Indira Gandhi National Pension Scheme — IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, IGNDPS

The Indira Gandhi National Pension Scheme is a group of three pension schemes run by the Ministry of Rural Development under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). These schemes provide monthly financial support to senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities who belong to families living Below the Poverty Line (BPL).

The three sub-schemes are:

1. IGNOAPS — Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
2. IGNWPS — Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
3. IGNDPS — Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme

Who is Eligible?

All three schemes are meant for BPL families. Each has specific criteria:

1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

• Applicant must be 60 years or older
• Must belong to a BPL household (as per the state BPL list)
• Must be a citizen of India

2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

• Applicant must be a widow aged 40 to 79 years
• Must belong to a BPL household
• Must not have remarried
• Must be a citizen of India

3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)

• Applicant must be aged 18 to 79 years
• Must have 80% or more disability (as certified by a competent medical authority)
• Must belong to a BPL household
• Must be a citizen of India

Note: After reaching 80 years, beneficiaries of IGNWPS and IGNDPS are automatically shifted to IGNOAPS with a higher pension rate.

Pension Amount

The Central Government contributes a fixed amount. Many states add their own share on top.

Important: The total pension you receive depends on your state. Most states add ₹200–₹700 or more from their own funds. For example, in West Bengal the total widow pension is ₹1,000 (₹300 Central + ₹700 State). Check with your state's Social Welfare Department for the exact amount.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before applying:

• Aadhaar Card — required for identity verification and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). See our Aadhaar guide for help.
• BPL Ration Card or BPL certificate — proof that you belong to a Below Poverty Line household. See our ration card guide for details.
• Age Proof — birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or Aadhaar card showing date of birth
• Bank Account Passbook — account must be linked with Aadhaar for DBT
• Passport-size Photographs (2–3 copies)
• Disability Certificate (for IGNDPS only) — must show 80% or more disability, issued by a government hospital or medical board
• Death Certificate of Husband (for IGNWPS only) — issued by the local municipal body
• Address Proof — voter ID, ration card, or utility bill

How to Apply

Online Application

1. Visit the NSAP portal at nsap.nic.in
2. Some states also allow applications through their own state portals or Common Service Centres (CSCs)
3. Fill in the application form with your personal details, Aadhaar number, and bank details
4. Upload scanned copies of the required documents
5. Submit the form and note down your application/reference number
6. Your application will be verified at the Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body level

Offline Application

1. Visit your nearest Gram Panchayat office (rural areas) or Municipal office / ULB (urban areas)
2. Collect the pension application form
3. Fill the form carefully and attach photocopies of all required documents
4. Submit the form to the designated officer (Gram Panchayat Secretary or equivalent)
5. Your details will be verified through a local enquiry
6. Once approved, your name is added to the beneficiary list and pension is credited to your bank account via DBT

Processing Time: Typically 1–3 months, depending on state-level processing and verification.

How the Pension is Paid

• Pension is paid monthly or quarterly, depending on the state
• Payment is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into your Aadhaar-linked bank account
• In some areas, payment may be made through post offices

Make sure your bank account is linked to Aadhaar to avoid payment delays.

Important Tips

1. Check your state's BPL list — Only people included in the official BPL list are eligible. Contact your Gram Panchayat or Block Development Office to verify.
2. Keep Aadhaar linked to your bank account — DBT payments will fail if Aadhaar is not seeded with your bank. Visit your bank branch to link it.
3. Apply through official channels only — Do not pay middlemen or agents. The application process is free.
4. Track your application — Use the NSAP portal (nsap.nic.in) to check the status of your pension application.
5. Report issues to the Gram Panchayat — If your pension stops or is delayed, raise the issue with your local Panchayat office or Block office.
6. State top-up varies — The total amount you receive depends heavily on your state government's contribution. Check locally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, and IGNDPS?

All three are pension schemes under NSAP for BPL families. IGNOAPS is for senior citizens aged 60+, IGNWPS is for widows aged 40–79, and IGNDPS is for persons with 80%+ disability aged 18–79. The eligibility criteria and pension amounts differ for each.

2. How much pension will I get under these schemes?

The Central Government pays ₹200–₹500 per month depending on the scheme and age. Most states add their own contribution, so the total pension ranges from ₹400 to ₹2,000+ per month depending on your state.

3. Can I apply online for Indira Gandhi Pension?

Yes, some states support online applications through the NSAP portal or their state portals. You can also apply offline at your Gram Panchayat or Municipal office.

4. What happens when an IGNWPS or IGNDPS beneficiary turns 80?

They are automatically transferred to the IGNOAPS scheme and receive ₹500 per month from the Central Government (plus any state contribution).

5. Is there any fee to apply for these pension schemes?

No. The application is completely free. Do not pay any agent or middleman. If someone asks for money, report it to the authorities.

6. What if my name is not on the BPL list?

You will not be eligible for these schemes. Contact your Gram Panchayat or Block Development Office to check the BPL list and understand the process for inclusion if you qualify.

7. Can a widow with disability get both IGNWPS and IGNDPS?

No. A person can receive pension under only one scheme at a time. However, you can choose whichever scheme gives you a higher benefit.

Related Guides

• Aadhaar Card — How to Apply Online
• Ration Card — How to Apply Online
• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi — Complete Guide

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