Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme — ₹300+/Month

What is IGNWPS?

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is a central government social assistance scheme under NSAP (National Social Assistance Programme) that provides monthly cash pension to BPL widows aged 40 to 79 years.

The central government provides ₹300/month, which state governments supplement with additional amounts. The combined pension varies significantly by state.

Key features:

• ₹300/month central government contribution
• State top-ups bring total to ₹500–₹1,500/month depending on state
• Payment via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to Aadhaar-linked bank account
• Age: 40 to 79 years (below 60 — note: women 60+ are typically covered under IGNOAPS instead)
• Must be BPL (Below Poverty Line)

Who is Eligible?

• Women who are widows (husband has died)
• Age: 40 to 79 years
• Must be from a BPL family
• Not receiving any other government pension
• Must be a resident of India

Women widowed above 60 years may be given the IGNOAPS (old age pension) instead, as it covers both the age group and the widow status. Check with your local welfare office for what applies in your state.

State-Wise Widow Pension Amounts (Combined)

Central contribution: ₹300/month for 40–79 age group. States add variable amounts. Contact your state social welfare department for exact current amounts.

How to Apply

Via Gram Panchayat (Rural)

1. Visit your Gram Panchayat office
2. Ask for the IGNWPS / Vidhwa Pension application form
3. Fill the form with personal details, widowhood status, BPL card number, bank account
4. Submit with documents
5. Gram Panchayat forwards to Block for verification
6. Approved — added to pension payment list

Via Ward Office (Urban)

Urban widows apply at the Municipal Ward office or Urban Local Body (ULB) for similar widow pension schemes.

Via State Online Portal

Many states have dedicated widow pension portals:

• UP: sspy-up.gov.in → Vidhwa Pension
• Bihar: sspmis.bihar.gov.in
• Rajasthan: ssp.rajasthan.gov.in
• MP: socialjustice.mp.gov.in

Search your state's name + "Vidhwa Pension" to find the online portal.

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar card (of the widow)
2. Husband's death certificate (issued by municipality/Gram Panchayat)
3. BPL card / Ration card (to prove BPL status)
4. Age proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, or birth certificate
5. Bank account passbook — in the widow's own name, Aadhaar-linked
6. Passport-size photograph
7. Income certificate (sometimes required — no stable income declaration)

IGNWPS vs Other NSAP Pensions

A person can only receive one NSAP pension. Widows above 60 often switch to IGNOAPS (if the state amount is higher).

Check Payment Status

1. Go to nsap.nic.in
2. Click "Reports" → select state → beneficiary search
3. Enter name/Aadhaar to find payment status

Or log in to your state's pension portal for individual status.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a widow aged 38. Am I eligible?

No — IGNWPS requires minimum age 40. Check state schemes; some states have widow pension from lower ages (even 18) under state-funded schemes.

My husband died 1 year ago. When should I apply?

Apply as soon as possible after the husband's death. Pension typically starts from the next quarter after approval — there is no retroactive payment for delayed applications.

Can a divorced woman apply for this widow pension?

No — this scheme is specifically for widows (women whose husbands have died). Divorced/separated women should look for other women-specific schemes in their state.

My application was submitted 8 months ago. No pension has come. What to do?

Visit the Block Development Office and ask for your application status. If approved but payment not received, ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account (NPCI mapper). Contact the District Social Welfare Officer if further help is needed.

Is IGNWPS covered under ONORC or can I use it if I move states?

NSAP pensions are managed by state governments. If you move to another state, you generally need to re-apply in the new state. ONORC applies only to food/ration cards, not pensions.

Official Links

• NSAP portal: nsap.nic.in
• Ministry of Rural Development: rural.nic.in
• Contact: Nearest Gram Panchayat or Block Development Office
• UP widow pension: sspy-up.gov.in