Disability Pension Apply Online: Process, Eligibility & Documents

The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) provides monthly financial assistance to persons with severe disabilities from BPL families. Administered under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), this scheme is supplemented by state governments. This guide covers how to apply for disability pension online, eligibility, and required documents.

What is IGNDPS (Disability Pension)?

IGNDPS is a centrally sponsored pension for persons with severe disabilities (80% or more) who belong to BPL households. The scheme is managed through the NSAP portal by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Central Government Pension Amount

States provide additional amounts — total pension ranges from ₹500 to ₹2,500/month depending on the state.

Who is Eligible for Disability Pension?

IGNDPS (Central Scheme) Eligibility

• Disability level: 80% or more disability (as certified by a government medical board)
• Age: 18–79 years
• Income: Must belong to a BPL family
• Citizenship: Indian citizen
• Residence: Permanent resident of the state where applying

Types of Disabilities Covered

• Locomotor disability (physical disability)
• Visual impairment (blindness/low vision)
• Hearing impairment
• Intellectual disability
• Mental illness
• Multiple disabilities
• Cerebral palsy
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Muscular dystrophy
• Other disabilities as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

State-Specific Variations

• Delhi: 40%+ disability, annual income below ₹1,00,000
• Rajasthan: 40%+ disability under state scheme, no strict BPL requirement for destitute
• UP: 40%+ disability, annual income below ₹46,080 (rural) / ₹56,460 (urban)
• Madhya Pradesh: 40%+ disability under state scheme

Important: The central IGNDPS requires 80%+ disability, but most state schemes cover 40%+ disability with state funds.

Documents Required

Mandatory Documents

• Disability certificate — issued by a government hospital medical board (must mention disability percentage)
• UDID card (Unique Disability ID) — apply at swavlambancard.gov.in
• Age proof — Aadhaar card, voter ID, or birth certificate
• Identity proof — Aadhaar card or voter ID
• Address proof — Aadhaar card, voter ID, or ration card
• BPL certificate or BPL ration card (for IGNDPS)
• Income certificate — from Tehsildar/SDM (for state schemes)
• Bank passbook — first page with account number, IFSC, and name

Additional Documents

• Passport-size photographs (2–4)
• Medical reports supporting the disability
• Caste certificate (if applicable)

How to Get a Disability Certificate

1. Visit the nearest government district hospital
2. Approach the Medical Superintendent and request disability assessment
3. A medical board (usually 3 doctors) will examine you
4. The board issues a certificate with disability percentage
5. Processing takes 7–15 days
6. Also apply for UDID card online at swavlambancard.gov.in

How to Apply for Disability Pension Online

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit your state's social security portal (links below)
2. Register — Create account using mobile number and Aadhaar
3. Select scheme — Choose "Disability Pension" or "Viklang Pension"
4. Fill application form — Personal details, disability type and percentage, income, bank details
5. Upload documents — Disability certificate, UDID card, Aadhaar, income certificate, bank passbook, photo
6. Submit — Note down the application reference number
7. Track status — Check on the same portal using reference number

State Portal Links

Offline Application Process

1. Visit your District Social Welfare Office or BDO office
2. Collect the disability pension application form
3. Fill the form and attach all required documents
4. Submit with disability certificate and UDID card
5. Local verification will be done
6. Pension credited to bank account via DBT after approval

Pension Amount: State-Wise

Amounts include central + state share. Check your state portal for current rates.

Processing Time

• Online applications: 30–60 days
• Offline applications: 60–90 days
• Disability certificate: 7–15 days from government hospital
• UDID card: 15–30 days from application
• Pension credit: Monthly via DBT after approval

Important Tips

1. Get UDID card — Apply for the Unique Disability ID card at swavlambancard.gov.in. Many states now require it
2. State schemes cover 40%+ disability — Even if you don't qualify for IGNDPS (80%+), you may qualify for state disability pension with 40%+ disability
3. Renew disability certificate — If your certificate has a validity period, renew it before expiry to avoid pension discontinuation
4. Link Aadhaar to bank account — Mandatory for DBT pension transfer
5. Submit annual life certificate — Use Jeevan Pramaan for digital submission

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What percentage of disability is needed for pension?

For IGNDPS (central scheme), 80% or more disability is required. State schemes typically cover 40% or more disability.

Q2. How much is the disability pension per month?

Central government pays ₹300/month (age 18–79). With state top-up, total ranges from ₹500 to ₹2,500/month depending on the state.

Q3. What is a UDID card and do I need it?

UDID (Unique Disability Identity) card is a national identity card for persons with disabilities. Apply at swavlambancard.gov.in. It is increasingly required for pension applications.

Q4. Can I get disability pension without BPL card?

For IGNDPS, BPL status is mandatory. However, state disability pension schemes often use income criteria instead — check your state's eligibility.

Q5. Where do I get a disability certificate?

Visit the nearest government district hospital. A medical board will assess your disability and issue a certificate with the disability percentage.

Q6. Can I get both disability pension and old age pension?

No, you cannot receive both simultaneously. After age 80, you may be shifted to old age pension (₹500/month under IGNOAPS).

Q7. Is disability pension available for children?

IGNDPS requires minimum age of 18. However, some state schemes provide assistance for disabled children through separate welfare programmes.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with any government body. Information is compiled from official sources and may change. Always verify on the official NSAP portal or your state government website.