive the Maithri pension simultaneously.
• Applicants already receiving another pension should confirm the applicable rules with the concerned authorities before applying.

Who Is Not Eligible?

• Individuals who do not belong to the transgender community.
• Applicants below 25 years or above 64 years of age.
• Individuals who do not fulfil the prescribed BPL family or income conditions.
• Applicants who cannot provide the required transgender identity certificate.
• Individuals receiving another social security pension, if the applicable rules prohibit receiving both pensions simultaneously.

Important Points to Check Before Applying

• Confirm the latest family income limit with the concerned Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One centre, as the income criteria for social security pensions may have changed.
• Applicants approaching or crossing 64 years of age should ask the concerned authorities about the applicable old-age pension provisions.
• Carry the required documents when visiting the service centre so that officials can check your eligibility and guide you through the application process.

Documents Required to be Attached

The Karnataka Government’s Maithri Scheme provides monthly financial assistance to eligible transgender persons from economically weaker families. Applicants must submit a few documents to establish their identity, residential address, family details, transgender identity and bank account information. Keep the following documents ready before applying to avoid unnecessary delays in the application process.

• Identity proof of the applicant.
• EPIC (Voter Identity Card).
• Address proof showing the applicant’s current residential address.
• Family ration card.
• Bank account passbook, including a copy of its first page.
• Medical certificate of the applicant.
• Transgender medical certificate confirming the applicant’s transgender identity.

Ensure that all document copies are clear and readable. Applicants should also carry their original documents when visiting a Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One centre for assistance. If any document is unavailable, contact the concerned centre to understand the applicable requirements before submitting the application.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

Eligible transgender persons can apply for the Maithri Scheme through the Seva One portal or by visiting a nearby Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One service centre. Both options allow applicants to submit their details and required documents for verification. The application process does not require any fee, and the department aims to complete the service within 45 days.

Before applying, check your eligibility and keep all the required documents ready. Follow the steps below to understand how you can submit your application and receive the pension benefit.

Before You Start

Step 1: First, check whether you meet the basic eligibility conditions. You must be a transgender person between 25 and 64 years of age and belong to an eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.

Step 2: Keep all the required documents ready, including your identity proof, voter ID (EPIC), address proof, ration card, bank passbook, medical certificate and transgender medical certificate.

Step 3: Make clear copies of all your documents. Keep the original documents with you because officials may ask you to show them during verification.

Step 4: Keep your registered mobile number active. You may receive application-related messages or updates on this number.

Step 5: If you want to know which department manages the pension scheme, visit the Directorate of Social Security and Pensions page on the Karnataka Revenue Department website.

Apply Online on the Seva One Portal

Step 1: Open the Seva One portal of the Government of Karnataka on your mobile phone or computer.

Step 2: If you are using the portal for the first time, complete the registration process. If you already have an account, enter your login details to access the portal.

Step 3: After logging in, look for the Maithri Scheme service under the Directorate of Social Security and Pensions.

Step 4: Open the scheme details and check the instructions displayed on the portal. Select the application option if the service is available.

Step 5: Fill in the application form with the correct details, such as your name, residential address, age, mobile number and bank account information. Enter these details exactly as they appear in your documents.

Step 6: Upload the required documents, including your identity proof, address proof, ration card, bank passbook and medical certificates, wherever the portal asks for them.

Step 7: Check the entire application form carefully. Make sure your personal details and bank account information are correct before submitting it.

Step 8: Submit the application and save the acknowledgement number generated by the portal. You will need this number to check your application status later.

Apply at a Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One Centre

Step 1: Visit the nearest Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One service centre. You can use a Grama One centre in rural areas or a Karnataka One or Bangalore One centre in the respective service areas.

Step 2: Tell the operator that you want to apply for the Maithri Scheme administered by the Directorate of Social Security and Pensions.

Step 3: Give the operator your required documents for checking. Show the original documents if the operator or concerned official asks you to verify them.

Step 4: Provide your personal details clearly. Before the operator submits the form, check that your name, age, address and bank account details have been entered correctly.

Step 5: Ask the operator to submit your application through the available government service system.

Step 6: Collect the application acknowledgement number or receipt from the centre. Keep it safely because it will help you track your application.

Step 7: You do not have to pay an application fee. Avoid paying any unauthorised person who promises to approve your pension application.

Track Your Application

Step 1: Keep the acknowledgement number or application receipt safe after submitting your application.

Step 2: Visit the Seva One portal and look for the application status or tracking facility.

Step 3: Enter your acknowledgement number and follow the instructions displayed on the portal to check the progress of your application.

Step 4: If you cannot check the status online, visit the Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One centre where you submitted your application. The staff can guide you on how to check its progress.

What Happens After You Apply?

Step 1: After receiving your application, the concerned department examines your details and documents to check whether you meet the scheme conditions.

Step 2: If officials need additional information or documents, they may contact you. Provide the required details as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 3: The department aims to complete the application process within 45 days. The actual processing time may depend on document verification and other official requirements.

Step 4: If the department approves your application, you become eligible to receive the monthly pension under the scheme. The government transfers the approved pension amount to your registered bank account, subject to the applicable payment process.

Step 5: Check your bank account or passbook regularly to confirm whether you have received the pension. If the payment does not arrive, contact the concerned service centre or department for assistance.

If You Need Help

Step 1: First, contact the staff at your nearest Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One centre. They can guide you about the application process and required documents.

Step 2: If the service centre cannot resolve your issue, contact the concerned Revenue Department or pension office at the taluk level.

Step 3: You can also visit the official website of the Directorate of Social Security and Pensions to find information about its pension schemes and departmental services.

Important: The application process is free of cost. Do not pay anyone who promises to get your pension approved. Before applying, confirm the latest application instructions, required documents and pension amount with the concerned service centre.

Maithri Pension and Other Karnataka Pensions: Which One Is for You?

The Directorate of Social Security and Pensions manages several pension schemes to support different sections of society. Each scheme serves a specific group of beneficiaries, depending on their age, gender, financial condition or disability status. Understanding these differences can help you identify the pension scheme that matches your circumstances.

Before applying, check the eligibility conditions of the relevant pension scheme. You can also visit your nearest Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One service centre to understand which pension applies to your circumstances and how to submit the application.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Seva One Portal, Apply Online for the Maithri Scheme
• Directorate of Social Security and Pensions
• Official Portal of the Directorate of Social Security and Pensions
• Social Security Pension Services
• Government of Karnataka Official Website

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Department: Directorate of Social Security and Pensions, Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka, 5th Floor, Kandaya Bhavana, K.G. Road, Bengaluru – 560009
• Phone: 080-22232040, 080-22232012
• Email: dssp2008@gmail.com
• Telehelp Short Code: 155245, set aside for the citizen and beneficiary telehelp centre of the Directorate
• Local Help: The staff of your nearest Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One centre
• Taluk Level: The Revenue Department office of your taluk, which handles the pensions

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.