Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, implemented by the Department of Rural Development, provides monthly financial assistance to eligible persons with disabilities. The Central Government pension is ₹375 per month for beneficiaries aged 0 to 79 years and ₹625 per month for those aged 80 years and above. The revised rules lower the benchmark disability threshold to 40%. The Union Cabinet approved the scheme’s new name and revised rules on 14 October 2026.

Introduction of Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana: A Brief Insight

Living with a disability or raising a child with a disability often brings additional expenses, including medicines, therapy, travel and daily care. These costs can put considerable pressure on families with limited incomes. The Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana provides monthly financial assistance from the Central Government to help eligible persons with disabilities manage these expenses.

The scheme began in February 2009 under the name Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme. On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved its renaming and revised rules. The scheme now operates as a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The umbrella programme has an approved outlay of ₹53,428 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.

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 support to persons with disabilities and align the eligibility rules with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The Central Government has increased the monthly pension from ₹300 to ₹375 for beneficiaries aged 0 to 79 years. For beneficiaries aged 80 years and above, the amount has increased from ₹500 to ₹625 per month. These revised rates represent a 25% increase over the earlier amounts. States and Union Territories may provide additional financial assistance, and the pension reaches beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The revised rules introduce two major changes. First, applicants need a benchmark disability of 40% or more, compared with the earlier threshold of 80%. Second, the scheme has no minimum age limit, allowing eligible children to receive assistance from birth. Under the existing rules, applicants must belong to eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) households and hold a valid disability certificate or UDID card.

Applicants can approach their State or Union Territory government offices, check the UMANG platform or use their State’s pension portal to apply. The Ministry will issue guidelines for the revised rules within three months of the Cabinet decision. Applicants should keep their disability certificate or UDID card and other required documents ready. They can also contact their local Block office or District Social Welfare Office for assistance.

Senior citizens from eligible households can explore the Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, while eligible widows can check the Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana. Both schemes fall under the same umbrella programme.

Persons with disabilities, their families and readers looking for other social security and welfare benefits can explore the available programmes on our List of Popular and Welfare Schemes of the Central Government page.

What the October 2026 Decision Means for Persons With Disabilities

• 14 October 2026: The Union Cabinet renamed the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme as the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana.
• Bigger Pension, Wider Cover: The pension rises to Rs. 375 and Rs. 625, the disability limit falls to 40%, and children are covered from birth.
• What Comes Next: The Ministry will issue the guidelines on eligibility, beneficiary numbers and rates within three months of the decision, which points to around mid-January 2027.
• Be Ready: Getting your disability certificate or UDID card now will save time once your State opens the new category.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Persons with disabilities often face additional monthly expenses, including medical care, medicines and travel. The Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana increases the Central Government’s monthly pension by 25% and extends coverage to more eligible beneficiaries.

• ₹375 per month from the Centre for beneficiaries aged 0 to 79 years, increased from ₹300
• ₹625 per month from the Centre for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above, increased from ₹500
• Pension eligibility starts from birth, allowing eligible children with disabilities to receive support
• Coverage extends to persons with a disability level of 40% or more, instead of the earlier 80% threshold
• Central pension assistance is 25% higher than comparable pensions for other beneficiary groups, as stated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• Eligible beneficiaries may receive an additional State or Union Territory pension contribution, depending on local rules
• No beneficiary contribution or premium is required
• Pension payments are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank or post office account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana introduces a major change by extending eligibility to persons with a lower level of disability, including newborn children. Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the scheme.

• Must have a benchmark disability of 40% or more, as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• The earlier disability threshold was 80%, allowing persons with 40% to 79% disability to qualify under the revised criteria
• There is no minimum age limit; eligible beneficiaries can receive the pension from birth
• Must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household, as required under the existing scheme rules
• Must have a valid disability certificate issued by an authorised medical authority
• Must be an Indian citizen residing in the State or Union Territory where they apply

Documents Required to be Attached

With the disability threshold lowered to 40%, more persons with disabilities may qualify for the scheme. Applicants should pay particular attention to their disability certificate or UDID card. The Ministry will confirm the final document list through its guidelines, but applicants are usually asked to provide the following documents.

• Disability certificate issued by an authorised medical authority or UDID card showing at least 40% disability
• BPL card or other proof of Below Poverty Line (BPL) status
• Age proof, such as a birth certificate or school certificate, including for children
• Aadhaar Card of the applicant or, where permitted by the State, the parent or guardian’s Aadhaar Card for a child
• Residence proof for 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

The application process for the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana runs through State and Union Territory governments. Applicants can use their State’s pension portal, the UMANG website or app, or visit a local government office to apply. The Ministry will issue guidelines for the revised 40% disability threshold within three months of the Cabinet decision dated 14 October 2026. Until the State introduces the revised rules, applicants can prepare their documents and check with the concerned department for the latest application instructions.

First, Get Your Disability Certificate or UDID Card

Before applying for the pension, make sure you have a valid disability certificate or UDID card. If you do not have one, follow these steps.

Step 1: Visit the official UDID portal, where you can apply for a disability certificate and UDID card.

Step 2: Register on the portal by entering the required details. Once you create your account, log in to continue.

Step 3: Select the option to apply for a Disability Certificate and UDID card.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, including your photograph, identity proof and address proof.

Step 5: Visit the medical authority or hospital assigned through the application process. The authorised doctors will assess your disability and determine the disability percentage.

Step 6: After the authority issues your certificate or card, download it from the portal if the download facility is available.

Step 7: If the applicant is a child, a parent or legal guardian can complete the application on the child’s behalf.

Method 1: Apply Online on the UMANG Website

If you prefer using a computer or mobile browser, you can check the UMANG website for the pension service. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Open the official UMANG website.

Step 2: Select the registration option, enter your mobile number and verify it using the OTP sent to your phone.

Step 3: Search for the disability pension service. The portal may still display the scheme under its earlier name or existing service category.

Step 4: Select your State and check whether the application option is available.

Step 5: Enter the requested details and upload the required documents, such as your disability certificate or UDID card, BPL proof, age proof, Aadhaar details and bank account information.

Step 6: Review the information before submitting the application. Save the application number or acknowledgement so you can check its status later.

Method 2: Apply Through the UMANG Mobile App

You can also use the UMANG mobile app if you find it easier to apply through your smartphone.

Step 1: Android users can search for UMANG on the Google Play Store. iPhone users can download it from the Apple App Store.

Step 2: Install the app, select your preferred language and register using your mobile number.

Step 3: Verify your mobile number with the OTP and search for the disability pension service.

Step 4: Choose your State, complete the application form and upload clear images of the required documents.

Step 5: Check the information you entered and submit the form. Keep the application number safe for future reference.

Method 3: Apply on Your State’s Pension Portal

Each State may use its own online portal to accept disability pension applications. You can follow these general steps to check whether your State provides the service online.

Step 1: Visit your State government’s official social welfare or pension portal.

Step 2: Register using the details requested by the portal, such as your mobile number or Aadhaar, and log in.

Step 3: Look for the disability pension option and open the application form.

Step 4: Enter your details, upload the required documents and submit the application. Save the acknowledgement number if the portal provides one.

Method 4: Apply Offline

If you cannot apply online or the pension service is not available on your State’s portal, you can visit a government office and ask for help with the application.

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

Step 2: You can also approach the Block Development Office or District Social Welfare Office to ask where you should submit your application.

Step 3: Ask the concerned official for the disability pension application form under the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.

Step 4: Fill in the form carefully and attach copies of the required documents.

Step 5: Submit the completed form to the authorised officer. Ask for a receipt or acknowledgement as proof that you submitted the application.

Step 6: If you need help filling out the form or uploading documents, visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) and ask whether it can assist with this service.

After You Apply

After you submit your application, the concerned officials review your details and decide whether you qualify for the pension. The process generally follows these steps.

Step 1: Officials check your disability certificate, age details and BPL status, along with the other information and documents you submitted.

Step 2: The concerned authority reviews the application and approves it if you meet the applicable eligibility conditions.

Step 3: After approval, the pension is transferred to your bank or post office account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), according to the applicable payment process.

Step 4: You can check the available scheme information through the Ministry of Rural Development’s official pension portal.

Important: The UMANG website, mobile app and State pension portals provide application services only where the concerned government has made them available. If you cannot find the service online, contact your local government office to ask how to apply. Existing disability pension beneficiaries should check the official instructions before taking any action; a scheme name change alone does not necessarily require a fresh application.

What Changed for Persons With Disabilities: Old vs New Rules

• Who benefits from the changes: Persons with disabilities ranging from 40% to 79% and eligible children below 18 years can now qualify under the revised rules.
• What remains unchanged: The Centre transfers pension payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), States and Union Territories may provide additional financial assistance, and the BPL condition continues under the existing rules.

Why the 40% Limit? What the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 Says

• Benchmark disability: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, defines benchmark disability as a disability of at least 40%. The revised pension eligibility threshold follows this limit.
• 25% higher financial assistance: The revised rules provide disability pension assistance that is 25% higher than comparable pension schemes for other beneficiary groups.
• How the pension amounts compare: The earlier central pension rates of ₹300 and ₹500 increase to ₹375 and ₹625 per month, respectively. Both revised amounts represent a 25% increase over the earlier rates.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (NSAP) official portal
• Cabinet decision renaming IGNDPS as Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, PIB
• UDID portal for disability certificate and UDID card
• Unique Disability ID details, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• UMANG website for pension services
• UMANG app on the Apple App Store
• Social Security Pension portal, Uttar Pradesh
• Social Security Pension portal, Bihar
• 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
• For UDID Card: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
• UDID Email: disability-udid@gov.in
• UMANG Helpline: 1800-11-5246 (for help with applying on UMANG)
• UMANG Email: customercare@umang.gov.in
• State Level: Social Welfare or Divyangjan Department of your State or UT
• Local Level: District Social Welfare Officer, 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.