Maharashtra Shravan Bal Seva Pension — How to Apply & Benefits

What is Shravan Bal Seva Rajya Nivruttivetan Yojana?

Shravan Bal Seva Rajya Nivruttivetan Yojana (commonly called Shravan Bal Pension) is a state old age pension scheme by the Government of Maharashtra that provides monthly financial assistance to elderly citizens who are 65 years or older and belong to economically weaker sections.

The scheme is administered by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Maharashtra and aims to provide financial dignity and security to senior citizens who have no regular source of income.

Pension Amount

Note: The central government's Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) provides ₹200-₹500, and the state top-up under Shravan Bal brings the total pension amount. The amounts above reflect the combined benefit.

Who is Eligible?

• Age: Must be 65 years or older
• Domicile: Must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra (minimum 15 years)
• Income: Annual family income should not exceed ₹21,000 (BPL category)
• Must hold a BPL ration card (Yellow/Orange/Antyodaya)
• Must not be receiving pension from any other government source (central/state/PSU pension)
• Must not be an income tax payer
• Not residing in a government-funded old age home

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card — See our Aadhaar guide
• Age proof — Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or Aadhaar (with DOB)
• Ration Card (BPL/Antyodaya) — Check our ration card guide
• Income Certificate (annual income below ₹21,000)
• Domicile Certificate (15+ years Maharashtra residence)
• Bank account passbook (Aadhaar-linked for DBT)
• Passport-size photographs (2 copies)
• Self-declaration — Not receiving any other government pension

Step-by-Step Application Process

Online Application (Aaple Sarkar / MahaDBT)

1. Register on Aaple Sarkar — Visit aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in or mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
2. Create account using Aadhaar number and mobile number
3. Login and navigate to Social Justice department schemes
4. Select Shravan Bal Pension from the list
5. Fill application form — Enter personal details, age, income, bank details
6. Upload documents — Aadhaar, age proof, ration card, income certificate, photo
7. Submit and note the application number
8. Track status through the same portal

Offline Application

1. Visit the nearest Tehsil office or District Social Welfare office
2. Collect the Shravan Bal pension application form
3. Fill the form in Marathi or English
4. Attach self-attested photocopies of all documents
5. Submit at the Tehsil office or through the Setu Suvidha Centre
6. Collect the acknowledgement receipt

Application Through CSC (Common Service Centre)

1. Visit any CSC centre or Maha e-Seva Kendra
2. Provide your Aadhaar and documents
3. The operator will fill and submit the form online on your behalf
4. Nominal processing fee may apply

Processing Time

• Application to verification: 30-60 days
• Verification to approval: 15-30 days
• First pension payment: Within 1-3 months of approval
• Subsequent payments: Monthly via DBT to bank account

How to Check Status

1. Login to Aaple Sarkar portal
2. Go to "Track Application"
3. Enter your application number
4. View current status, verification stage, and payment history

Important Tips

1. Apply as soon as eligible — There is often a backlog; early application means earlier pension start
2. Keep bank account active — Dormant accounts may cause payment failures; make at least one transaction every 6 months
3. Annual life certificate — Some districts require an annual "Jeevan Praman" (life certificate) to continue receiving pension. You can submit it digitally via jeevanpramaan.gov.in
4. Inform on address change — If you move within Maharashtra, update your address at the new Tehsil office
5. Combine with other benefits — You can avail senior citizen rail/bus concessions, free health checkups, and other welfare benefits alongside this pension

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply if I'm 60 years old?

No, the minimum age for Shravan Bal Pension is 65 years. If you are between 60-64, you may check the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) which has a lower age threshold in some states.

Q2: What if I have a government job pension?

If you are already receiving any government pension (central, state, or PSU), you are not eligible for Shravan Bal Pension. This scheme is for those with no pension income.

Q3: Can both husband and wife apply?

Yes, both spouses can apply individually if they both meet the eligibility criteria (age 65+, BPL, no other pension). Each will receive the pension separately.

Q4: What happens if the beneficiary passes away?

The pension stops immediately upon the death of the beneficiary. The family should inform the Tehsil office to avoid recovery issues. There is no survivor benefit under this scheme.

Q5: Is the income limit per person or per family?

The income limit of ₹21,000 is the annual family income (combined income of all family members), not individual income.

Q6: Can NRIs apply?

No, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra and physically living in the state. NRIs and persons living outside Maharashtra are not eligible.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of Maharashtra. Information is compiled from official sources for citizen convenience. Always verify details on the official SJSA portal before applying.

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