NSAP — National Social Assistance: Full Guide to All Pensions

What is NSAP?

National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is the Government of India's umbrella scheme providing social protection to the poor, elderly, widows, disabled persons, and bereaved families. It is a 100% centrally funded scheme implemented through state governments.

NSAP has 5 components:

Note: Most states add their own top-up — so the actual amount received by beneficiaries is higher than the central share alone.

1. IGNOAPS — Old Age Pension

Eligibility

• Age: 60 years or above
• Must be Below Poverty Line (BPL) — as per state BPL list
• No other government pension

Amount (Central share)

Plus state top-up: States add ₹300–₹1,000 extra. For example, UP pays ₹500/month (central ₹200 + state ₹300). Tamil Nadu pays ₹1,000/month total.

2. IGNWPS — Widow Pension

Eligibility

• Widows aged 40 to 79 years
• BPL household

Amount

• Central: ₹300/month
• Plus state top-up (varies by state)

3. IGNDPS — Disability Pension

Eligibility

• Disabled persons aged 18 to 79 years
• 80% or more disability (as per disability certificate)
• BPL household

Amount

• Central: ₹300/month
• Plus state top-up

4. NFBS — National Family Benefit Scheme

Eligibility

• BPL family where the primary breadwinner died
• Death must be of a person aged 18 to 59 years
• For any cause of death

Amount

• ₹20,000 one-time lump sum to the bereaved family

5. Annapurna Scheme

Eligibility

• Destitute elderly (65 years and above) who are eligible for IGNOAPS but not yet covered due to quota limits

Benefit

• 10 kg of food grain per month (rice or wheat) — free of cost

How to Apply for NSAP Benefits

NSAP is implemented by state governments. Application process:

1. Go to your Gram Panchayat (village) or Ward office (town)
2. Ask for the NSAP application form for the relevant scheme
3. Fill in: personal details, BPL/poverty status, disability/widow status as applicable
4. Attach documents (see below)
5. Submit to the Gram Panchayat or Block Development Officer (BDO)
6. Application is forwarded to the District Social Welfare Officer for approval

In many states, applications are also accepted:

• Online via state social welfare department portals
• At Common Service Centres (CSC/Jan Seva Kendra)

State-specific Portals

• Uttar Pradesh: sspy-up.gov.in
• Bihar: serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
• Rajasthan: rajssp.raj.nic.in
• Madhya Pradesh: socialjustice.mp.gov.in

Documents Required

Tracking NSAP Pension Status

1. Go to nsap.nic.in
2. Click "Beneficiary Search"
3. Enter state, district, beneficiary ID or Aadhaar number
4. View payment history

OR check your bank passbook — NSAP payments come as DBT credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get both NSAP pension and state pension?

Most states integrate NSAP into their own pension scheme — you get one combined payment. However, if your state has a separate state old age pension scheme, you may get both if state rules allow. Verify with your district social welfare office.

The BPL list in my village is old. How do I get on it?

BPL list is maintained by state governments. Contact your Gram Panchayat or Block Development Officer to check your status and apply for BPL card if eligible under the current Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) or equivalent.

My family got NFBS. Can we also apply for IGNOAPS for the surviving elderly parent?

Yes — NFBS is a one-time payment for the death of the earning member. The surviving elderly parent can separately apply for IGNOAPS if they are 60+ and BPL. These are different components of NSAP.

The Annapurna scheme — is it different from AAY ration card?

Yes. AAY is a ration card scheme (subsidised grain via PDS shops). Annapurna is for destitute elderly not getting IGNOAPS pension — it provides free grain as an alternative. They serve overlapping but distinct populations.

Official Links

• NSAP portal: nsap.nic.in
• Beneficiary search: nsap.nic.in/beneficiary
• Rural Development (NSAP nodal): rural.nic.in
• Apply via: Your Gram Panchayat / Block Development Office